Enlighten Festival, Canberra
Join us for the Enlighten Festival in Canberra.
Culture and creativity collide once again as Enlighten Festival returns for 2026!
See the nation's capital in a dazzling new light when Enlighten Illuminations light up some of Canberra's iconic buildings with stunning architectural projections.
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. 6 rooms have been set aside under the name Roger Brook. Rates vary on type of room from $267 for a superior room to $367 for a suite (per night).
Wednesday 4th March
0900 Meet at On The Double (Shutes 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) 12 Gibraltar Street.
1330 Arrive at accommodation, The Knightsbridge, Kingston.
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). Table of 8 booked inside.
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.
