Canberrans are asked to plan ahead and rethink their travel routine ahead of this weekend’s National Multicultural Festival.
The festival returns to the city from Friday 16 February to Sunday 18 February 2024. This year’s event will be easier than ever to attend as there will be free public transport across Canberra on the festival weekend from 4:30 pm on Friday 16 February to end of services on Sunday 18 February. If you have a MyWay card please tap on and off to register a $0 fee.
People attending the National Multicultural Festival are asked to think about leaving the car at home and consider using public transport. Use Park and Ride to connect with a bus or light rail service into the city, or get active by walking, cycling or scooting to the event.
Road closures for the event in the city will be in place in the lead up to, during and after the event. Signage will be in place. Arrangements have been put in place for local residents and businesses to gain access during set times, which have been communicated directly with those impacted.
There is also a free festival shuttle bus available to help people get around the festival precinct.
Event road closure details
Road closures from 8 pm Tuesday 13 February to 8 pm Tuesday 20 February
- Bunda Street closed in both directions between Genge Street and Akuna Street
(Local access available for businesses during this time except during Festival operating hours, with entry one way from Mort Street).
- Petrie Street closed in both directions at Bunda Street (car park entry/exit not impacted).
Additional road closures from 4 am Thursday 15 February to 4 am Monday 19 February
- Ainslie Place closed at London Circuit.
- Single lane closure on London Circuit (northbound) adjacent to Civic Square.
Additional road closures/impacts from 8 pm Thursday 15 February to 4 am Monday 19 February
- London Circuit closed between Northbourne Avenue and Akuna Street.
- London Circuit closed northbound direction between Constitution Avenue and Akuna Street.
- Akuna Street eastbound between London Circuit and Bunda Street.
- Akuna Street westbound between Cooyong Street and Rabaul Lane.
- Bunda Street between Akuna Street and Binara Street.
Road closure from 3 pm to 6:30 pm Saturday 17 February
- Rabaul Lane closed in both directions.
Baileys Corner car park will be closed completely from Thursday 15 February to Monday 19 February 2024. Partial closure of this carpark is in place until Friday 23 February.
Major infrastructure projects are also underway in the City, and London Circuit is closed between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue for construction of the next stage of light rail. Both cloverleaf ramps from Commonwealth Avenue to Parkes Way and London Circuit are also now permanently closed.
Changes to bus services
Due to the event road closures, some bus detours and stop closures will be in place in the city from Thursday 15 February until Sunday 18 February 2024.
Details of impacted services and stops with maps can be found at www.transport.act.gov.au.
More frequent light rail services
For attendees taking a light rail service to the event, a special event timetable will be in place with increased frequency in both directions from 6:30 pm Friday 16 February to 5:30 pm Sunday 18 February.
Details about how to get around the festival, including a map showing the free shuttle bus route, can be found at the National Multicultural Festival webpage: https://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/attend/getting-around-the-festival/
For detailed information on road closures in place for the National Multicultural Festival visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au.
