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CANBERRA may not necessarily cross your mind when considering a leisurely, fun-filled holiday, however, there is loads to do in Australia’s capital city, especially when it comes to annual art, food and culture events.
In fact, earlier this year, Singapore Airlines announced direct flights to Canberra, which is sure to drive in tourists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and those from the Southeast Asia region. So you best book your flights in advance if you want in on the fun.
In the meantime, here are some of the festivals and happenings to look out for in the coming months:
National Multicultural Festival
Learn about different cultures at the festival. Pic: VisitCanberra
When
February 17-19, 2017
What to expect
If you’re in Canberra from February 17 to 19 next year, you’ll want to make a beeline for the Multicultural Festival, a fun-filled event said to be one of the biggest weekend occasions in the city’s events calendar.
This year, a record 280,000 visitors from all over Australia attended the festival.
Incepted in 1996, the three-day event brings together food, art and culture with free, family-friendly activities, performances, food stalls, and colorful celebrations.
The 2017 National Multicultural Festival will feature local and international music acts, the Latin Quarter & American Experience, the Malaysian Village, India in the City, the Indigenous Showcase, and the Chinese Spring Festival.
Floriade
Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. Pic: VisitCanberra
When
September 17-October 16, 2016
What to expect
This annual flower show – which has been dubbed Australia’s biggest celebration of spring – at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park sees over a million bulbs of flowers planted across 8,000 square meters.
It’s not just the flowers on show; you can also partake in music performances, cultural celebrations, food and wine displays, horticultural workshops, markets, artistic exhibitions and recreational activities.
This is also a good one for shutterbugs; there are a myriad of opportunities to capture photographs of rows and rows of colorful blooms, lined in entrancing symmetry.
Enlighten
Catch mesmerizing performances at Enlighten. Pic: VisitCanberra
When
February 25-March12, 2017
What to expect
During the course of the Enlighten event, Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle will be transformed into a vibrant arts precinct with light projections, mesmerizing performances, architectural structures, and international music acts.
This year’s events saw and a twilight safari, a performance of “illuminated” dancers, outdoor film screenings, as well as a bustling night noodle market featuring the best of Asian fare from dosa to dumplings.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Balloons of all shapes, colors and sizes will be out to play. Pic: VisitCanberra
When
March 11-19, 2017
What to expect
This epic nine-day hot air balloon festival will see balloons of all shapes, colors and sizes suspended in mid-air in March next year.
Pilots begin laying out and inflating their balloons on the lawns of the Old Parliament House from early morning each day before they’re ascended into the sky to create an exhilarating view of the skies above.
Visitors can book their own balloon flights, a floaty, sensorial experience across some of the city’s attractions and sites.
The Truffle Festival
Devour truffle-adorned dishes at the festival. Pic: VisitCanberra
When
From June to August each year
What to expect
This is one for the gourmands. The annual truffle festival is a celebration of all things fungi, with visitors from all over the country visiting Canberra to taste the elusive (and prized) truffle.
You can join cooking classes and demonstrations, farmers markets, wine tastings and pairings, as well as gourmet degustation dinners to sample the best of the year’s truffle haul.
One of the highlights of the festival is the truffle hunt that allows you to meet truffle growers and even the dogs used to sniff out the stuff, get your hands dirty at the farms, and of course, sample the produce fresh off the ground.
The Popular Pet Show
The exhibition will feature Australian paintings of furry creatures. Pic: National Portrait Gallery/Facebook
When
November 4, 2016-March 12, 2017
What to expect
The Popular Pet Show at the National Portrait Gallery will express the joy and warmth that many of us derive from our animal companions, and will celebrate their trusting, unpretentious ways.
Comprising exuberant recent Australian paintings, many on a large scale, it will include portraits of famous and obscure Australians and their pets by contemporary artists. Many works have been created especially for the exhibition.
Versailles: Treasures from the Palace
Immerse yourself in exhibits of rich, gold detailing. Pic: National Gallery of Australia
When
December 9, 2016-April 17, 2017
What to expect
The National Gallery of Australia will hold a highly anticipated exhibition this year titled Versailles: Treasures from the Palace. You can expect over 130 treasures from the Palace of Versailles transported to the gallery for the course of the exhibition.
Immerse yourself in opulent paintings, intricate gardens, and sumptuous rooms in all their rich, gold detailing. Some of the things to look out for are Marie-Antoinette’s porcelain, the marble bust of Louis XIV, and Dauphin’s fine writing desk.
A History of the World in 100 Objects
Trace the development of human life through the years. Pic: Trustees of the British Museum/National Museum of Australia
When
September 9, 2016-January 29, 2017
What to expect
The National Museum of Australia is hosting this landmark exhibition, in which two million years of human history will be documented in one room.
A collection of prized artefacts from around the globe – taken from the British Museum – will be displayed in Canberra, each of which has its own story to tell.
Where to stay
Crowne Plaza Canberra is ideal for families, couples and business travellers
Crowne Plaza Canberra is located in the heart of the central business district and is close to some of the city’s best attractions, shopping, restaurants, cafés and bars.
The hotel offers accommodation to suit families, couples and business travellers. Choose from rooms with a king bed or double bed, or for extra space, the Deluxe Suite is a relaxed apartment-style accommodation offering a spacious living area, kitchenette, lounge room and ensuite bathroom. Selected rooms and suites look out onto the historic and tranquil Glebe Park.
The hotel’s proximity to many arts and culture attractions is also a bonus. Within a 10 minute drive are many major attractions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery and the Australian War Memorial.
There is also plenty for kids to do at the hotel. During school holidays the younger ones can have fun at the Kids Corner, which is stocked with games, toys, crafts and kid-friendly movies. Read our full review…
The post These exciting festivals, events and exhibitions in Canberra fuse culture, food, and music all year round appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com