14 ways to celebrate spring in Canberra

Posted on 20 September, 2018

If, like us, you’re rejoicing at the change in season (17 degrees and sunny? Hello, t-shirt weather!), then we bet you’re looking for ways to get out and enjoy the warmth.

There’s always the usual walk around Lake Burley Griffin, but we’ve got a few more options to make the most of the warm change.

SPRING TEA IN THE COURTYARDS

There’s high tea, and then there’s high tea in the blossoming courtyards of Parliament House, created by their Executive Chef and served with a glass of bubbly.

Take in the water features, blossoms and gorgeous greenery as you also take in an array of pecan crumble scones, salmon nigiri, quail eggs benedict, savoury cucumber macarons, pistachio and matcha choux, and peanut butter Kingstons.

Happening Sunday 23 September from 11.30 am–1.30 pm | $75pp | See the website to book

DOG’S DAY OUT AT FLORIADE

Don’t let your pooch miss out on fun in the sun, as Floriade becomes all about the dogs on Sunday 14 October. Sit back and relax at the Pooch Café, dress up your best friend for the Superhero Best Dressed competition, take part in the doggy high bar jump, learn how to dance with your dogs, meet rescue animals, or memorialise the day with a photo at the Superhero Photobooth.

Treat your furry best friend to a paw-some day!

Sunday 14 October | 10.30 am–5.30 pm | Stage 88, Commonwealth Park | See the website for event information

GO BOATING

Go Boat

If you’re yet to try Go Boating, spring is the best season to charter your own course or captain your own ship on Lake Burley Griffin.

Each boat comes with a picnic table and enough room for up to eight people, with either a hand-packed basket of treats or some nosh from any of the great options along the Kingston Foreshore. Rent a boat for one hour or make it a lazy lunch of three or more hours.

Boat hire costs $95 for one hour, $169 for two, $239 for three, and $70 per additional hour | Book via the website

THE FORAGE

Back again on Saturday 6 October, The Forage is a feast for festival-deprived foodies. Beneath the Little National Hotel in Barton, you’ll be able to peruse a variety of food and drink stalls. From 2 pm–7 pm you’ll be able to buy your gelato from a limo (thanks to Limogela), get your caffeine and cocktail fix (when Underground Spirits and Bellerophon Coffee join force), try a brookie ice cream sandwich (from Duo Duo Ice Cream) and sample some of Braddon’s best food (hello, Zaab) – and those are just the stalls we know about.

Makes for a perfect spring afternoon out with family, friends or a special someone.

Saturday 6 October | Little National Hotel carpark, 21 National Circuit, Barton | Free entry | See the website for more information.

SPRING COURTYARD TOURS

If you haven’t been on a tour of Parliament House and thought about sneaking away for a glimpse of the cordoned off areas, you’re lying. With these spring courtyard tours, you’ll get your chance to take a break from the crowds, see the private gardens and their bubbling water features and blooming blossoms on a one-hour guided tour.

Wednesday 26 September–Sunday 14 October from 10 am–11 am and 2 pm–3 pm | $20 for children/concession and $25 for adults | Visit the website to book.

FLORIADE

Back to bring some colour to your September and October, Floriade is a great day out for the whole family, couples or friends. This year’s theme celebrates pop culture, with retro-inspired flowerbeds and live music.

Chow down on fare such as loaded fries, bao,buns, and potatoes with a Korean twist. Pialligo Estate have brought their offerings to the new Pialligo Urban Café, where you can try high tea or their breakfast and lunch menu, and Contentious Character, Capital Brewing Co. and Underground Spirits are on hand for a drop or two.

Happening daily until Sunday 14 October from 9.30am–5.30pm | Commonwealth Park | Free entry. See the website for more

NAKED CUBBY CO.

Image: facebook.com/nakedcubbyco

Camping, glamping…however you like to do it, you can head outdoors with a Naked Cubby overlooking the Mount Majura Vineyard. Choose from the Simple package (pack your own dinner or enjoy the complimentary hamper and soak up the view), the Schmick deal (all the luxuries of the Simple package, plus a bottle of Mount Majura wine), or go gourmet with a Schmicnic (see below).

The tent includes a king bed by Sealy, solar-powered fridge and lights, and a ridiculously Instagrammable view. Check-in is at 2 pm, so you can enjoy a leisurely spring afternoon, and check out isn’t until 11 am, because, sleep-ins.

