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SHAREAfter a long and cold winter, the state bursts to life with a blanket of colour that covers the national parks, gardens, paddocks and pastures with seasonal blooms.
Here are the top spots across Victoria for stunning insta-worthy flower displays.
Parks
Pink Lakes, Murray Sunset National Park
Located in Victoria’s Mallee region, two hours drive south of Mildura, are wide sweeping plains covered in flowers - iridescent pink pigface and the whites and yellows of many daisies and wattles, all offset by the backdrop of white and pink salt-encrusted lakes. Locations: Becking, Crosbie, Roulton and Kenyon. 13 19 63.
Gorge Scenic Drive, Beechworth Historic Park
On the outskirts of Beechworth in north east Victoria, purple, yellow and white wildflowers abound. Walking tracks meander through the area and the bush is transformed with spring colour. Visitors with spare time can head to the nearby summit of Mt Pilot, 15 minutes drive away, for sweeping views and more flowers. Beechworth, Victoria, 3747. 13 19 63.
Lerderderg campground area, Lerderderg State Park
Just over an hour north west of the Melbourne CBD is this remote park, which turns on a surprising display of colour with wattles, peas, heath and orchids. Enjoy a sea of orange and white flowers off Upper Chadwick near the new Lerderderg campground. Darley, Victoria, 3340. 13 19 63.
Wildflower Drive, Greater Bendigo National Park
The regional city of Bendigo is surrounded by forest that comes alive with wattle and other flowers from August onwards. In particular, Wildflower Drive just south east of Bendigo which is transformed with bright yellow wattle beneath the box and ironbark trees. Eaglehawk North, Victoria, 3556. 13 19 63.
Anglesea Heath, Great Otway National Park
Under two hours from Melbourne and home to about one-quarter of Victoria’s plant species, Anglesea Heath is the perfect place for orchids lovers. Find flowers right throughout the Heath, but in particular try Bambra-Aireys Inlet Road and Bald Hills Road. Anglesea, Victoria, 3230. 13 19 63.
The National Parks hosts guided walk or flower show over spring, including Wilsons Promontory National Park, Kooyoora State Park, Terrick Terrick National Park, Anglesea Heath and the Victorian State Rose Garden.
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Gardens
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda, Dandenong Ranges
Just a stone’s throw from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne lies an extensive display of spectacular flowers. Entry is free to walk around the gardens or catch a ride on the garden explorer before enjoying lunch at the cafe. Or visitors can avoid the crowds at the nearby George Tindale Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden or Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. The Georgian Rd, Olinda, Victoria, 3788. (03) 9751 1536.
Werribee Park, Werribee
For large scale formal floral displays visitors can’t go past the Victorian State Rose Garden and the grounds around Werribee Mansion. The parterre plantings near the Mansion will delight with every rose imaginable in the rose gardens. Gate 2, K Road, Werribee, Victoria, 3030. (03) 9731 4000.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Open every day except Christmas Day, Sherbrooke’s Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens provide an idyllic place for a walk, picnic or afternoon of contemplation. Rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and kalmias are all in bloom during springtime, with linking paths providing connections to ornamental lakes and water features. Native birdlife is abundant all throughout this part of the Dandenong Ranges, with colourful rosellas and king parrots easily spotted in the canopy. 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789. 13 19 63.
Located on the edge of Bendigo’s historic city centre, sprawling Rosalind Park offers 60 acres of green space for locals and visitors to meander. Lush lawns, towering gums and manicured gardens provide the ideal backdrop for dog walking, picnicking and lazy afternoons of book reading in the sunshine. Springtime floral displays can be found in the conservatory and impressive tulip garden, with thousands of bulbs planted by local horticulturalists in autumn for guests to view and enjoy in spring. 30 Gaol Rd, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550. (03) 5434 6000.
An easy drive or train ride from Melbourne, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens was established in the mid-1800s and has grown to include one of the world’s most impressive begonia collections. Enjoying prime position right on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Botanical Gardens is visited by resident native birds all year round. Visitors can wander the impressive grounds to find the blooming azalea and camellia gardens and visit the conservatory where spring bulbs bloom during spring. Gillies St North, North Ballarat, Victoria, 3355. (03) 5320 5135.
Gardens in Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges, an hour from Melbourne, is transformed by the art of garden design in spring with the region famous for its public and private spaces. Behind the walls of Macedon’s many National Trust-listed mansions lays some of the state’s finest gardens which are open to the public during the year, including Forest Glade, Bringalbit, Duneira Open Garden, Ard Choille and Tieve Tara. Along with Botanical Gardens in Gisborne, Kyneton and Malmsbury that are open all year round with free entry. Various locations. For more information: https://www.visitmacedonranges.com/see-do/the-great-outdoors/gardens/
Heronswood Home and Garden
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, the Heronswood Home and Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018. The nursery, home to the Diggers Club, is famous for their heirloom vegetable varieties, seed collections and garden hardware. Dine at Heronswood restaurant, located within the historic Heronswood House on vegetables and fruits grown in our gardens and local Peninsula produce. 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana, Victoria, 3936. (03) 5984 7321.
Events
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival (15 September – 14 October 2018) is a colourful celebration of tulip growing. Visitors can witness the spectacle of almost a million tulips spread out over 25 acres of farmland at this popular event, located 60 minutes from Melbourne. A rotating list of food, wine, entertainment and activities ensures all ages are taken care of, including a Turkish Weekend (15-16 September), Tulips in Wonderland Week (17-20 September), Dutch Weekend (21-23 September) and Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend (28-30 September). 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan, Victoria, 3795. (03) 9737 7722.
Located in Spa Country just ten minutes north of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is a rustic property home to European-style gardens that come to life in spring. For a $4 entry fee guests can wander the grounds of the property, admiring the 1850s stone buildings and romantic gardens that have been carefully curated for generations. With the onsite café providing everything from lavender scones with jam and cream to grazing platters overflowing with olives, cheese and cured meats, Lavandula is ripe for a weekend getaway. The property will play host to a day of health, healing and happiness on Sunday 18 November with Taking the Waters as part of the inaugural Live, Love Life festival. 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat, Victoria, 3461. (03) 5476 4393.
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