Spring is blooming with so many lovely events, such as the Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens and flower picking at Bloom Into You. And if you love a good garden and market, you’ll want to add this event to your to-do list. After receiving thousands of visitors for their spring open gardens in 2024 and 2025, as well as the success of their autumn open garden, Wombat Park Estate is once again opening their doors to visitors. Travel to this picturesque venue in Daylesford, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, and stroll leisurely along the lawns and beneath the exotic trees. There will also be a country market, with food and drink available for purchase. The spring open garden will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, just in time for the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Wombat Park Estate in spring
Stretching across 250 acres, this charming estate first began in 1854, when grazier William Stanbridge constructed a modest timber homestead and planted a range of exotic trees, such as oaks, elms and chestnuts. The garden was continuously developed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and has been described as a place of “pure romance”.
Follow the elm-lined avenue to the grand house, which was constructed around 1910-1912, and wander beneath the the canopy of towering trees such as pines, cedars, oaks and cypress. Meander along the rambling paths through the different lawns and past tidy hedges. In spring, look out for a spectacular display of bluebells.
Head to the croquet lawn, where you’ll find food, drink and local produce available to purchase from the country market. Grab a picnic box from Piper Street Food Company, scones from The Vintage Baker and wine from Merth Vineyard. Find plants and gardening products from vendors like Wild Rose Nursery, That Leaf and The Green Folly, as well as other items like homewares and books.
Key details:
đź“…Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1
đź•’10am to 4pm
🎫$33.08 for entry, with tickets available online or at the gate. Children under 10 are free. Dogs aren’t allowed to come along.
đź“Ť4719 Midland Hwy, Daylesford VIC 3460
To learn more about the open garden, click here.
