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Entertainment
Upcoming flower and garden show events in Melbourne and Victoria
Jessica Taylor Yates
September 15, 2023
From the splendours of the Tulip Festival to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, enjoy the beauty of botanica at these flower and garden festivals around Victoria.
Whether you desire a day trip marvelling at the lotus flowers in the Yarra Valley, or an afternoon frolicking through the sunflower fields of KaBloom, there's no better time than flower season.
Throughout the year, there’s plenty of time to embrace seasonal blooms at the many flower and garden festivals, shows, and events around the state.
Discover the best and biggest flower festivals around Victoria on the 2023 calendar to enjoy a fun outdoor experience with the whole family.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, Melbourne
29 March, 2023 – 2 April, 2023
Arguably the biggest flora and fauna event in Victoria, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show held at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens has a 2023 focus on ‘emerging lifestyle trends.’
Featuring gardening experts highlighting the latest and greatest garden displays and floral designers, art and retail products, indoor and outdoor plant zones, landscape show gardens, sculpture, competitions, workshops and events like High Tea and Gardens by Twilight, get lost amongst all nature has to offer.
Notes: Ticketed event. Food and drink on site. Dogs not permitted.
Blue Lotus Watergardens, Yarra Junction
26 December, 2022 – 10 April, 2023
Situated in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley, kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the Blue Lotus Water Garden. With thousands of flowers set over 50,000 square metres, the exotic lotus flowers bloom exclusively across 40 ponds over the summer and autumn period.
Families will especially enjoy the interactive experiences for children. Visit the enchanted fairy garden with Kristabelle the Fairy Queen roaming amongst the flowers, head on a scavenger hunt beneath the towering vines, head on the Dragons Trail walk under the giant lily pads, and of course, indulge in the scenic delight of autumn blooms during a picnic or bought lunch.
From walking through the world's largest water lily species in the Giants of the Amazon and Lotus Wetlands exhibits, to the exotic Monet's Lake & Bridge Walk, it is truly a feast for the eyes that is enjoyed by families, artists, those celebrating an event, or anyone wanted to feel connected to Mother Nature.
Notes: Ticketed event. Nursery on site. Food, drink and picnic packs available. Dogs not permitted.
Tesselaar KaBloom, Silvan
25 March, 2023 - 25 April, 2023
Growing up with Dutch heritage running amongst the tulip fields, KaBloom is third-generation owner Paul Tesselar's proud 'contribution' to the family legacy, starting with his grandparents' humble tulip bulb store when the first Tesselaars came to the area before WWII.
From a photographer's delight of sunflowers to marigolds, petunias, celosia and more, KaBloom promises to deliver ‘a kaleidoscope of colour… to delight your senses.’
This year, the autumn event will be home to the nouveaux circus ‘BLOOM,’ a series of shows, entertainers and workshops from SWAY Productions, themed to captivate adults and children alike.
There are even more activities for kids amongst the stunning floral spectacular, from storytelling in the fairy garden to drumming circles, a psychedelic 'zig-zag' field of autumnal annuals, wild flower meadows, an Easter egg hunt, a tractor train departing from Flower Station, and giant garden games, just to name a few.
Notes: Children under 16 free. Nursery and souvenir shop on-site, as well as food and drink, although you may BYO. Dogs permitted on lead.
Yarra Valley Autumn Plant Fair & Garden Expo, Wandin
22 - 23 April, 2023
The Yarra Valley Autumn Plant Fair & Garden Expo is for those who love to watch the fall foliage turn, with over 5,000 native plant varieties such as orchids, natives and roses on site.
The event hosts speakers and special guests sharing information and tips on landscaping and garden design, rare plant sales and auctions, plant stalls, and plenty of autumnal florae to take home.
Notes: Ticketed event. Food and drink are available. Dogs permitted on lead.
Summer and autumn are the best times to see the lotus in full bloom. Image: Lisa Luscombe
Visitors can enjoy Lotus Root Chips, a crispy savoury hot chip made with the root of the Lotus Flower. Image: Jessica Taylor Yates
Marvel at flowers taller than you at the enchanting Blue Lotus Water Garden. Image: Jessica Taylor Yates
In many cultures, the blue lotus, growing from muddy waters into full bloom, is a symbol of strength, prosperity and victory. Image: Jessica Taylor Yates
The Blue Lotus Water Gardens are a stunning tranquil landscape. Image: Lisa Luscombe
The stunning Blue Lotus Water Garden. Image: Lisa Luscombe
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Victorian flower festivals 2023 – Spring season
Cornella Canola Walk, Shiraz Republic, Cornella
August - September, 2023
Roughly two hours out of Melbourne you'll be greeted with the buttery fields of yellow canola that stretch as far as the eye can see. From the tail end of winter to the start of the spring season, walk the 100 acre field of canola, take beautiful photos and stay for lunch, wine and some live music for a spectacular spring Saturday or Sunday.
