Temporary Maintenance Works

The north viewing deck outside the Arboretum Visitors Centre will be closed for maintenance starting Monday 25 August. Access will remain available via the northern doors during this time. Maintenance work is also happening around the Children's Garden.

Kite Fest


Several families flying kites on a sunny day, surrounded by a colourful graphic border
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Arboretum Kite Fest Program

🪁Kite flying | From 9:30am

Bring your own kite or make one at our workshops and soar the day away.

🪁Kite demonstrations | 10am - 3pm

Watch skilled flyers showcase spectacular kites and captivating aerial displays.

🪁Kite making workshops | 10am - 3pm

Roll up your sleeves and let your imagination take flight as your decorate your very own kite. Bookings essential!

🪁Low sensory kite making workshops | 1pm - 3pm

Create, decorate and fly your own kite in a calm, supportive space designed for low sensory needs. Bookings essential!

🪁Café at the Arboretum | 9am - 4pm

Take a break with barista-made coffee, fresh snacks and seasonal meals served with sweeping views.

🪁Pop-up food options | 10am - 3pm

Treat yourself to a range of delicious festival favourites from local food stalls.

🪁The Curatoreum | A beautiful variety of kites will be available for purchase all day.

Choose from a beautiful  selection of kites, perfect for joining the kite flying festivities or gifting to a fellow kite lover.

🪁Live DJ | 10am - 3pm

Live music bringing energy and vibrancy to the family friendly atmosphere.


Kite making workshops

Kite making workshops |  5 sessions from 10:00am – 3:00pm (see HERE for details and bookings)

Low sensory kite making workshops | 3 sessions from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (opening soon via our website—stay tuned!)

Bookings essential!


Food and coffee

The Ginger Group Pop-up Cafe will be available from the Southern Deck from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

Pop-up food options

A range of food vendors will be available from 10:00am.

Bring a picnic

Enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawn while taking in the spectacular display of colourful kites soaring through the sky, accompanied by tunes from a live DJ in the Amphitheatre.


Accessibility

Parking: Designated parking spaces will be reserved nearest to the Visitors Centre in the main carpark for those with Disability Parking Permits and limited mobility. Please approach the traffic marshals on site for access and directions.

Workshops: Kite Fest workshops are held in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, accessed via a sealed, level path from the main carpark. The activities are designed to be inclusive of varying abilities, carers and companions are not required to purchase a ticket.

Events and activities: Roaming activities and kite-flying on the grassed events terrace are adjacent to wide, sealed, level paths suitable for wheelchair users and walking frames to be able to stop and observe or participate in the activities.

Facilities: Accessible bathroom facilities are available in the POD Playground, the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the main Visitors Centre. Please follow the signs or approach a staff member for directions.

The National Arboretum is dedicated to making our site and events a memorable experience for all our guests. If we can assist in planning your day at Kite Fest, please call 02 6207 8484, email arboretum@act.gov.au or visit our accessibility webpage HERE.


Parking and access

Traffic management: A traffic management plan will be in place with traffic marshals on site to assist with directing the flow of traffic and parking.

  • All access to the Arboretum will be via the northbound and southbound Tuggeranong Parkway off-ramps.
  • The Lady Denman drive entry to the Arboretum will be closed.
  • Accessible parking is available for those with Disability Parking Permits and limited mobility.

Additional overflow parking:

  • Once parking allocation in the main carpark is full, overflow and additional overflow parking will be opened.
  • Follow signage to enjoy a scenic walk to the Events Terrace.
  • A free shuttle bus will operate between additional overflow parking, located behind dairy farmers hill and the events site for those who require assistance. Follow signage on the day.

Visitor Services

  • We are here to help, please ask a staff member if you need assistance.
  • Information is available via the Welcome Desk inside the Visitors Centre.
  • Accessible Toilets are provided in the Visitors Centre, The POD Playground and the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion.
  • Additional temporary toilets are available near the Events Terrace. Follow signage.
  • Free water refill stations are available near the Discovery Gardens, and near the POD Playground. We encourage visitors to bring refillable drink bottles.

Photography & Drones

🚫No drones allowed on site without prior permissions. There will be an official authorised drone in operation during this event.

CROWD PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE NOTICE

The ACT Government have photographers on site at the event today taking photographs of performances, activities, workshops, exhibits and the crowd. By entering this area, you consenting to being included in any photography taken at this event and used without permission or compensation by the ACT Government. Images may be used in communications and promotional materials such as newsletters, websites, social media, videos, and other materials, including use by ACT Government portfolio ministers. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify a member of staff.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT
The ACT government photographer/s may also request to take photographs of small groups and individuals. If you are approached to have your photograph taken and agree to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form releasing the image to the ACT Government and used in the same way as listed above.

Date

Sunday 28 September

Time

Kite Fest begins 9:30am | Gates open 8am | Visitors Centre open 9am - 4pm

Where

Kite Fest events on the grassed events terrace and amphitheatre | Workshops in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion | Low-sensory workshops in the Visitors Centre

Age

All ages

Price

Free to enter | Tickets required for workshops.

Accessibility

Accessible parking at main carpark. Accesible bathroom facilities and events in Margaret Whitlam Pavilion &Visitors Centre buildings. Events terrace has paved level paths, adjacent to grassed areas. KiteFest activities are designed to be inclusive of varying abilities.

Contacts