Now that you’ve made it to Floriade, walked around the park and marvelled at the flowers, what do you do? There are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained when you visit Floriade, and that’s in addition to the flowers!
The Gnome Knoll
As you stroll through Floriade, head west and you will find the Gnome Knoll. Here you can release your inner child (if you are an adult) and let your creativity flow by painting a gnome. There are prizes given to the best painted gnome in each age category. Gnomes are displayed for all to admire, and can be collected once Floriade has ended.
The gnome knoll is facilitated by the Rotary Club of Canberra East, with all funds raised through this activity used to support projects that benefit the Canberra community.
Full details of operating and collection hours can be found here.
Dog’s day out
This year, Dog’s Day Out is back, allowing our four legged friends to take a stroll (on a leash) through Floriade on the 15th October 2016. The initiative is aligned to Floriade’s charity partner Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The Floral Society Floral Workshops
There are 12 workshops being held throughout the Floriade festival by the Floral Society. They will cover everything from how to make the most of freshly picked blooms to floral arranging. These workshops are sure to fill quickly (only 18 people per session), so bookings are recommended so that you are not disappointed. Email entertainment@act.gov.au to register, letting them know which session you’d like to book (details here).
The Walk of Nations
Get in early by joining the Heart Foundation for an early bird walk (8am) before Floriade opens to the public. You can see the flower beds without the crowds and get some exercise at the same time – it’s a 45-minute walk. The theme for the walk is ‘The Walk of Nations’ (to highlight the 2016 Olympic games) and as such have invited the diplomatic community and local Canberra organisations to host each morning walk.
You will need to register for the walks and can do so here.
Kid’s corner, Stage 88 and Tasting Plate
If you are after cuddly animals, then the kid’s corner is right for you. Rabbits, chicks, duckies, baby lambs and goats; essentially every cute baby animal you can think of will be there. They also have activities and shows to keep the little ones entertained.
Stage 88 will appeal to people of all ages. A diverse program has been compiled that includes cultural performances and entertainment by the different territory societies.
For the grown-ups, there are several presentations at the Tasting Plate, where you can use all your senses to learn from the masters.
Full program details highlighting these and other Floriade venues can be found here.
Things to note
- Check the Floriade website for full details here
- Floriade is close to a number of city hotels reached within walking distance and suitable for all budgets. We recommend you book early and suggest using Hotels Combined to find the best option for you.
- If you are after some handy tips on how to photograph Floriade, read ‘Floriade Photography guide for beginners’
Important information about visiting Floriade
- Floriade is open every day between the 17th September until the 16th October 2016.
- Operating hours are 9.00 am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am – 5.30pm on weekends and Public Holidays
Floriade on social media
- Instragram: @floriade_australia
- Facebook: Floriade
- Twitter: @floriadeaust
- Hashtags: #Floriade #LifeInBloom #VisitCanberra and add #SoFrankSocial so we can see your pictures.