Some blooming fabulous stops in the city on The Floriade Walking Trail
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Ah Floriade–that magical time of the year when the trek to Commonwealth Park to see the carpet of colourful blooms becomes an almost compulsory experience.
And while there’s plenty to see and do at Floriade itself, the path from the city to the event is also brimming with great experiences.
With carparks often filled to overflowing—especially on weekends—your best bet is to leave the car in the city (or catch the tram) and take the short 15-minute walk to Floriade. Along the way, you’ll discover great shopping, plenty of places to eat and drink, and even diverse art and cultural experiences.
City Walk is exploding with colour and great experiences during Floriade.
To help you discover all the goodness, The City Renewal Authority has created a Floriade Walking Trail running from Alinga Street, down City Walk and Allara Street, to the flower festival. Simply follow the path of floral floor stickers and planter boxes along the way, or download this digital map.
But every trail needs a tour guide. Allow us to be yours, with this selection of some of our favourite things to see, do and eat.
Shop
You’ll find more than records at Landspeed. Image: Pew Pew Studio.
Whether you’re into the best high-street brands or something a little more quirky, you’ll find something to suit along the Floriade Walking Trail. From the shopping mecca that is Canberra Centre to the sprinkling of quirky independents in Garema Place, there are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
Heading from Alinga Street’s light rail stop, The Green Shed is your first port of call. Head downstairs to find subterranean second-hand clothing heaven. Lose yourself in row upon row of pre-loved fashion, shoes, accessories, CDs and DVDs, crockery, board games and much more. Pop upstairs for a second store crammed with more bric-à-brac than you can poke a lava lamp at!
Impact Comics is something of a Canberra institution— fans of all ages beating a path to its door in Garema Place for the latest comics, graphic novels, manga and more. You’ll also find a range of limited edition collectibles and hard-to-find action figures, as well a massive range of imported tees.
Just a few doors away, Landspeed Records is a must-visit for music lovers. But it’s not just about vinyl (although the range is jaw-droppingly impressive). Head to the back to get your fashion fix from their fabulous mix of vintage and new clothing and accessories.
Ready for some serious shopping? You could spend hours browsing Canberra Centre’s massive collection of retailers—you’ll find everything from fashion to beauty, homewares, books and more under one roof. There are also places to play—Kingpin for family fun, or Dendy for fabulous films—as well as eateries that run the gamut from super casual to fine dining.
Get it for the ‘gram
The City Walk Merry-Go-Round is nostalgic fun for all ages. Image: Pew Pew Studio.
So, your camera roll is full of glorious floral panoramas – let us introduce some other opportunities for your ‘gram (or just cultural enrichment).
The Nancy Sever Gallery, at the Alinga Street end of the trail, has a lively program of exhibitions which showcases Australian contemporary artists, and some of the most exciting and innovative practitioners working on the international contemporary art scene.
Take the time to wander through the beautiful plant and seating installations that flow down City Walk, discovering some captivating public art along the way. Ainslie’s Sheep is a crowd favourite, as is Bush Pack Nil tenure—a pack of seven bronze dogs in three groups that appear to be running down City Walk in the direction of the Civic carousel.
Speaking of which, there are few Canberra kids who don’t have happy early memories of their time astride one of the glossy colourful steeds of the City Walk Merry-Go-Round. Pick your favourite and hop on for a wonderfully nostalgic experience.
Equally whimsical is The Other Side of Midnight, a painted doll with a decorated carousel dog—you’ll find her just outside Canberra Centre, near The Canberra Times Fountain.
Eat + Drink
Brew & Brew on Allara Street is a must-stop for caffeinds. Image: supplied.
If you’re visiting Floriade on a weekday, some of Canberra’s best coffee (not to mention authentic Italian street food) is being served from a tiny window at DOP.
After something a little more substantial? Head towards Alinga Street for punchy Mexican fare at Beach Burrito Co, or keep it light and delicious with sushi and more at Rice & Nori.
And if you absolutely can’t wait for sustenance (or need to wet your whistle post-visit), closer to the Floriade gates you can caffeinate at Brew & Brew Espresso Bar or explore the intriguing range of bubble, milk and fruit teas and moreish sweet treats at Whale Tea and Desserts.
Before or after NightFest
Hippo Co is consistently one of Canberra’s best cocktail bars. Image: VisitCanberra.
You like the nightlife? You love to boogie? The Floriade Trail has you sorted whether you’re fuelling up for NightFest or keen to continue the party once celebrations conclude.
Pull up a chair at King O’Malley’s and enjoy a pint of lager and pub grub and some authentic Irish charm, or make a spontaneous escape to South America at tequila/mezcal bar and taqueria, Loquita.
Or if it’s cocktails you’re after, Hippo Co (upstairs in Garema Place) has been an industry leader in the city for years and its cocktails are always excellent. Or stay at ground level and be transported to the pumping nightlife of post-conflict Lebanon with Bar Beirut—not just a bar serving some of Canberra’s most inventive cocktails, but a Middle Eastern-Mediterranean meze restaurant too.
Walking not an option?
No problem! In addition to the Walking Trail, the City Renewal Authority, Canberra Centre and Events ACT have a Shuttle Bus that will operate a dedicated Floriade shuttle service to and from the city every day of Floriade, and on weekends a second route will also cover the National Triangle.
Find out more at floriadeaustralia.com
