As the cool climate in Melbourne and regional Victoria phases out and gently eases into the spring season, you’ll be flanked by picturesque views of vibrant amber hues that bring an added excitement to your next visit to the destination. While the streets and trees along where you walk or drive past will make for an Instgrammable photo, why not don your best springtime #OOTD and strike a pose at the dazzling flower festivals?
After all, you’ll be entertained for hours with the multitude of photo ideas in store! Whether you’re in Melbourne or regional Victoria, this one-of-a-kind springtime beauty will fulfill your wanderlust dreams of being engulfed by the serenity of your favourite flower fields. Here are some must-visit springtime specials:
CherryHill Orchards (16 September – 1 October)
Yarra Valley’s premiere cherry producer, CherryHill Orchards will once again welcome visitors to the spectacular CherryHill Blossom Festival with many exciting new additions to the festival this year. Guests can wander through rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom, sip on new cherry-based drinks, enjoy delicious cherry ice-cream, live music and activities for the whole family.
For those wanting to elevate their experience, there is also an option to watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon over the Yarra Valley with Global Ballooning, followed by a relaxing morning among the blossoms. This ever-popular annual Festival allows visitors to enjoy the magical sight of millions of blossoms in bloom, taking in the fragrantly sweet fresh air and soaking up the gorgeous views of the Yarra Valley at CherryHill Orchards Wandin East location.
CherryHill Orchard Blossom Festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spring weather nestled among a cherry orchard in bloom, an ideal day out for friends, couples or a great family friendly activity for the school holidays, conveniently located only one hour from Melbourne CBD.
This year, CherryHill Orchards is excited to be partnering with the divine team at Mary Eats Cake to offer a luxury High Tea, nestled amongst a private row of cherry blossoms. This picturesque High Tea will have you dining in style with a fully catered food and beverage package on a beautifully styled long table, a delightful fusion of sophistication and nature’s charm. This exclusive event runs for one day only throughout the Blossom Festival.
www.cherryhill.com.au/events/blossom-festival
Tesselaar Tulip Festival (16 September – 15 October)
Visitors from near and far can once again immerse themselves in a breathtaking display of tulips and experience the magic of this world-renowned, iconic floral event. Located in Silvan in Melbourne’s stunning Dandenong Ranges, the festival grounds will be transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope as over a million blooms burst into colour across the field, promising to be a sensational celebration of nature’s majestic beauty.
Renowned for its extraordinary range of tulips, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From traditional favourites to rare and exotic varieties, the festival showcases over 120 cultivars of tulips, ensuring there is something to captivate every visitor. Beyond the floral displays, the festival will feature an array of activities and entertainment to engage and delight attendees.
Visitors can explore the stunning gardens, take leisurely walks among the tulip fields, and capture memorable moments against a backdrop of stunning blooms. Families can enjoy live music, delicious food stalls, and a wide range of children’s activities.
Wildflower Wilderness (September-October)
Cross paths with a dazzling array of native flowers in the Grampians. Once described as the ‘garden of Victoria’, the region is home to more than one third of Victoria’s flora. Visit in spring to see the canola fields in full bloom, adding a bright yellow backdrop to the landscape’s stunning wildflowers.
Northern Grampians: The first displays of flowers usually appear in the north, where grasslands support eremophila and the open woodlands have their own displays of orchids, flowering shrubs and trees. For the best views, head to the areas around Heatherlie Quarry, Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton, and along Pohlners Road and Roses Gap to Mount Zero Road.
Wartook Valley: In the Wartook Valley, admire late winter displays of massed acacia along Roses Gap Road that are replaced by miles of Grampians thryptomene in spring, when tiny white blossoms turn to delicate pinks and light browns. For more great displays, venture along Pohlners Road, Lodge Road and Rose Creek Road, and around the Asses Ears. On foot, the Zumsteins–MacKenzie River walk and the walks to the Balconies and to MacKenzie Falls Lookout are well worth a wander.
Halls Gap: Visit Halls Gap at the start of October and experience the colour and excitement of the Wildflower Walkabout Weekend. Join local green thumbs and visitors alike for a weekend of guided walks, night-time strolls and bird watching sessions. In and around Halls Gap, the road to Boroka Lookout and the walk to Boronia Peak are both ideal wanders for a range of wildflowers and the Delleys Dell–Silverband Falls area is great for ferns.
Southern Grampians: The southern plains of the region host numerous wildflowers and native grass species, purple, pink and orange peas, flowering shrubs, bluebells and pincushions, as well as green and red correas. Find picture perfect displays along the Halls Gap–Dunkeld Road, from the summit of Mount William, and from the Bainggug near Dunkeld.
www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/grampians/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/wildflowers
Bendigo Annual Tulip Display (mid-September to mid-October)
As the warmer days and clearer skies appear, 50,000 of Bendigo’s famed-tulips open to brighten the beautiful heritage streets from mid-September to mid-October. The City of Greater Bendigo’s Park and Natural Reserves team put on a great annual tulip display along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden which features some 50,000 tulips in an assortment of colours, sizes and blooming times.
In its 20th year now, come and experience Bendigo’s annual Tulip Display like never before. Follow the after dark trail (6.15pm- 9.30pm) and see the beautiful tulip beds illuminated, view Paul Fletcher’s visual artist work, The Symbiotic Pulse at Bendigo Visitor Centre, walk along a spring interactive path and have fun playing with the giant interactive blooming flower displays.
And of course, what’s a visit to Melbourne and regional Victoria without satiating the palate?
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is heading to regional Victoria this 10-19 November to showcase the best local produce and culinary talent through exciting events that will attract thousands of visitors into the regions.
Lovers of the iconic World’s Longest Lunch can choose to take a seat at the table at either the Goods Shed in Ballarat or Hubert Estate in the Yarra Valley with concurrent events on Saturday, 11 November. The program includes additional events in Ballarat and the Yarra Valley for travellers to continue their foodie journey throughout the regions.
Festival goers will have the opportunity to dine in reimagined settings and historical buildings as part of Ballarat Unlocked, featuring some of the region’s best chefs in a unique program of dinners.
More interestingly, Malaysian-born Australian chef and MasterChef Australia season 2 winner, Adam Liaw will join chefs from across the region and around the country working the pans at more than 10 food stalls, or talking shop, up close, personal and informal, in the Chef Shack, hosted by Sofia Levin.
www.mfwf.com.au
Make a date to visit these enthralling flower fields and indulge in the mesmerising views that the destination has to offer, which will sweep you off your feet. If you’re looking to wind down, go on a gastronomic journey that will satiate your cravings, with the best chefs during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in the regions.
For more details, log on to www.visitmelbourne.com.
