Spring is here, and there’s plenty of gardens to explore and flowers to admire. And if you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that Melbourne and Victoria is bursting with flower festivals to enjoy this spring. Follow the scent of fragrant roses, take in the colours of vibrant tulips and more in Melbourne and beyond. These experiences offer you a chance to stop, breathe in, and celebrate the beauty of nature. These enchanting events also have other things to keep the merriment going, such as live music and activities. If you’re in the mood for a bit of springtime frivolity, find inspiration at one of these lovely flower festivals and experiences.
1. Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchards
đź“…Dates: September 9 to 29
đź“ŤLocation: 739 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770
Escape to the Yarra Valley and explore rows of beautiful cherry blossoms at the stunning Blossom Festival by CherryHill Orchards. While you’re there, relax with cherry-themed food and drink, listen to live music and take part in activities and workshops. This festival will take place at the orchard in Coldstream, but if you’re more of a nocturnal person, there’s also the new evening event, Blossom by Light, in Wandin East.
2. Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival
đź“…Dates: September 5 to 15
đź“ŤLocation: Kyneton VIC 3444
Celebrate spring and creativity at the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival. See daffodils, explore open gardens, check out markets, take part in workshops, see a parade and more. Learn more here.
3. Cornella Canola Walk
đź“…Dates: Now until October 4
đź“ŤLocation: 507 Hamblin Rd, Cornella VIC 3551
Stroll along a special track and see bright yellow canola in every direction on the Cornella Canola Walk. Shiraz Republic and Cornella Brewery have teamed up to create this relaxing trail and viewing platform, set within their 100 acre fields. After admiring the yellow fields, grab a drink or two at the cellar door. This experience is open from Friday to Monday.
4. Tesselaar Tulip Festival
đź“…Dates: September 14 to October 13
đź“ŤLocation: 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan VIC 3795
Drive out to the Dandenong Ranges and feel delighted by the visual splendour of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Back for its 69th year, there’s over a million spring flowering bulbs to discover, including thousands of beautiful tulips. On top of the flowers, there will be food, drinks and entertainment to keep the good times blooming. There’s also plenty of themed events happening depending on the week.
5. Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
đź“…Dates: Mid-September to mid-October
đź“ŤLocation: Bendigo VIC 3550
Head to Pall Mall and the Conservatory Garden to see the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. There, you’ll find 43, 000 tulips with a whole range of colours, sizes and blooming times. This free display depends on the weather, and typically blooms from mid-September to mid-October. From September 20 to October 6, you can also see the tulips lit up in Bloom After Dark from 6:30pm to 10pm.
6. Pomonal Native Flower Show
đź“…Dates: September 21 and 22
đź“ŤLocation: 3360 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal VIC 3381
Escape to the Grampians and check out the Pomonal Native Flower Show. This annual event showcases hundreds of native flowers, all picked from local gardens. Explore market stalls and find native plants to take home, as well as books and refreshments. This event is on from 9am to 4pm on both dates. See more here.
7. Duneira Bluebell Festival
đź“…Dates: November 2 and 3
đź“ŤLocation: Duneira Estate, Officer Ln, Mount Macedon VIC 3440
Head to the historic Duneira Estate on Mount Macedon and have a beautiful time at the annual Bluebell Festival. Admire the bluebells in the heritage garden, take a guided tour of the house, feel entertained by live music and enjoy tasty treats and local wine and gin. Learn more here.
8. International Rose Garden Festival
đź“…Dates: November 8 and 9
đź“ŤLocation: Morwell Centenary Rose Garden, Cnr Commercial Road and Maryvale Crescent, Morwell VIC 3840
Drive out to Morwell in Gippsland for the annual International Rose Garden Festival. Admire the rose garden in the heart of town, and have fun with market stalls, live music, roving performers, food trucks and more. The festival will kick off with a light show at 6:30pm on Friday night, followed by an 11am start the next day. Entry is free. Find out more.
9. State Rose & Garden Show
đź“…Dates: November 9 and 10
đź“ŤLocation: Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee VIC 3030
Closer to home, you’ll see plenty of blooming roses at the State Rose & Garden Show. There’s over 5000 rose bushes to admire, as well as plant stalls, gardening experts, food trucks and live music. Entry is free, and you’re welcome to make a gold coin donation to support the upkeep of the garden. Check it out from 10am to 4pm.
10. Warratina Lavender Festival
đź“…Dates: November 9 and 10
đź“ŤLocation: 105 Quayle Rd, Wandin North VIC 3139
Warratina Lavender Farm is throwing their 30th Lavender Festival. Walk through the rows of blooming lavender, and have fun with children’s entertainment, craft demonstrations, live music, farm animals, market stalls and tasty treats. The festival is on from 10am to 4pm. More info here.