Were you part of Floriade’s biggest year ever? After all, it’s broken its own records. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
For just the second time, Floriade saw more than 500,000 people gather to celebrate spring in the bush capital.
In 2025, a total of 519,413 attendees walked through the gates, setting a new Floriade record.
Not only was it a new all-time attendance record (surpassing the previous high of 507,550 set in 2019), but it was a 10.4 per cent increase on attendance from last year’s event.
The data isn’t a surprise to Canberra Business Chamber CEO Greg Harford, who said Floriade’s a well-known (and much-loved) part of life in the bush capital.
“That’s a really, really positive turnout,” he said.
“It’s really positive, obviously, for Canberra and for the business community to have an event which generates significant numbers of visitors … It’s good for Canberra to have events that draw people in.”
As for Floriade’s opening weekend, more than 46,000 people wanted to be among the first to see the flowers.
The long weekend alone drew in 102,571 visitors, making it the highest ever attendance for a single weekend (also more than the 2018 record of 94,586).
Among the tulips was the new face of Joyland Amusements, which wrapped up its first year running amusement rides (including the iconic Ferris wheel).
The company took over running amusement rides after Queanbeyan-based Durkin Amusements lost out on a contract renewal earlier this year.
“It was a bit of a trial period,” Joyland director Greg Webster said.
“There was a different selection of rides this year than what’s been there in the past, so we had to prepare all that … But we had a great response and were well-received.”
They brought two trains that people could ride, as well as some other changed attractions. Mr Webster also teased the possibility of different rides in 2026.
(But don’t stress, he promises the Ferris wheel will remain the “centrepiece” of the flower festival for years to come.)
More than 46,000 attended on the first weekend. Photo: James Coleman.
The ACT Government has also revealed that the school holidays drew more than 308,000 visitors through the gates.
Around 43,000 people were present on 4 October when special guest Dr Karl Kruszelnicki presented at Floriade, while close to 21,000 NightFest tickets were sold and more than 20,000 visitors brought their furry friends to Dogs’ Day Out.
If you were keen to take a bit of Floriade home, you were in good company – nearly 85 per cent of Great Big Bulb Dig bags were sold (almost 1,000 more bags than last year).
About 44 per cent of attendees travelled from interstate, while the number of international visitors has grown.
Mr Harford welcomed the visitors, pointing out how many explore Canberra while they’re here by staying in a local hotel and eating out.
“We’re a small market here in the ACT. We need visitors from other states – and indeed from overseas – to be coming to Canberra to help support our businesses,” he said.
“Ultimately, the vibrancy of the business sector and the vibrancy of the city depend on how successful businesses are, and visitors to the ACT are a key component of that. It’s really good to see such a large number coming in.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the numbers show Floriade continues to be a powerful driver of tourism and economic activity in the capital.
“Each year, Floriade celebrates the best of Canberra’s natural beauty, creativity and hospitality, and this year’s results demonstrate its growing appeal,” he said.
“Floriade 2025 has exceeded all expectations, setting new records for attendance … From the community, volunteers, performers, and local businesses to the Events ACT team and our dedicated gardeners – your collective efforts have created an unforgettable milestone in the festival’s history.”
There was also national recognition for Floriade’s 2024 event and Enlighten Festival 2025 in national awards.
They were nominated in the Best Tourism Event and Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event categories, respectively, in the Australian Event Awards, which recognise the best of Australia’s event industry.
While they didn’t win, being nominated meant the judges saw them as among the top five events in their respective categories.
A final economic impact report on Floriade 2025 will be released later this year.
