Us Canberrans have to rug up and take refuge inside during the terribly long cold periods, so we get a bit excited when spring comes around. This warmer season couldn’t have come soon enough and it’s finally time to get outside and celebrate the warmer weather.

Music and furious movement should get you in a spring mood and this year we have a biennial tango festival. Yes they exist and they happen in Canberra. If you’re a fan of the tango and keen to meet some new people, register on the website for the 2016 Tango in the Spring.

A Canberra spring would not be the same without the month-long festival of flowers. Floriade is bringing back its themed flower beds, light shows, music, gardening tips and so much yummy food. It’s free to take a stroll through the tulips during the day and don’t miss out on NightFest to see Floriade in a whole new light!

This is a great season for fresh produce and nothing goes with fresh food like the Capital Region Farmers Markets. You’ll need to get up early to get some Bombolini donuts but with each bite you’ll be glad that you made the effort.

The pull of Lake Burley Griffin gets stronger around this time of year. It’s definitely spring when colourful paddle boats dance across the water. It takes some work to get those paddle boats moving, but once you get the hang of it you are given a unique perspective of the lake and can explore all the places that you can’t get to on foot.

This side of the lake is also a nice place for a picnic, maybe an ice-cream or a stop at a café by the water. Our top pick is The Deck at Regatta Point. Here you can savour it’s all-day breakfast or lunch menu in it’s outdoor dining area which capitalises on the sunlight, while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Canberra’s glassmakers are getting into spring as well. The Glassworks‘ response to the changing weather is with Fresh Glass, an exhibition which showcases a combination of botanical elements and glass sculpture. Come see some beautiful works made in the coming months.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie , the fictional creations of the famous author and illustrator, May Gibbs, is also on display this September. The Canberra Museum and Gallery is hosting a large collection until 11 September.

It’s not too hot and it’s not too cold – it’s a good time to go to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a bush walk and see nature up close and personal. Not only will you find an abundance of nature, but history too. Explore them both!

It’s time to turn the heater off, fold up the blankets and get out in the spring air, take a stroll and experience the delights of the new spring season.

 

Image from: Floriade