Tents cost $260–$380 per night | Book through the website.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY 

You’re invited to Parliament House Open Day. There will be plenty to keep both young and young-at-heart entertained!

• Salute the sun on the lawns of Parliament House with Yoga Australia (from 8am).
• Enjoy special access and see the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers up close.
• Be among the first to see LEGO Parliament House by The BrickMan.
• Find Shawn the Prawn on the all-new kids’ trail.
• Channel your inner-politician in the intense glare of the cameras.
• Test your skills in a parliamentary role-play.
• Help put the AFP dogs through their paces.
• Feast on a BBQ and a yummy birthday cupcake in one of the courtyards.
• Enjoy live entertainment.
• Be in the running to win one of only 15 Gold Tickets and you and a friend could experience Parliament House like never before! (comp only open to Open Day visitors—terms and conditions apply).

Happening 6 October 9 am – 5 pm at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, City

See website for more information.

TULIP TOP GARDENS

Image via Facebook

A magical hidden valley filled with 10 acres of tulips and other gorgeous blooms, hundreds of cherry blossom trees, a rosemary field and a winding pathway towards a cascading waterfall, soundtracked with classical music – does this sound like your happy place?

Just 20 minutes out of Canberra lies Tulip Top Gardens, which has opened its gates for its 2018 display. Pack a picnic, maybe some paint brushes and a sketchbook, or enjoy a wine tasting from Lerida Estate amongst the flowers.

Open until Sunday 14 October | Entry costs $16 for groups, $17 for seniors and $18 for adults | See the website for more information

MEET THE GARDENER AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The lawns are immaculate, the flowers are always colourful, and the hedges are neatly trimmed. For two days only, you can learn the tips, tricks and secrets behind some of the most recognisable gardens in Australia from the Parliament House gardeners themselves.

Finish the talk off with a morning or afternoon tea, and then head home to transform your own garden and make your neighbours jealous.

Happening Sunday 23 September and Sunday 14 October from 10am–12.30pm and 1pm–3.30pm | $50 for children/concession and $60 for adults | See the website to book.

SCHMICNICS

Credit: Tim Bean Photography

You could make your own picnic with the typical suspects bought from the supermarket, or you could get a professionally made hamper to enjoy out in the sunshine. Schmicnics offers four hampers for two people, including a vegetarian option, an additional four options for groups, and even a children’s selection.

Add a bottle of local vino, craft beer or Moët to your order, and you’re set for a delicious picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. If you’re looking to host a few friends now your garden is blooming, they also offer grazing packages, with gluten and dairy-free options.

Hot tip: Schmicnic are offering custom-made hampers for Floriade and NightFest.

Hampers start at $150pp for two people or $37pp for four | Purchase via the website

NIGHTFEST

Credit: Martin Ollman.

Celebrate the return of nighttime activities with NightFest. From 26-30 September, Floriade will become an illuminated wonderland as the sun sets across five nights of entertainment, food and fun. Made to be Instagrammed, Nautilus Forest is set to mesmerise with bright and colourful trees. Stage 88 will transform into an open-air cinema on Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday will have you dancing with performances from the likes of Lucy Sugarmen and Kate Miller-Heidke. Cap off the week with laughs from Akmal Saleh and Arj Barker at Sunday night’s comedy fest.

26-30 September from 6.3pm–10.30pm | Tickets start at $16.40 for children/concession and $31.70 for adults | Check out the website for more.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE OPEN DAY

You’ve seen the House of Reps, and you’ve toured Parliament House, so Saturday 6 October is your chance to take in the next most recognisable house in politics: Government House.

Explore the house and gardens and even have a chat with Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Lady Cosgrove and Government House staff about life at one of Australia’s most iconic residences. Bring your own picnic for a leisurely lunch on the lawns, or purchase from a small selection of vendors on the day.

Saturday 6 October from 10 am–2 pm | See the website for more.

NARA CANDLE FESTIVAL

Another way to enjoy the balmier nights, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival will display 2000 candles to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Sister City relationship shared been Canberra and Nara, Japan.

There’ll be Japanese music to backdrop the features of the Nara Peace Park, as well as calligraphy, lantern making, origami, ikebana and kite flying, and Japanese cuisine and market stalls.

Happening Saturday 27 October from 4 pm–9 pm | Canberra Nara Peace Park and Lennox Gardens | Visit the website for the full program.