Floriade 2014, AU

Iconic Floriade at Canberra

Spring is not complete without Floriade.  Either you go or not, Floriade is coming and will entertain all visitors one way or another.  Floriade is a national event here in Australia.  It's being held at Commonwealth Park in Canberra.  If you're at NSW, this is manageable (especially if you live in ACT).  But for other states, probably an alternative is a good idea.

Like the previous years, Floriade 2014 posts many flowers that are beautifully arranged to give more impact.  The shops are open and packed.  The flowers are blooming waiting for your camera to photograph them.  Enjoy a few hours of walking and getting lost inside Floriade 2014.

Floriade Beauty

Floriade 2014

The layout of Floriade 2014 is the 'same' as the previous Floriade events.  'Same', meaning it's at the same place (Commonwealth Park), same entrance location, same area arrangement, same Ferris Wheel, same general feel.  Though everything looks similar, the ambiance feels different.  The floral arrangement is always different!  There are some interesting things placed here and there that most people would love to have their photos taken.  So scroll down have a feel as what's inside Floriade this year.

Floriade Conditions of Entry

Floriade 2014 Map

As you come in, you'll be greeted by a variety of shops everywhere (Traders Village).  They sell flowers, furniture, tools, clothing etc.  Yes, some of these items are not related to flowers directly.  I wondered off here just so I can see what items are for sale.  I haven't bought anything as I'm focused in taking photos (and my friends are focused in having their photos taken).

Merchants with Beautiful Umbrellas

Upon entering, you'll noticed the vast amount of flowers on the ground!  This area is huge!  From the location I was at, I can see the Inspiration Hub (a seminar is being held), the vast area of planted flowers on the ground in front of me, the RSPCA ACT and Cubby Houses directly at front, the high Ferris Wheel at my left and so many scattered speakers!  There flowers are also arranged in a beautiful manner give more emphasis.  

Flower Bloom

The main ground, where the vast majority of flowers are planted, has some amazing design arrangement to them.  You won't appreciate it if you're just walking around and looking straight.  I'd recommend riding the Ferris Wheel to have a birds eye view.

There are toilets near the Ferris Wheel.  For mums, there is also a baby change room.

Ferris Wheel at Floriade

One of the best areas to take photograph is at the back of Stage 88 Lawns.  Its the back stage area of the ground stage.  This area is filled with flowers with a big sign saying: Embrace Passion Floriade.  Take selfies here so that you can upload and show your friends that you're at Floriade.

Embrace Passion, Floriade

Within this area are 2 cars filled with flowers.  It's an interesting idea.  It would be better if there are many cars with flowers and plants.  Although I do understand that it's hard to even decorate one car.  I tried taking photos of one of the cars but I kinda suck at my composition when taking it's photo.  Below is my photo... I could have been better.

We also took turns taking our photo at iinet's wall.  It's a wall decorated with many flowers and floral design.  At the middle is where you can frame your face and your friend takes your photo.  Below is what iinet's wall is.  It's colorful and I think it's an excellent idea.  Not only do you see a splash of colors, you also got a chance to put your face on it.  We took turns here with different combinations of faces.  Don't miss this!

Car Flower

Flower Head

We went straight until we arrived at Nerang Pool.  By this time we're trying to speed up our pace as we're going back to Sydney.  I explored less in this part of Floriade.  But I still took some interesting shots.  Below is a long exposure shot to make the waters still and soft.

Sleeping Beauty

Final Thoughts

Floriade is a free spring festival event and everyone's invited.  This is definitely a family friendly event!  If you go here, it's always ideal to have an overnight to rest up and visit other places.  If you live in Canberra, things are a lot easier for you.  

Given the time and opportunity, I'd love to go back here every year to witness the floral arrangement.  It's a therapy and break from a year's shooting of landscapes and travel.

Aside from Floriade, I also went to Tulip Top Gardens.  Although there are similarities with Floriade, it's still a beautiful place worthwhile to visit.

Stand Alone