Spring is here! Take in the beauty of the season by going to a whimsical cherry blossom festival in the Yarra Valley. Explore the stunning rows of blossoming cherry trees with your loved ones, and bring your dog along too! While you’re there, cool down with cherry ice cream, listen to live music and take part in activities and workshops. There’s some new things for you to look forward to this year, including an enchanting evening light event. And with all of the warmer weather we’ve been having, the blossoms have bloomed a little bit early. This Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchards will officially run from Saturday September 14 to Sunday September 29.
But, you can also catch a Sneak Peak from Monday September 9 to Friday September 13. During this early opening week, adults can visit and admire the beautiful blossoms for $12, and kids can enter for free.
CherryHill Orchards Blossom Festival
Head to the 100-acre orchard in Coldstream and admire this picturesque Blossom Festival. This seasonal event is particularly precious because the trees are only in full bloom for just a few weeks each year.
After you admire the sweet blossoms, stay cool with some cherry drinks and cherry ice cream. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic, and relax on the lawn while taking in dreamy views of the cherry blossoms.
On Thursdays and Fridays, there will also be a craft market with up to 50 stalls from local makers and creators. Browse through the market and find something unique to take home, then, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks on-site.
On the weekends, there will also be food trucks, market stalls and live acoustic music for you to enjoy.
Keep the little ones entertained with activities in the brand-new Kids Hub. They’ll have fun with fairies, colouring competitions, games and more. There’s also additional things you can add-on, like face painting and slime workshops.
Blossom by Light
Head to the orchard in Wandin East and admire the cherry blossoms in the evening event, Blossom by Light. As night falls, watch the orchard transform into a spectacular display of light and colour with illuminated cherry blossom trees.
If you arrive before sunset, you can relax in the picnic area with cherry beverages and a selection of food trucks. Gates open at 5:30pm, and the light experience starts at sunset. No dogs are allowed for this particular event. Blossom by Light will run from Friday September 20 to Sunday September 22.
High Tea in the Blossoms
If you’d like to take things up a notch, book yourself in for a high tea experience with the help of Mary Eats Cake. Nestled away in your own private row of cherry blossoms, you’ll enjoy a picturesque picnic with cakes, sandwiches, scones and other sweet and savoury treats. Alongside your meal, you’ll enjoy a glass of French sparkling on arrival as well as one specialty cocktail or mocktail. High Tea in the Blossoms will take place on Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15.
This special event costs $189 per person, with session times from 11am to 1pm or 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Workshops at the festival
Tap into your creative side with a range of cool workshops for you to try at the Blossom Festival. Take part in a Smart Phone Photography Workshop and learn how to take the best photos possible. Try out a Paint and Sip Workshop and create an abstract painting inspired by the blossoms. Get creative with cake decorating, make candles, try a perfume workshop, create jewellery and much more.
Other experiences at the cherry blossom festival
Add a photography package to your ticket, and get professional shots of you frolicking around the cherry blossoms.
Take things to the next level and pair the festival with a hot air balloon ride. Watch the sunrise over the Yarra Valley with the help of Global Ballooning, then spend a morning among the blossoms.
Meanwhile, if you’d prefer to stay on the ground, indulge in a Blossom Wine & Dine adventure with the help of Rochford Wines. Head to the winery for wine tasting and a two-course seasonal lunch, then make your way to the cherry blossom festival.
Tickets to the cherry blossom festival cost $12 for adults mid-week, $15 on Thursdays and Fridays and $18 on weekends. Head to the website to make your booking, and find out additional info and ticket prices for workshops and special events.