CANBERRA SPECIAL

Spring is certainly the most colourful time to be in Canberra with the hosting of Floriade (above), the biggest floral event in the southern hemisphere. Running over 30 days from mid-September to mid-October, Floriade features 1.7 million bulb flowers in bloom, including daffodils, hyacinths, daisies, irises and massed displays of spectacular tulips. The festival is held in Commonwealth Park on Lake Burley Griffin and is free; it also features showcase gardens, a Ferris wheel, gardening events and workshops, and an evening NightFest under lights.