It might be winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay huddled up indoors. If you love strolling through gardens, and smelling the scent of pretty flowers, then we’ve got the perfect place for you. Make a date to see Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour away from Melbourne, the team at Ashcombe have created a lavender labyrinth that’s filled with over 4000 plants. And with over 40 varieties to see, that means that there is lavender in bloom all year round. There’s also plenty of other things to see and do, including woodland gardens, a pretty lake, a cafe, and yes, a massive traditional hedge maze. Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is open from Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. During the school holidays, this venue is open daily.
Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
This gorgeous venue is stunning all year round, with something different to admire in the gardens in all four seasons. The hedge maze is green throughout the year, and the lavender labyrinth is also in flower at all times.
Hedge maze
Lose yourself in the hedge maze, which was planted over 40 years ago. With its foundations first laid in the late 1970s, this maze is also the oldest traditional hedge maze in Australia. Today, it stands proudly at over three metres high and two metres thick. Enter this lush maze, planted from over 1000 cypress trees, and wind your way along hundreds of metres of paths from the South Maze to the Centre Garden. Then, try and tackle the North Maze. On top of navigating this space, you’re also encouraged to find each of the four mosaic flags in the two halves of the maze. Each half of the maze also has a different layout, just to keep things interesting.
This maze is carefully maintained three times a year. But, each year, the hedge grows a bit thicker, making the paths narrower. Do note that in some sections, the maze is so narrow that it can’t fit wheelchairs or prams.
Lavender
Follow your nose to the lavender labyrinth. Set on a rolling hillside, overlooking the Ashcombe Arboretum, this labyrinth leads to a viewing platform that floats above the lavender. Amble along the paths to the platform, where you can admire the stunning plants. With over 4000 plants, this labyrinth is always in bloom. See the classic blue and mauve varieties, as well as the pretty pinks, whites and greens from lesser-known varieties.
While you’re there, you’ll also see other gorgeous plants, like giant redwoods, a large weeping cedar, and a coral maple tree, which reveals its intense red bark during winter.
There’s also lavender display gardens to admire, however, these gardens mainly flower in spring, summer and autumn.
More gardens
The maze and labyrinth are set among 25 acres of gorgeous gardens, so spend some time meandering around the venue. At the Arboretum for example, you’ll find cool trees like sequoia, deodar pines, tulip trees and more. Meanwhile in the Lower Woodland, you’ll see a range of oak, ash, beech, birch and maple trees.
In winter, you’ll find flowers like camellias, rhododendrons and hellebores blooming around the gardens. Late in the season, over two million dainty bluebells will appear underneath the bare woodland trees. The native Happy Wanderer climber will also add touches of bright purple and white to the scene.
At the base of the venue, you’ll find a pretty lake which is fed by natural springs. A windmill pumps the water, which then flows out to the ponds and fountains scattered around the gardens.
The kids will also have lots of fun, with Gnome and Fairy Hunt activity sheets, as well as a playground.
Don’t forget to swing by the cafe for a warm coffee or a hot pie. And, even though it might be cold, you can’t say no to their famous lavender ice cream. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn.
More details:
📅Thursday to Monday. Also open daily during school holidays.
🕒10am to 5pm
🎫Tickets are:
- Adults – $22
- Senior and Health Care Card Holders – $19
- Children (4 to 15) – $14
- Children aged three and under can enter for free
📍15 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham VIC 3916
Learn more about Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens by checking out their website, and stay updated on special events via their social media.
