Where to see blooms in Canberra this spring: a guide to the capital's floral hotspots

Updated 26 Sep 2024

Spring in Canberra is nothing short of breathtaking.

As the city awakens from its winter slumber, gardens and parks come alive with a dazzling display of colour, showcasing nature’s most stunning blooms. We’ve curated a list of the best and most unforgettable floral experiences that truly capture the essence of the season. From the cherry blossoms of Nara Peace Park to the vibrant seasonal displays at Rond Terrace, Canberra’s parks and gardens are a floral wonderland offering more than you expect and just waiting to be explored.

Floriade

No spring visit to Canberra is complete without experiencing Floriade (14 September - 13 October), Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. Held annually in Commonwealth Park, this month-long festival showcases over one million blooms in a dazzling display of floral artistry. Floriade transforms the park into a sprawling floral wonderland with meticulously designed garden beds, themed displays, and a host of family-friendly activities. This year’s theme, Art in Bloom, promises to inspire with its creative garden designs and artistic arrangements.

Expect a packed program featuring special appearances by Costa Georgiadis, the beloved host of Gardening Australia Junior, alongside a lineup of live music, engaging performances, and interactive workshops. From intricate floral installations to lively entertainment and gourmet food stalls, Floriade offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. To make the most of your Floriade experience, plan your stay with exclusive offers from Floriade’s accommodation partner, Accor.

Rond Terrace

Located along the picturesque shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Rond Terrace transforms into a floral wonderland each spring. This charming area is renowned for its seasonal flower displays that come alive with the season’s colours. Expect to see an array of tulips, pansies, and other spring flowers set against the scenic backdrop of the lake. A leisurely walk along this area not only offers breathtaking views and abundant photo opportunities, but also seamlessly integrates into the popular ’bridge to bridge’ loop favoured by locals.

Nara Peace Park

For a touch of Japanese elegance, visit Nara Peace Park, inspired by Canberra’s sister city, Nara, Japan. Each spring, this serene park becomes a sanctuary for cherry blossom enthusiasts. The delicate pink blooms create a breathtakingly picturesque scene, ideal for a tranquil stroll or a contemplative pause by the peaceful ponds.

Conveniently located just behind the Hyatt Hotel Canberra—celebrating its 100th anniversary this year—Nara Peace Park is perfectly positioned for a complete day of relaxation. After enjoying the blossoms, indulge in a refined afternoon high tea at the hotel's Tea Lounge, where you can savour an exquisite selection of teas and delicacies in a historic Canberran setting.

Queen Elizabeth Terrace

Queen Elizabeth Terrace, situated in the heart of Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, offers a vibrant spring display that’s hard to miss. The terrace features beautifully maintained garden beds with an ever-changing palette of florals. From the bold colours of spring tulips to the softer hues of annuals, the terrace provides a lively and colourful experience.

But Queen Elizabeth Terrace isn’t just about flowers. It's an ideal spot to pair a sensory floral experience with a visit to nearby cultural attractions including the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. On Saturdays, the area also hosts the Little Burley Markets, where you can explore a variety of local goods and fresh produce with live music to accompany your stroll through. Additionally, you won’t be short of food options with venues such as Margot Bar and The Jetty offering everything you need for a delightful day out.

National Arboretum Canberra

A visit to the National Arboretum is a must for anyone wanting to explore an extensive range of springtime blooms. This expansive botanical wonderland is home to over 44,000 trees, a variety of spring flowers and an impressive bonsai collection. Wander through the Arboretum’s gardens and discover vibrant wildflowers, blooming trees, unique outdoor art sculptures, and stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The Arboretum’s diverse plant life ensures there’s always something new to see. To fully appreciate the Arboretum’s rich plant life and stunning vistas, consider joining a Ngala Tour. These guided tours offer valuable insights into the Arboretum’s forests and gardens, while providing opportunities to experience the spectacular lookouts. For families, the Arboretum features the award-winning POD playground, a favourite among children for its innovative design and engaging play areas.