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Here’s some advice for your first spring in Canberra
As Canberra defrosts and the long, cold winter fades away, we happily welcome the arrival of spring. This season brings beautiful flowers, sunny days and a glimpse of the warmer weather ahead. But spring in Canberra has its quirks too, like hay fever sneezing and magpies swooping, guarding their nests in our gum trees. Whether this is your first spring with us or you’re planning a move to Canberra, read on to find what this season has in store and how to make the most out of every moment.
Stay proactive with pollen
If you have itchy eyes, a runny nose and you’re sneezing way more than usual, chances are, you’ve just come face-to-face with a healthy dose of pollen. If you’ve heard of Canberra hay fever, it’s no myth. Spring means happy bees, sure—but also a tonne of wind, grass and tree pollen floating around in the air. For many Canberrans, hay fever is basically a rite of passage. In fact, the ACT has the highest rate of hay fever sufferers in the country, with one-in-three people likely to be impacted.
The good news? There are ways to manage it. Stock up on antihistamines (you can find them over the counter at the University Pharmacy on campus), keep your windows closed during high pollen days and maybe invest in an air purifier for your home. It’s also handy to check daily pollen levels online, so you know when to be extra cautious.
Living in Canberra during spring can be an absolute dream, but if you have allergies, make sure you take the right steps to stay well.
Hot tip: if it’s a windy day, prepare to sneeze twice as much as usual.
Keep your eyes to the skies
Ah, the notorious magpies—spring in Canberra brings out their, let’s say, parental instincts. As they fiercely guard their nests from anything that might seem like a threat, you might get swooped if you wander too close.
Some simple ways to stay safe is to avoid known magpie nesting areas, wear a hat or sunglasses and skip the bright colours if you know a swooper is nearby. If you're a cyclist, try attaching zip ties to your helmet to keep the aerial attackers at bay. Helpful websites like Magpie Alert can help you track and stay clear of local swooping hotspots.
Luckily, the swooping season only lasts for around 8 weeks until the baby magpies arrive and peace is restored in the trees.
Magpies sing us beautiful songs, but they also love to keep us on our toes!
Stop and smell the roses (or any type of flower, really)
Florals…for spring? Groundbreaking. But in this case, it’s actually true. One of the best parts about spring in Canberra is Floriade — a massive annual flower festival held at Commonwealth Park. Imagine strolling through fields of over one million flowers, including tulips, daffodils and other seasonal bulbs, while enjoying live music, food stalls and fun activities. Floriade is magical, with stunning floral displays and events for all ages.
Floriade is a must-see whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just love being surrounded by colour. Plus, it’s free to attend for all ages.
Check out this year’s program of events and make sure to visit as many times as you can. The flowers will bloom bright until Sunday 13 October.
If any occasion is acceptable for skipping and frolicking, this would be it.
Dress for every type of weather event
If you’re new to Canberra, you’ll quickly learn that the spring weather can be a tad unpredictable. One minute you’re soaking in the rays of the warm sun, and the next, you’re in the middle of the rain or a windstorm. Canberra’s weather can change quickly, so wear layers when you head out.
But on those sunny spring days, make the most of it. Our city is home to heaps of beautiful spots. Lake Burley Griffin is a local fave for picnics, kayaking or a casual stroll. Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie offer stunning views for a weekend hike. If you’re into cycling, the city’s bike paths are amazing and a great way to explore.
Another perk of spring in Canberra is that you might spot some baby ducklings walking by…
Embrace spring with all your might
Finally, one of the best things about living in Canberra during spring is the number of markets and events that pop up around the city. From farmers markets to special cultural fairs, you’ll find no shortage of places to discover local food, art and entertainment.
The Haig Park Village Markets are a classic for fresh produce, tasty street food and locally made goods by Canberra makers. Spring also marks the start of Canberra’s outdoor movie season, so grab a blanket and some friends for a movie night under the stars at places like the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
With so much amazing fresh produce, spring is an amazing time to hit the markets in Canberra.
Spring in Canberra is all about balance—embracing the fun while managing all the quirks that come along with the change of season. With this heads-up, you’ll be ready to go to navigate what’s on in CBR and make the most of your first spring. Welcome to the capital! Enjoy every blooming, swooping and sneezing moment.
Looking to make the most out of the season? Spring is an opportunity to explore some of the best walking trails around Canberra.