Notes: Ticketed event. Dogs welcome outdoors on leash.
Annual Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival, Macedon Ranges
31 August, 2023 - 10 September, 2023
At the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, explore the wonder of the open gardens of Kyneton. A festival celebration both daffodil season and the arts in the region, have fun exploring the range of attractions and exhibitions dedicated to beauty in all its forms.
There’ll be bus tours of stunning garden landscapes, garden-themed light projections, flower show exhibits, and a celebration of florals, art, and food at the annual Daffodil Festival Long Lunch.
Make sure to get around town for a range of other activities, such as arts workshops, dog shows, window displays, and markets, before a stop at the Golden Mile of Daffodils.
Notes: Ticketed event. Dogs welcome outdoors on leash. Stick around for the ferret racing, dog dash, and a range of musical performances.
Tessellar Tulip Festival, Silvan
16 September, 2023 – 15 October, 2023
A favourite on the flower festival calendar, the ‘Tulip Fest’ is brought to you by the same producers of KaBloom, except this time, it’s tulip season!
Held in Silvan, part of the Dandenong Ranges, frolic throughout tulip fields with millions of coloured bulbs in bloom, while indulging in a range of Danish foods and pastimes.
You can also choose to come for a themed Turkish or Irish weekend, take a tractor ride, play in the Fairy Garden, or dance to some love music at the festival of flowers and fun.
Notes: Kids under 16 free. Dogs welcome on leash.
Bendigo Annual Tulips Display, Bendigo
Mid September – Mid October, 2023
It’s tulip season, and Bendigo is getting in on the action. Every year, the City of Greater Bendigo's Park and Natural Reserves group put on a free flower display of rainbow blooms, with over 53,000 individual bulbs on display for all to enjoy.
The tulips can be seen along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden, where you can enjoy the sweet smell of spring before enjoying the rest that the Goldfields region has to offer.
Notes: Free to attend. Dogs welcome on leash.
CherryHill Blossom Festival, Yarra Valley
16 September, 2023 – 1 October, 2023
Not just a commodity seen in the forests of Japan, cherry blossom season is in full force at a range of gardens around Victoria. If you’re looking to celebrate these pinkest hues in all their glory, the Yarra Valley hosts a festival celebrating the magic of the cherry blossom.
Featuring a range of workshops like flower crown or candle making, sip and paint sessions, hot air ballooning and delectable gastronomy experiences, you can then head to the main event – a stroll through the spectacular cherry blossom tree orchard blooming along 85 marvellous acres.
Notes: Ticketed event. Dogs are welcome but must be registered.
State Rose and Garden Show, Werribee
11 – 12 November, 2023
Pick the perfect rose at the annual State Rose & Garden Show held in Victoria’s famed Werribee Park Mansion.
Running over just two days in November, head along for a feats of the eyes for the world’s most romantic flower. With over 5,000 rose buds in bloom, have fun taking spectacular photos, playing in the garden exhibits, enjoying local food and live music, and watching live SWAY circus performances.
Green thumbs who are looking to grow their own rose can also indulge in a range of garden talks and workshops, from terrarium making, to beekeeping and nature play programs for adults and children alike.
Notes: Free event. Dogs not permitted.
Get up close and personal at the festival of flowers. Image: Supplied
The flowers spread across five acres in the Dandenong Ranges. Image: Lisa Luscombe
The dazzling scenery of KaBloom peaks during April. Image: Lisa Luscombe
A new 'chessboard' of flowers adds to the 300 thousand bulbs planted on site at KaBloom. Image: Jessica Taylor Yates
Walk amongst sunflowers as big as your head at KaBloom. Image: Jessica Taylor Yates
KaBloom living up to its name. Image: Lisa Luscombe
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Year round parks and gardens to visit in Melbourne and Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne and Cranbourne
Year-round
While the Royal Botanic Gardens are open year-round, there are plenty of seasonal events happening across the parks in both Melbourne and Cranbourne.
In Melbourne, visitors can embark on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, and learn about important native plants and their uses for the local Kulin Nation.
At Cranbourne Gardens, visitors can venture on the Australian Landscape Walk, where they can gain knowledge about unique Australian flora and fauna.
At both gardens, children can indulge their inner explorer with Seek and Find Nature cards, or a trip aboard The Explorer, an open-air minibus that avid greenies can hop on and enjoy commentary about their natural surrounds.
During the summer season. the Royal Botanic Gardens is also home to the Moonlight Outdoor Cinema, while in winter, it's home to the fabulous Lightscape exhibition.
Notes: No dogs permitted at Cranbourne, allowed on leash at Melbourne. Some events may be ticketed or run for a limited time.
