Five more blooming good spring walks
Posted on
Those with hay fever may disagree with me, but there’s nothing quite like spotting your first blossom tree at the start of spring.
As bare branches give way to pretty pink or white blooms, it signals the promise of warmer weather, longer days and colourful scenery. In Canberra, we’re so spoilt for choice when it comes to bloom spotting, it can be hard to narrow down the best routes. So, we’ve put on our walking shoes and discovered five colourful strolls perfect for spring, with a cheeky coffee pit stop included along the way.
It’s also worth keeping in mind spring came a little early this year so what may have been blooming last week may not necessarily look the same this week, but we can still guarantee pops of prettiness along the way!
Senate Rose Gardens, Parkes
It may sound obvious, but if you want to inject some colourful blooms in your next walk this is the best spot to start. Park at the carpark near Boundless Playground then walk across the bridge, following the bloom-filled path towards the Senate Rose Gardens, which is absolutely stunning at this time of year with its iconic purple wisteria. After checking out the flowers, grab a coffee at either the Courtyard Café at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House or a pizza at Rosa’s, located a minute away on the lawns of the lobby. Another option is to cross the bridge to Canberra’s iconic flower festival, Floriade, if you feel like some extra bloom spotting.
Walk time: One-hour total
The National Arboretum, Molonglo Valley
Home to Canberra’s most breathtaking views and a set of Yoshino cherry trees, the Arboretum absolutely comes alive in spring. Start your walk with a coffee at the Ginger Group café inside the Arboretum village centre, then wander down the track to the pink blossoms in Forest 17, near the Wide Brown Land sculpture. (It’s recommended to wear sturdy covered shoes for this walk.) If you have little ones with you, the Pod Playground is also well worth a visit on the way out!
Walk time: About 24 minutes total
Chifley Park, Chifley
A hidden secret in Chifley Park is a set of stunning pink cherry blossom trees, located just outside the shops (still yet to bloom but it’s worth the wait when they do!) Park the car at Woden’s Eddison Park and spot the bright pink trees next to the playground, then follow the path towards the Chifley Shops on Eggleston Crescent where you can grab a coffee from A Bite to Eat. It’s the perfect backdrop for spring photos!
Walk time: One-hour total
Bowen Park, Kingston
Start your journey at Kingston Foreshore near Norgrove Park, which also has some pretty blooms this time of year, then wander along the water’s edge to Bowen Park, where you can grab a coffee or snack from On Lake Café among the blossoms. This grassed area is also the perfect spot to spread out and spend a chilled afternoon, so if you’re peckish another option is to pack a picnic.
Walk time: About 30 minutes total
Yarralumla Nursery, Yarralumla
Start at the carpark near Government House on Dunrossil Drive then follow the path across the bridge towards the Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie, where you can stop for a coffee or a plate of delicious scones. With plenty of shade and pretty trees to look at along the way, it’s a good option if you have kids in tow as it’s very pram or scooter friendly!
Walk time: One-hour total
Feature image: VisitCanberra.
