Ballarat Blooms This Long Weekend at the Begonia Festival

Ballarat Begonia Festival

This long weekend, from Saturday, March 8 to Monday, March 10, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens will come alive in a spectacular floral display as the Ballarat Begonia Festival celebrates its 2025 edition. With over 500 rare and unique begonia varieties, the festival transforms the gardens into a vibrant wonderland, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a garden enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or someone with a passion for local food and culture, the festival promises an unforgettable experience.

The star of the show, of course, is the breathtaking begonia display at the Robert Clark Conservatory, where thousands of begonias bloom in full color, accompanied by fragrant lavender and lush greenery. It’s an immersive visual and sensory experience, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a romantic stroll through nature's beauty.

But the festival offers more than just flowers. It’s an event full of family-friendly entertainment, expert talks, and an exciting program of activities. One of the standout attractions this year is the debut of The Last Numbat, a large-scale marionette controlled by a team of 14 participants. With its striking design and environmental message, this enchanting performance promises to captivate audiences young and old.

The festival's Main Stage will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and chefs. Costa Georgiadis, the beloved TV personality and environmental educator, will share his expertise on creating pollinator-friendly gardens and fostering community spaces through gardening. Millie Ross, another well-known environmental educator, will inspire festival-goers with her creative gardening solutions. Additionally, local culinary talents will take the stage, with Ballarat’s own Liam Downes showcasing regional delicacies, and Mindy Wood, MasterChef Australia alumna, offering an insight into indigenous Australian ingredients.

Ballarat Begonia Festival

For families, the Garden of Giggles offers a delightful mix of free puppet shows, comedy performances, and interactive workshops. Young ones can also enjoy a whimsical scavenger hunt on the Snail Trail, where ten unique snail sculptures, created by Victorian artist Tim Read, are hidden throughout the gardens.

Festival-goers can also indulge in local food and drinks at The Begonia Bar, featuring a selection of local wines, beers, and spirits. A variety of food trucks will serve up mouthwatering dishes, ensuring that no one leaves hungry.

The festival will culminate with the PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade on Monday, March 10. This lively procession will feature community groups, schools, and businesses, showcasing the festive spirit of the event. It’s the perfect way to bring the weekend’s celebrations to a close.

With so much to see and do, the Ballarat Begonia Festival is not to be missed. Entry is free, though visitors can enjoy a range of food, drink, and unique wares available for purchase. For more details, visit the festival's website at ballaratbegoniafestival.com.

FAST FACTS
When: Saturday 8 to Monday 10 March 2025
Time: 10am to 5pm
Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat
Price: Free entry, with food, drink, wares, and experiences available for purchase
More info: ballaratbegoniafestival.com