Trail Activites

Follow the Floriade Trail to Canberra’s attractions!

Canberra’s attractions join the capital in celebrating spring by offering Floriade–themed experiences throughout the 30 day festival in the Floriade Trail. Explore Canberra and delve into the Floriade theme of Films that shaped our nation at many of Australia’s top attractions.

From special film screenings, to standing on location at the site of a famous Australian film, lose yourself in a world of film on the Floriade Trail.

Australian Institute of Sport

Relive some of Australia’s memorable sporting moments on the big screen. Following each 10am athlete–guided tour, you’ll experience what our athletes have endured on their quest for sporting success through special screenings of footage from the AIS media archives. Your tour also includes Sportex, the interactive sports exhibition.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Expand your talent and discover the tricks of nature–based digital video filming with the ‘Connecting people and plants – digital video filming’ workshops. They will be held each Saturday at 2pm throughout Floriade.

Australian War Memorial

See how reading a book captures history. See the spy cameras displayed in the Conflicts 1945 to today galleries. Highlights include original footage of the ANZACs in Gallipoli in 1915, the de Havilland Mosquito, a photo-reconnaissance aircraft used in the Second World War, and film footage taken of soldiers in Iraq.

Balloon Aloft

Experience and film the beauty of Floriade 21 and the city of Canberra from a hot air balloon. Your flight will give you the chance to appreciate the layout of the Floriade garden beds and the planning and design of our nation’s capital as you float gently with the morning breeze.

Canberra CBD

The Canberra CBD will come alive with colour during Floriade 21! From 15–28 September you can enjoy lunch time entertainment with Groovin’ in the City. From 29 September – 12 October you can see some of the Australian films featured in the Floriade garden beds on the big screen at Garema Place, with special family films on weekends. Kick back before the movies with happy hour and enjoy street theatre provided by the Tilt Busking Festival.

Canberra Centre

A dazzling floral display representing Australia’s first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, can be seen for two weeks of Floriade at the Canberra Centre. Eye-catching and creative, this display pays tribute to the film and features an interesting array of native Australian flora.

Canberra Glassworks

Explore your capital by visiting the Canberra Glassworks. Participate in the ‘Off the Street’ program (Saturday and Sunday — fee applies) where you can take a beading class, make a tile or Floriade inspired flower, or even make a glass animal inspired by the Babe Floriade garden bed.

Cockington Green Gardens

Explore the world in miniature at Cockington Green Gardens. Hidden amongst finely manicured lawns, gardens and the meticulously crafted miniature buildings, you’ll find clues that will give you hints to name some famous Australian films. Name all the movies correctly to be in the running to win a new video camera and make you own Aussie movie classic!

King O’Malley’s Irish Pub

The King O’Malley’s team will be celebrating Floriade 21 by dressing up as their favourite movie stars. You can too at film trivia night every Tuesday at 6pm, with great prizes for the best Aussie film outfit. Drop into King O’Malley’s to enjoy a fantastic floral display over a delicious meal and a drink in the famous City Walk Beer Garden. You can even paint a Floriade gnome!

National Archives of Australia

How much has Australian society changed in the past 40 or 50 years? The National Archives has unearthed a treasure trove of films that show what Australia was like in the early years. A selection of film clips, mostly black and white and dating from the 1930s to the 1970s, will screen continuously, reminding us of a slower, more innocent way of life.

National Film and Sound Archive

A skilled presenter will take you on an exciting journey through 100 years of Australian film, television and sound culture weekdays at 12pm and on weekends at 11am and 3pm. Then explore Sights and Sounds of a Nation, an interactive exhibition.

National Gallery of Australia

Come and browse classic works of art with floral themes in the National Gallery of Australia. Enjoy feature talks on botanical works of art in the national collection. During Floriade, free permanent collection tours will take place daily at 11am and 2pm.

For a detailed program of events, visit the NGA website.

National Zoo & Aquarium

See amazing animals just like the ones from Crocodile Dundee, Babe, Happy Feet, Finding Nemo and more of your favourite Aussie films. Our own ‘Crocodile Dundee’ will be taking visitors on a guided, behind-the-scenes tour.Come and have a fun and interactive afternoon at the National Zoo & Aquarium.

Old Parliament House

It’s your turn to be the star – dress-up and make your own film about an event that shaped our nation. Re-enact scenes that actually occurred at Old Parliament House, such as the opening in 1927, the Queen’s visit in 1954 or a door-stop interview with a prime minister. You’ll have your own audience with your film being projected in King’s Hall for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget your camera to capture the occasion!

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Get your Crocodile Dundee gear on and get snapped with a crocodile at the Eaten Alive exhibition. Explore predators from around the world and discover the techniques used to find and capture prey. Test your knowledge on the salt-water croc and other predators – but watch out – you could be next on the menu.

Royal Australian Mint

Visit the Mint and test your Aussie film knowledge! Correctly match the films to the coins and enjoy 10 per cent off your purchases (excluding gold). Be one of the first to view the magic of the Mint’s new film Currency which uses optical illusions to tell the story of some early Australian coins.

Getting around the Trail

There are a number of ways to get around the Floriade Trail. Catch an ACTION bus or take the lake route with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises. Detailed routes are listed on the ACTION website.

Pick up your FREE Floriade Trail map at Floriade 21, participating attractions or the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, 330 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson or click below download one now.

Floriade Trail map (PDF 2.2MB)