The Ballarat Begonia Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Flowers, Community, and Sustainability

Ballarat Begonia Festival

This Labour Day long weekend, from Saturday 8 to Monday 10 March 2025, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens will blossom into a vibrant oasis of colour and life as it hosts the much-anticipated Ballarat Begonia Festival. Celebrating the beauty of begonias, sustainability, and community spirit, the festival is a cherished annual event that brings together thousands of flower lovers, families, and visitors of all ages for an unforgettable experience.

Festival Highlights: A Blend of Nature, Art, and Entertainment

The Last Numbat: A truly magical experience awaits festival-goers with the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's interactive performance installation, The Last Numbat. This large-scale marionette, operated by up to 14 participants, will captivate audiences with its enchanting performance while delivering a poignant message of environmental awareness, connection, and community. This will be the first time the beloved puppet show will be seen on Australia's east coast, making it a must-see experience for all ages.

Main Stage Showcases: Meet the Experts

The festival’s main stage will feature a variety of inspiring talks and presentations led by notable experts in the fields of gardening, sustainability, food, and culture. Costa Georgiadis, the beloved environmental educator and TV personality, will return to share his passion for sustainable gardening and connecting with nature. Join him for talks that are bound to inspire and ignite your own green-thumb aspirations.

Also featured is Millie Ross, an environmental educator with a creative approach to gardening, who will share her unique ideas for resourceful and creative gardening projects. Mindy Wood, a proud Bundjalung woman and MasterChef Australia alumna, will showcase indigenous ingredients and dishes, offering a deeper understanding of food, culture, and country. And Ballarat’s own Liam Downes, a celebrated chef, will demonstrate his paddock-to-plate philosophy, focusing on the region’s rich culinary delights. All of these experts, plus Chloe Thomson—the award-winning gardening presenter and festival MC—will ensure there’s never a dull moment on stage.

Begonias Galore: The Heart of the Festival

The Robert Clark Conservatory will be transformed into a fragrant paradise with thousands of beautiful begonias on display, including over 500 rare and unique varieties. This stunning exhibition is complemented by lush greenery and fragrant lavender, offering a romantic, immersive experience. The display will be open longer than ever this year, so flower lovers can truly take in the breathtaking beauty of these stunning blooms.

Family Fun and Free Activities

The festival is not just for garden enthusiasts—there’s something for everyone, especially families. The Garden of Giggles will delight kids and adults alike with puppet shows, comedy performances, roving entertainment, and interactive workshops. There’s also a Snail Trail scavenger hunt throughout the gardens, where participants can search for 10 unique snail sculptures created by Victorian artist Tim Read.

Ballarat Begonia Festival

Families will also enjoy Integra Tiny Town, a miniature village for little ones, along with rock climbing, a sports zone, giant garden games, and Trash Puppet workshops where children can create art from recycled materials.

Additionally, the Gardeners Market will offer a fantastic selection of plants, flowers, and garden gifts, including begonias for sale—perfect for adding a touch of floral beauty to your own home garden.

A Celebration of Food and Drink

No festival is complete without great food and drinks. The Begonia Bar will serve up local wines, beers, and spirits, while a variety of food trucks will offer delicious bites to keep you fueled for the day’s activities. Whether you're in the mood for a gourmet snack or a full meal, the food offerings will cater to every taste.

The PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade: A Grand Finale

The festival will close with a vibrant PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade on Monday 10 March, showcasing a procession of community groups, schools, and local businesses. The parade will be a colorful celebration of the festival’s spirit, bringing together all attendees in a joyful display of community pride and festivity.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday 8 to Monday 10 March 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat, Victoria
• Price: Free entry, with food, drinks, and wares available for purchase
• More Information: ballaratbegoniafestival.com

Fast Facts:

• What’s On: Thousands of begonias, The Last Numbat interactive puppet show, main stage talks from gardening and food experts, family-friendly activities, puppet shows, market stalls, and more.
• Food & Drink: Local wines, beers, and spirits at The Begonia Bar, and delicious offerings from food trucks.
• Activities: Gardening workshops, scavenger hunts, kids’ activities, and live entertainment.

The Ballarat Begonia Festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, celebrate sustainability, and experience the beauty of flowers in the heart of Victoria. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone simply in search of inspiration and beauty, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on one of the most enchanting floral celebrations in Australia!