Floriade’s iconic Ferris wheel will “still be a feature” of the event in the years to come. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Floriade’s iconic Ferris wheel is expected to remain as a new operator takes over running the rides.
The ACT Government sought tenders to operate a range of “Amusements and Ride Services” (including operation of a Ferris wheel) at Floriade between 2025 and 2028.
After 32 years staging rides amongst the tulips, Queanbeyan-based Durkin Amusements lost out on a renewal.
The company declined to comment further on the decision when contacted by Region.
The new tender will run until 2028, a government spokesperson said this week.
“Five suppliers were invited to submit a response, with three suppliers responding, including the incumbent Durkins Amusements.
“The evaluation of the value for money process found Joyland Amusements Pty Limited the successful candidate.
“As part of due process, a debrief was offered to the unsuccessful providers, but at this stage the offer has not been taken up.”
Joyland director Greg Webster told Region that the company welcomed the new contract.
“It seems to be an attractive event … It’s exciting to have a new contract, have a new event [on the books] for our company, and to start working with the Floriade team,” he said.
Mr Webster said the Sydney-based Joyland had unsuccessfully applied for the contract in the past.
The company will soon start moving the rides to the capital from sites across Australia so they can be assembled in Commonwealth Park.
Some staff members will be locals.
“It depends on the positions. The operators are trained, skilled people for the amusement rides,” Mr Webster said.
“They go through a process [before being hired], but some of the positions – sales, ticketing, attendance and positions like that – we’ll use local people for those positions.”
The company was also looking to bring new attractions to Floriade, but it was “a little bit too early” to reveal what was on the cards.
Floriade will return with a science theme later this year, while other beloved elements are also making a return – think Nightfest, Dog’s Day Out and the Great Big Bulb Dig.
In 2024, the annual event attracted 470,000 visitors and injected more than $62 million into the ACT’s economy, an increase on its 2023 numbers.
Floriade will be held from 13 September to 12 October 2025 in Commonwealth Park (gates will be open daily between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm).
Entry to Floriade is free, and NightFest tickets will also go on sale from 8 August (Friday). The night-time market will return from 2 October to 5 October between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
