
We love exploring a good garden, and with waterlilies, lavender fields and wisteria archways, you can find plenty of stunning spots around Melbourne and Victoria. And if you prefer prickly plants over more delicate blooms, you’re in luck. There’s a 12-acre garden north of Melbourne that’s filled with thousands of spiky cacti. Feel transported from Melbourne to Mexico, the Sahara and more desert landscapes at Cactus Country. This dog-friendly space in Strathmerton is open 10am to 5pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
Feel your curiosity spike with a trip to Cactus Country
There’s eight different trails for you to walk around in Cactus Country, and they will take you to faraway landscapes in Arizona, Mexico, the Andes, South Africa and more. There’s thousands of prickly plants for you to admire, from small succulents to towering plants on the Valley of the Giants trail. Head up to the lookout dome and take in the view of the sprawling scenery. The kids can also have plenty of fun with a scavenger hunt. For your own safety, keep to the path, and remember not to touch anything!
This garden is dog-friendly, so your furry best friend is welcome to tag along, as long as they stay on a leash. Throughout the garden, you’ll find water bowls to help quench their thirst.
Speaking of thirst, there is a Mexican bar and restaurant on-site serving up margaritas, Jarritos sodas, Coronas, cocktails, mocktails, iced coffee and more. Feast on nachos, jalapeno poppers and tacos for something savoury. Don’t miss their homemade cactus ice cream, made with fruit from the garden, and try their homemade cactus cake. Take in the view from the restaurant, or take a drink or an ice cream with you while you wander along the trails.
If this garden inspires you, you can purchase a cactus or succulent to take home from the gift shop.