By Rama Gaind.
Community engagement has been the key to a number of events held in Canberra over the past few weeks. There was a chance to be entertained, excited and educated at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show last weekend. Before that one of Australia’s biggest and most diverse celebrations was held in the heart of the nation’s capital with the 2020 National Multicultural Festival.
This month there’s a chance to participate in the best of the autumn events as culture and creativity continues to shine brightly in Canberra. The city came ‘alive’ with a range of free and ticketed events over 17 days as the Enlighten Festival got underway on 28 February. Events continue until 15 March.
On the evening of the launch, Parliament House was seen in a ‘new’ light. The façade this year was lit up with stunning images of some of the city’s most culturally significant artworks. The 10th anniversary of Enlighten Illuminations are being marked as architectural projections light up Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, Questacon and more – until 9 March.
Your mornings will be brighter with the return of hot air balloons floating across the capital during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular from 7-15 March. They fill the sky with a flurry of colour, sound and movement. This enthralling view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, more than 30 hot air balloons from across the globe are expected to take to our skies. This year, a giant 38.7m Tyrannosaurus Rex balloon will join the amazing display in its first Australian appearance. Skywhale will also return to the spectacular for a once-only appearance on Canberra Day, Monday, 9 March.
Why not celebrate local creativity as Lights! Canberra! Action! (6 March) shine a light on local filmmakers and Symphony in the Park (8 March) provides the perfect soundtrack to your sunset picnic.
Top off the festival by celebrating the city’s birthday on Canberra Day (9 March)! Enjoy yourself as you remember the naming ceremony of Australia’s capital that took place on 12 March 1913. Make the most of the public holiday festivities, featuring local musicians, street food, family friendly activities and more.
Indulge your inner foodie at the Canberra Night Noodle Markets and receive exclusive access to explore the national attractions after dark. Enjoy a flourish of fireworks at Skyfire (14 March).
Other activities
Canberra is one of the only places in Australia to experiences all four seasons. Being so close to the mountains, the beach and the snow, there is always an epic adventure to be had!
Experience some of the nation’s most precious treasures and stories in a permanent exhibition at the National Library. At the Treasures Gallery, see one of the rarest maps in the world, the recently restored Blaeu Map, which has been extended on display for a limited time.
For something different, book a private garden dining experience with your friends in one of Questacon’s Illuminated Igloos!
Why not take an Enlighten cruise? Enjoy the sights – all lit up – from the vantage point of Lake Burley Griffin. The National Capital Authority is running free cruises on weekends during the Enlighten Festival. Departing from Commonwealth Place every half hour around Central Basin from 6pm to 10pm.
Lake Burley Griffin gives you 40 kilometres of shoreline to explore. If you’ve already walked, cycled or driven it, then jump aboard a GoBoat. This super-quiet electric (and eco-friendly) vessel has space for up to eight people — and you don’t need a licence to steer, plus you can set your own course. There’s a central table, where you can pop up a picnic feast.
Visit one of Canberra’s best-known craft breweries and begin your beer adventures at Capital Brewing Co. Made with pristine water from the nearby Brindabella Wilderness Reserve, Capital’s drops are all about keeping things local. Sample your way through the taps, from the fresh, crisp Coast Ale to the full-bodied Evil Eye Red IPA. To find out more, why not join a brewery tour on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm.
Stromlo Forest Park on Canberra’s western outskirts is just 15 minutes from the city centre. It is home to more than 50 kilometres of mountain biking trails. If you’re a beginner, get started at Holden’s Creek. If you’re a hardcore cyclist who’s ready for an adrenaline hit, head to Blood Rock and Cardiac Arrest — both are black diamond runs.
There are routes for everyone. The park’s Vapour Network is designed to help you progress gradually, from the top of the mountain to the bottom. If mountain biking isn’t your thing, then you can stick with walking or running — even try horse riding.
Whatever your passion, this world-class facility has you covered. Take along a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
DETAILS BOX
Enlighten Festival Canberra
Until 15 March
VisitCanberra
T: 1300 554 114