Spring is here, and there’s all sorts of wholesome flower festivals for you to check out, such as the Tesselaar Tulip Festival and the Blossom Festival. And if flowers are your thing, the whole Bendigo region is blossoming for the season with their Bloom program. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway, or pop by for a quick day trip, and admire all that Bendigo has to offer this spring. Look forward to over 100 events and experiences, from their beloved tulip display, to guided spring walks and a bloom-inspired cocktail trail. The program is in full swing, with most events running throughout September and October, and a couple of things in November.
Bendigo Bloom
Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
You can’t visit Bendigo in spring without seeing their annual tulip display. Every year, thousands of tulips of various colours and sizes burst into bloom along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden. The blooming times vary each year, and typically run from mid-September to mid-October. This year, we have already started to see some lovely tulips pop up along Pall Mall.
During the school holidays, from Friday, September 18 to Saturday, October 3, stick around in the evening for Bloom After Dark. Stroll along Pall Mall, admire the glowing tulip beds and see giant, interactive blooms. This year, the interactive blooming flowers have been extended out to Heathcote and Bridgewater for the first time, so you’ll have lots to see around the region.
The trail has also expanded into the Dai Gum San precinct, where the Yi Yuan Gardens will be illuminated in a dazzling, golden display. This additional display will commemorate 175 years since gold was discovered in the region.
Meanwhile, the kids will have fun looking out for 11 hidden spring gnomes at Bendigo Botanic Gardens. Walk through the garden and experience the seasonal blooms, while looking out for these cheeky characters.
Rosalind Park will light up for The Bloomin’ Good Market, which will take place on Friday, September 25 and Sunday, September 27. Browse through over 80 stalls, showcasing fresh produce, handmade gifts and artisan wares from local makers, artists, growers and producers. Listen to live music while you’re there, grab a bite from a food truck, and admire the tulips.
Nature experiences
There’s all sorts of outdoor events to help you enjoy the best of spring, including the Cornella Canola Walk, where you’ll walk through a cheerful, yellow field. There’s also Guided Walks at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Wildflower Tours at Kooyoora State Park and six open gardens to discover in the Wedderburn district. Visit Canterbury Gardens in Eaglehawk for their inaugural Bloom in Borough Garden Show, or swing by Pure Maiden Farm for their vintage-inspired garden party among the flowers.
Major events
If you’re not sure when to go, you could time your visit to Bendigo to align with some major events during the season, such as:
- Bendigo Fashion Series from September 12 to 20
- Harvest Moon Festival and Moonlight Market on September 25
- Loddon Valley Arts Trail from October 2 to 4
- Bendigo Latin Festival and the Vegecareian Festival on October 3
- Bendigo Comedy Festival from October 7 to 17
- Heathcote Wine and Food Festival on October 10 and 11
- Bendigo Wine Week from October 12 to 17
- and more!
More cool stuff
Throughout the season, you can also look forward to all sorts of wonderful events and experiences. Swing by the iconic Tram Cafe and enjoy a drink among their pretty floral display, sip your way along the bloom-inspired cocktail trail, grab a picnic pack to enjoy outdoors and taste your way through a variety of seasonal menus. Enjoy art exhibitions while you’re in town, take part in First Nations walking tours and have fun with activities like LEGO building or paint and sips.
To browse through the full bloom program, click here.
Getting there
Bendigo is about a two hour drive away from Melbourne CBD. You can also get there by train, with the V/Line running from Southern Cross to Bendigo Station in about two hours. From there, you can get around with a bus, or hop on the Talking Tram to see most of the major attractions around Bendigo.
