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What's on in spring
Updated 25 Jul 2025
Explore Floriade and beyond as you unveil the delights of Canberra’s many spring activities
One of the best times of year in the nation’s capital is when the springtime sun comes out, and you wake up to the sweet scent of flowers and the excitement of gleeful Canberrans as they welcome the arrival of the warmer months.
This season is the perfect time to dive into all sorts of outdoor fun and enjoy the great weather. Whether you’re a nature buff, a photography fan, or just someone looking to soak up the outdoors, Canberra’s spring offerings are sure to be unforgettable.
Celebrate the season with the best festivals and events
Few destinations celebrate spring the way that Canberra does, with the amazing annual flower festival, Floriade. From 13 September to 12 October, Commonwealth Park explodes with over one million blooms across extensive displays of flowers. And when the sun goes down, you can catch Floriade’s dark side, NightFest (2-5 October) which returns with a new and exciting program of after-dark entertainment and horticultural illuminations. Each evening of NightFest, the park will be illuminated with colour and filled with entertainment and fantastic food.
Dive into Canberra’s vibrant multicultural scene at the Canberra Moon Festival (5-7 September) right in the city centre. For three exciting days, you can groove to DJ beats, catch amazing cultural performances, and sample a wide range of Asian dishes from various food stalls.
The Spring Sustainability Market (28 September) is a special edition of the much-loved Haig Park Village Markets, which will be bursting with workshops, activities, and stalls focused on conservation, waste reduction, sustainable living and more. From organic produce to slow fashion, recycling workshops and meeting native animals, it’s a celebration of all things sustainability.
Any serious riesling lover needs to check out the Canberra International Riesling Challenge (18 October), which is the largest single varietal wine show in the Southern Hemisphere, annually assembling one of the largest collections of rieslings in the world.
Combine sunshine, sips, and savoury treats
Canberrans are lucky to combine their love of good food and good views together on a regular basis, with more outdoor dining spots for lunch and dinner than you can shake a stick at. After you’ve finished having a picnic alongside Lake Burley Griffin, why not head to an outdoor bar for a sunset and a nightcap? Try Margot Bar, The Jetty or House of Bubbles for a waterside tipple.
Venture further out to explore the Canberra District Wine Region and enjoy the spring air in your hair as you cycle from one cellar door to the next, on a bike tour of Murrumbateman’s off-road winery trail. Or keep combining movement and wine with a Sunday morning spent at Namaste Rosé.
Take dining to the next level while enjoying a feast in one of Waters Edge's unique dining domes on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Or sail the water yourself in a private, electric GoBoat or Love Boat, complete with sips, dips, and views of some of Canberra’s most iconic attractions on the shoreline.
Immerse yourself in art and culture
See blockbuster exhibitions like the National Gallery of Australia's latest major exhibition, Cézanne to Giacometti: highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie
(until 21 September), which offers a rare opportunity to see masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, and other 20th-century icons. Children aged 0–17 enjoy free entry, and a special interactive space designed by artist Sanné Mestrom invites young visitors to build, play, and explore their creativity.
Or step into the floral world of In Bloom (until 19 April 2026) at the National Portrait Gallery to see 50 portraits which showcase how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
Head to the National Museum of Australia to see Mr Squiggle and Friends (until 13 October). This delightful exhibition reunites Mr Squiggle with his beloved companions—Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel, and Gus the Snail. Featuring over 300 objects from Norman Hetherington’s collection, visitors can dive into the world of puppetry and cartooning, try their hand at puppeteering, and even contribute to a digital squiggle wall.
To learn about Ngunnawal culture, join in with Dhawura Tours or Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to see and learn about the land from the eyes of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. An experienced guide and Traditional Custodian will interpret various sites of significance and explore a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and natural bush around Canberra.
Or why not explore the hidden history of Canberra and take a tour with She Shapes History? Their knowledgeable guides are dedicated to sharing all Canberra has to offer, so bring your camera and your questions for an enlightening walk in the sunshine.
Embrace the outdoors
Canberra is often described as a nature park with iconic national attractions tucked into its lush corners, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
Make the most of the warming weather with Canberra’s newest adventure hotspot. Just a short drive from the city centre, Treetops Adventure Canberra offers an exhilarating experience for the whole family, starting from age 3. Challenge yourself with 90 thrilling aerial obstacles and glide across 16 ziplines, suspended 2 to 15 meters above the ground.
Heights not your thing? Why not try a locals’ favourite nature hike, like making it to the top of Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain? Or give a go at trig-pointing if you’re ticking a few local peaks off your list.
When the sun is shining, follow the locals’ lead and relax by the water with a good book or take a refreshing dip. Local favourites include Casuarina Sands or Uriarra Crossing, both with shady spots and swimming holes, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Or explore Cotter Avenue Recreation Area, which is the ideal venue for picnics, swimming, fishing, or bushwalking year round.
If you’re a self-guided explorer, check out some of the lesser-known history of Australia’s capital with Canberra Tracks, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Or walk your way through a game of disc golf at Weston Park, for some fun in the sun. For a guided experience, why not join in with a Brunelee Excursions on Horseback adventure for a viewpoint of the Canberra region unlike any other.
Entertain the kiddies
For even more fun in the sun, explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which is home to the world’s most comprehensive display of living Australian plants as well as walking trails, educational activities, lawns for running and playing, numerous picnic tables, a café, and a bookshop.
Of course, you can’t beat the National Zoo & Aquarium for an experience that’s sure to excite and delight the whole family. You can even pat a cheetah, feed a bear, or become acquainted with a meerkat during some of the most amazing hands-on animal experiences in Australia.
Once a month, The Little Burley Market set along the serene shores of Lake Burley Griffin makes for a delightful Saturday morning by the water. This thoughtfully curated gourmet food and artisan market offers a feast for the senses, allowing you to savour delicious treats while taking in the sunshine and stunning lake views. With live and local music, kids activities, and sports activiations, it's the perfect activity for the whole family.
Keep exploring in spring...
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