Forde is an idyllic suburb located in the northern district of Gungahlin. Characterised by its expansive roads, tree-lined streets of elegant brick homes, and meticulous landscaping, this neighbourhood offers a serene lifestyle for its residents, blending natural beauty with modern living.  I have a friend in Forde, with who I stay whenever I visit.  As we hang out in her sunlit front yard, we’re greeted by the inhabitants of Forde’s nature reserves; kangaroos and wallabies - providing the true Australian experience.

A highlight of Canberra’s cultural calendar is its renowned Floriade festival, an annual celebration of flowers. During my last visit, my friend and I drove to Commonwealth Park, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, where the festival is held each year. With refreshing juices in hand, we wandered through flower beds, soaking in the sights of thousands of brightly coloured tulips, a grand Ferris wheel, rows of blooming bulbs, whimsical garden gnomes and miniature homes. It was nothing short of a fairytale experience.

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