Canberra in autumn is a sight to behold! Bursting with colour, the city transforms into a sea of reds, golds and ochre heralding the arrival of cooler months. This kaleidoscope of autumnal colours and natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the nation's capital with plenty on offer from the annual Enlighten Festival and Canberra Balloon Spectacular to incredible exhibitions and handmade markets and the savouring sips of the local wine region. So grab the layers and plan an autumn inspired getaway to Canberra.

Explore one of the many free events at Enlighten Festival
https://enlightencanberra.com/ 
From 28th February - 10th March 2025, free entry 

Now in its 15th year, the Enlighten Festival is set to light up the nation's capital this Autumn. Celebrating all things cultural and creative, the festival includes Enlighten Illuminations which consists of stunning architectural projections of light, sound, and movement on some of Canberra's iconic buildings as well as exclusive public programs, art installations, and experiences for all to enjoy.

Marvel at the floating Balloon Spectacular
https://canberraballoonspectacular.com/
From 15th - 23rd March 2025

The annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a captivating free event that brings balloonists from around Australia and the world together over the skies of Canberra. During the nine day spectacular, Canberra's skyline becomes a sea of colour and movement as the balloons inflate each morning (weather dependent) framed by the pink, purple, and golden hues of sunrise. Spectators can witness the beauty of the floating balloons from a number of vantage points across the city such as from the shores of Lake Burley Griffin or from the Arboretum.

Watch the leaves change at the National Arboretum
https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/ 

Take in the stunning cityscape and the vibrant autumn canopy of Canberra at the National Arboretum. Perched up in Molongo Valley, the property has over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site and boasts one of Canberra's best playgrounds for the kids to enjoy, as well as an excellent café to warm up in after exploring the trees. Other great leaf watching spots include the summits of Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Red Hill, Telopea Park where you'll find an array of tree species, bike paths, picnic and playground areas and Lennox Gardens which is home to the stunning Beijing Garden and Canberra Nara Peace Park.

Shop local at the Handmade Canberra Markets
https://handmadecanberra.com.au/ 
29th & 30th March 2025, free entry 

Canberra's favourite handmade food and design markets, Handmade Canberra markets are held quarterly at the Exhibition Pavilion. Showcasing over 260 local designers and producers, Handmade Canberra is the best place to discover small local businesses as well as unique Australian-made items including fashion, ceramics, handcrafted furniture, original artworks and jewellery.

Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay exhibition
https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/know-my-name-kee-jackson-delaunay/ 
From 22nd March 2025, free exhibition

This exciting new exhibition show celebrates two of Australia's leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay. Taking place at the National Gallery of Australia, this colourful exhibition includes rarely-seen garments from Kee and Jackson alongside a collection of Delaunay's prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.

Explore the cool-climate Canberra Wine Region
https://www.canberracellardoor.com.au/

The changing colours of the vines in Canberra's wine region makes the perfect backdrop for spending a day in the countryside, sipping Shiraz and exploring cosy cellar doors. And for those short on time, the new Canberra Cellar Door tour takes place every Saturday, 11am-3pm at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and a great inclusion if you can't make it out to the Canberra Wine District.

For more information on what's happening in Canberra this autumn, visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/articles/whats-on-in-canberra-this-autumn

ENDS

For media information, please contact: 
Christina Atherton
Eight Communications
Tel: +61 418 428 177 
christina@eightcommunications.com.au

For international media enquiries, please contact:
Donna Ciaccia
VisitCanberra
Tel: +61 418 691 020
donna.ciaccia@act.gov.au