Commuters on Sydney Harbour were really woken up to spring on Wednesday morning when their ferry was adorned with flowers to promote Canberra's Floriade festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The ferry Scarborough was decorated to awaken the senses of Sydneysiders who represent the target market for Floriade, which opens in Commonwealth Park on September 14 and continues until October 13.
A team of about 20 people worked at Circular Quay until 2am on Wednesday, decking out the ferry which does inner-harbour runs between Mosman, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo and Darling Harbour.
It will be on the water again on Thursday.
Floriade marketing and communication manager Adelina La Vita said thinking outside the box to promote the festival fitted with its theme, Beautiful Innovation.
And it had an effect on perhaps otherwise jaded commuters.
''To see everyone's face as it pulled into the wharf was really beautiful as they wondered what happened to their ferry,'' Ms La Vita said.
''People were really excited and had their photo taken. I know some people said, 'Yes, I know Floriade, I love Floriade, I'm going to go again this year'. It was really positive. I think it was something different that brightened up their life.''
Two staff members adorned with a garland of flowers also handed out pamphlets enticing commuters to Canberra's celebration of spring.
''We try to introduce new elements every year. We need to keep it fresh and exciting so it captures people's imagination and piques their curiosity,'' Ms La Vita said.
