Watch light projections at Enlighten Festival
Canberra, Australia • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Mar
11°C – 25°C, mild temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
11°C – 25°C, mild temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchair accessible; walking required; seating available.
Wheelchair accessible; walking required; seating available.
Value for money
Medium
Free lights, but pricey food detracts from value.
Free lights, but pricey food detracts from value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the stunning light displays, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Beautiful Lights
The projections were breathtaking. Perfect for an evening stroll hand-in-hand.
Enjoyable Evening
A wonderful experience for couples. The atmosphere was lively and fun.
Overpriced Food
Travelers found food and drinks quite expensive at the festival's food stalls.
Crowd Concerns
Popular viewing spots can get crowded, which might impact the romantic experience.
Limited Parking
Parking is limited, which might make it difficult for couples to arrive together.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Dive into a virtual stroll through vibrant atmosphere at Enlighten Festival.
Experience the highlights of Enlighten Festival.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
13-27°C
Warm to hot temperatures with the highest rainfall of the year.
Warm to hot temperatures with the highest rainfall of the year.
Closed
The Enlighten Festival does not occur in December.
The Enlighten Festival does not occur in December.
Not recommended
December features hot weather and high tourist activity, but the Enlighten Festival is not held during this month.
December features hot weather and high tourist activity, but the Enlighten Festival is not held during this month.
January
LOW
13-28°C
Warm temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Warm temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Closed
The Enlighten Festival does not take place in January.
The Enlighten Festival does not take place in January.
Not recommended
January offers warm weather and fewer crowds, but the Enlighten Festival's light projections are not available during this month.
January offers warm weather and fewer crowds, but the Enlighten Festival's light projections are not available during this month.
February
MEDIUM
13-27°C
Warm temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Warm temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Closed
The Enlighten Festival's light projections begin at the end of February.
The Enlighten Festival's light projections begin at the end of February.
Not recommended
While the weather is pleasant, the light projections of the Enlighten Festival commence at the end of February, making earlier visits less ideal for this attraction.
While the weather is pleasant, the light projections of the Enlighten Festival commence at the end of February, making earlier visits less ideal for this attraction.
March
HIGH
11-25°C
Mild temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Mild temperatures with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
Open
High demand for accommodations and event tickets; early booking is recommended.
High demand for accommodations and event tickets; early booking is recommended.
Recommended
March is the prime time to experience the Enlighten Festival's light projections, with favorable weather and vibrant city events. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices.
March is the prime time to experience the Enlighten Festival's light projections, with favorable weather and vibrant city events. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Canberra's public bus system, operated by Transport Canberra, offers several routes that service the National Triangle. Key bus stops in close proximity to the festival include "National Library King Edward Tce" and "Commonwealth Av opp Albert Hall".
Shuttle
Recommended
A hallmark of the Enlighten Festival is the provision of a free shuttle bus service, designed to ease congestion and provide convenient access. These shuttles typically run every 30 minutes from 5:00 PM with stops at key city locations.
Walking
Recommended
The festival's central location makes it highly accessible on foot, particularly for those staying in nearby hotels or parking further afield. The walk from the city centre across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge offers picturesque views.
Bike
Canberra boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, and riding to the Enlighten Festival is a popular and recommended option. The main cycle route is the "bridge to bridge" loop around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin.
Car
While driving to the festival is an option, it comes with challenges. During the Enlighten Festival, significant road closures are implemented in the evenings. Parking in the immediate vicinity of the festival is limited and can be congested.
Taxi
Taxis and rideshare services offer a convenient drop-off option. Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are usually established to manage traffic flow. The front entrance of the National Library is a noted drop-off point.
Train
NSW TrainLink operates a direct rail service from Sydney's Central Station to the Canberra Railway Station in Kingston. From the station, attendees can utilize public bus services or opt for a taxi or rideshare to reach the National Triangle.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required