Enlighten Festival, Canberra
Enlighten Festival, Canberra. 4-6 March 2026.
Enlighten is the moment where the iconic institutions of the National Triangle unite to present original major architectural projections and creative collaborations. It provides a unique opportunity to explore Australia’s celebrated cultural institutions in a whole new light, with stunning projections, exclusive public programs, art installations, and unique experiences curated for the festival.
Enlighten is an evening time event, so to fill the days, the following programme has been arranged….
Accommodation: The Knightsbridge, Kingston. This hotel was chosen as it is central to all we want to do, and has secure underground parking. Call the hotel direct to book your room. (02) 6185 0000. 6 rooms have been set aside under the name Roger Brook. Rate of $209 for a superior room (per night). PLEASE BOOK ACCOMODATION BY 18 FEB.
The Detail:
Wednesday 4th March
0900: Meet at Coffee On The Double (Shutz Landscaping) for coffee. Come early if you want breakfast!
0930: Depart for Canberra via Nerriga, Tarago, and Bungendore. There will be a toilet break in Tarago (1100-1130). The café there (The Chubby Cat) is closed, but coffee is available at the post office for those who cannot last until lunch!
1200: Lunch at The Gathering in Bungendore (www.thegatheringcafebungendore.com)
1330: Arrive at accommodation, The Knightsbridge, Kingston. This hotel was chosen as it is central o all we want to do, and has secure underground parking. Call the hotel direct to book your room. 6 rooms have been set aside under the name Roger Brook. Rate of $209 for a superior room (per night). PLEASE BOOK ACCOMODATION BY 18 FEB.
1430: Depart for short convoy run up Mount Ainslie. 15min drive to park at the top of Mount Ainslie and enjoy the best view of the city and surrounding vistas.
1530: Arrive War Memorial. There is free parking underneath the building, and tickets are not required. The War Memorial has recently reopened after a major expansion, so should be worth visiting, even for those who have been before.
1630: Witness the Last Post ceremony.
1715: Arrive back at Knightsbridge Hotel
1830: Dinner at Eastlake Football Club (Eastlakefc.com.au) This club is a 350m / 5min level walk from the hotel. O/C Individual drive or walking tour of enlighten. The centre of the Parliamentary triangle, and the centre of Enlighten, is a 6min drive / Uber or a 40min walk from the hotel. It is recommended that we ride share to the area and walk around the lit buildings. More details can be found on the enlighten website, enlightencanberra.com
Thursday 5th March
Leisurely Breakfast. Old Kingston, a short walk south, has many cafes and coffee shops. Recommended is Rosemary by Eighty Twenty, 5mins from the hotel.
0900: Depart for a convoy style run to Nick O’Leary winery via Tidbinbilla
1100 - 1145: Wine tasting at Nick O’Leary winery. No booking required. 6 persons can wine taste at any one time. Fine dining available for those who would prefer to our lunch booking……
1200 - 1330: Lunch at The George Harcourt Inn (georgeharcourt.com).
1400: Arrive back at the hotel.
1500: Walk or drive to Kingston Foreshore for our cruise. The jetty is 1.2km from the hotel, so a 20min walk or 4min drive. Parking is available close by, but unlikely on Trevillian Quay itself. We can take snacks onboard, and drinks are recommended! (you pass two bottle shops between the hotel and the boat)
1530: Depart Kingston Foreshore for a 2hr cruise on Lake Burley Griffin with Love Boats. Be prepared for Lesley’s trivia quizzes!!
1800: Dinner at The Dock, Kingston Foreshore. O/C Individual drive or walking tour of enlighten. The centre of the Parliamentary triangle, and the centre of Enlighten, is a 6min drive / Uber or a 40min walk from the hotel. It is recommended that we ride share to the area and walk around the lit buildings. More details can be found on the enlighten website, enlightencanberra.com
Friday 6th March
Group breakfast in Old Kingston if required.
1000: Individual checkout & return to the coast.
