September means spring has taken over the southern hemisphere, and down in Australia, flower festivals are in full bloom. I ventured out of NSW to explore the flowering scenery our Australian capital Canberra offers during this blooming season and to hunt down the best spring flower experience our capital has to offer. On this three-day road trip, I’ve found some of the best spots to view cherry blossoms, tulips and other colourful spring flowers. Here are my top picks!
FLORIADE
Floriade is Canberra’s most significant annual flower festival, showcasing the best spring flowers. Think endless fields of tulips and daffodils as far as the eye can see in arrays of colours and breeds. The blooms are arranged in Instagramable flower beds scattered around Commonwealth Park. There are rides, street food stalls and entertainment throughout the day for visitors. For flower lovers looking for nightlife, you can buy a ticket to their NightFest and enjoy the garden and entertainment programs at night. For passionate gardeners, the shops inside will sell bulbs and seeds found in the display so you can have a spring garden of your own!
Blossom Time/Dates: 16th September – 15th October 2023
Address: Commonwealth Park. Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT
Entry Price: Entry is free.
Getting There: For those driving in, the best parking is at Acton Park Parking across from Commonwealth Park. There are also plenty of parking at nearby parks, museums and galleries but will require a 10-15 minute walk to the venue. There are also free shuttle buses running to pick up those who have parked at carparks further out or for those who are taking public transport. For more information and parking/shuttle route maps, see here .
Tip: The park gets its peak crowd numbers on weekends. For a more people-free experience, I highly recommend going early on a weekday or a day with a weather forecast that says ‘scattered showers’ (just don’t forget your waterproof gear).
TULIP TOP GARDEN
Tucked in at the border of Canberra and New South Wales, this gem is one of my favourite spring flower spots. Here, you will find more than just the iconic Canberra tulips. You will find different species of cherry blossom trees lined up in rows, snow-white pear blossoms, and many other flowers all backed into this little private garden. For a grand view of the entire garden, a little path up a hill lined with lavender and a buzz with bees will take you to a viewing deck. If you see something you like, you can purchase some of the seeds/bulbs/saplings you see in the garden as souvenirs, or if you have gardening questions, the owners and staff here are very knowledgeable and more than happy to share their expertise. In my opinion, this is even better than Floriade, and dogs are welcome!
Blossom Time/Dates: 13th September – 15th October 2022, 9:00-17:00 (last entry is 16:15)
Address: 20 Old Federal Highway, Sutton NSW
Entry Price: Tickets are only available for purchase at the entry hall. Adults $22, Seniors $20, Children under 16 and dogs are free. There is also a unlimited entry season pass for $45.
Getting There: The only way to get to Tulip Top Garden is by private car as it’s on a highway about 5 minutes drive out side of the ACT border (aka. in the middle of no where). There is a huge car park onsite for visiting cars. Alternatively there are some day tours private tour companies will offer to take you there.
Tip: There is a path behind the cafe which will take you to the top of the hill for a lookout to the full view of the entire garden. For those who want to have a less crowded experience, try going on a weekday and arriving early.
NARA PEACE PARK AT LENNOX GARDEN
Cherry blossom lovers will find an array of their favourite spring flower and pear blossoms lined up along Lake Bruley Griffin at Lennox Garden, leading up to the Japanese wooden gates of Nara Peace Park. Inside this Japanese garden section are 24 cherry blossom trees to enjoy. Next to this area is the Canberra Beijing Garden, where you can catch the end of the Magnolia flower bloom. I suggest bringing snacks and a picnic rug and enjoying the spring views. For BBQ lovers, there are both electric and gas BBQ stoves for you to use.
Blossom Time/Dates: Park is open 24/7 with flowering times being September – Early October
Address: Flynn Dr, Yarralumla ACT
Entry Price: Free
Getting There: For those driving in, there are ticketed parking spots along the street as well as small parking enclosures. Alternatively you can also cycle here if you are up for the workout.
Tip: There are picnic tables scattered around but these can be quickly taken up. I would suggest bringing a picnic rug incase.
NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
Think of a living museum with live specimens aimed at researching and conserving rare and endangered trees. Canberra’s Arboretum is planted on rolling hills and offers some magnificent views. For those on the hunt for Cherry Blossoms, head to section 17 for their Yoshino Cherry trees. It should come into sight as you drive into the Village Centre along Forest Drive. While you are there, the Arboretum holds an impressive national bonsai collection next to the Village Centre. This spring, a stunning pear blossom bonsai is on loan for display. Make a day out of it and explore some hiking trails the Arboretum offers.
Blossom Time/Dates: Park is open 24/7 with flowering times being September – Early October
Address: Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
Entry Price: Free, parking requires a paid ticket.
Getting There: There’s no public transport to this area so the best way is to drive here. There’s plenty of parking especially next to the village centre.
Tip: Things can get a bit muddy as you trek the hills after a rain session. I would say wear shoes that are either easy to wash or you won’t be heartbroken over it getting dirty.
