The annual Ballarat Begonia Festival is back in the picturesque Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with its unique celebration of community, creativity, and family fun.
Families can expect a spectacular display of over 500 rare and unique begonia varieties, alongside a packed program of free entertainment, expert talks, and hands-on garden experiences.
This year the festival is all set to charm visitors of all ages over the Labour Day long weekend from Saturday 8 March to Monday 10 March 2025.
Ballarat Begonia Festival 2025
The Last Numbat
Making its east coast debut, this breathtaking large-scale marionette will captivate audiences with its message of environmental awareness.
Up to 14 participants at a time will help bring this enchanting creature to life, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages.
Main Stage Presentations
The festival welcomes renowned gardening and culinary experts who will share their knowledge, passion, and practical tips:
- Costa Georgiadis – The much-loved TV presenter and environmental educator will inspire audiences with talks on creating pollinator-friendly gardens and gardening for wellbeing and community.
- Millie Ross – Known for her innovative gardening hacks, Millie will share her thrifty gardening tips and creative solutions for growing food in any space.
- Mindy Woods – A proud Bundjalung woman and former MasterChef Australia contestant, Mindy will cook up Macadamia Butter Chicken and Native Pepper Stir Fry, showcasing the rich flavours of indigenous ingredients.
- Liam Downes – One of Ballarat’s finest chefs will highlight the region’s finest produce with dishes like Eggs Benedict with Truffle Hollandaise and Goat’s Cheese & Summer Truffle Tortellini.
- Chloe Thomson – The award-winning presenter will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding audiences through an exciting lineup of talks and demonstrations.
Ballarat Begonia Festival: A Day Packed with Activities
Start your visit to the Ballarat flower festival at the ‘Begonia’ letters, designed by artist Billy O’Toole. Each letter represents a unique aspect of Wadawurrung Country.
Fern Fever: A Tribute to the Past
The 2024 theme, ‘Fern Fever’, pays homage to the historic Ballarat Fernery.
Dating back to the 1880s and recently restored, the Fernery is worth exploring for its over 800 ferns and exotic plants.
The Begonia Display
At this year’s festival, the Robert Clark Conservatory will showcase over 500 begonia plants.
This spectacle of rare and diverse begonias is a testament to Ballarat’s rich botanical heritage.
Don’t forget your camera – this display is a photographer’s dream!
Then to shop for a living souvenir check out the Ballarat Begonia Festival Market, the place to find unique plants and garden gifts.
Workshops and Demonstrations
From cooking demos by famous chefs like Paul West and Courtney Roulston to sustainability workshops by Hannah Moloney, there’s a wealth of knowledge to gain.
And for the begonia enthusiasts, Jerry Coleby-Williams shares his expertise on growing these beautiful flowers.
Check out the workshops program as they require booking ahead.
Entertainment & Music
As you stroll through the gardens, watch for the enchanting stilt-walking bees, bugs, and butterflies.
Their vibrant costumes and graceful movements add a fairy-tale quality to the festival!
The festival also features a program of well-known and emerging local artists to keep your feet tapping and spirits high.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a paradise for little green thumbs and curious explorers! Highlights include:
Begonia Display – Step into the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory, where thousands of begonias bloom amid fragrant lavender and lush greenery.
Garden of Giggles – Enjoy puppet and comedy shows, roving entertainment, and interactive workshops designed to bring joy to the whole family.
Gardeners Market – Discover a treasure trove of plants, flowers, and gardening gifts, including begonia plant sales.
Snail Trail – Embark on a scavenger hunt through the gardens, searching for 10 handcrafted snail sculptures by Victorian artist Tim Read.
Culinary Treats: Food and Drinks Galore
Food Trucks will be located in two large food court areas within the festival site, open 10am – 5pm daily. With a plethora of food and beverage vendors, your taste buds are in for a treat!
And don’t forget to visit the Begonia Bar for locally crafted beverages.
The Grand Finale: Begonia Parade
The Power FM Begonia Parade on Monday 10 March is the festival’s highlight, featuring community groups and vibrant processions. It’s a celebration of community spirit and creativity, perfect for wrapping up an unforgettable weekend in Ballarat!
Ballarat Begonia Festival FAQs
What child-friendly activities are available at the Ballarat Begonia Festival?
Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained at the festival. Garden of Giggles offers a mix of puppet and comedy shows, roving performers, and interactive workshops, ensuring plenty of laughs and fun. Meanwhile, young adventurers can take part in the Snail Trail, a whimsical scavenger hunt through the gardens, searching for 10 uniquely crafted snail sculptures by artist Tim Read.
What type of food options are available for kids at the festival?
The festival offers a diverse range of food and beverage options, including kid-friendly meals and snacks. There are over 20 food and beverage vendors to choose from.
Is the festival accessible for strollers and young children?
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is held at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which are generally stroller-friendly and accessible for families with young children.
Can we bring our own food and picnic at the festival?
Yes, families are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
How do we get to the festival?
By train: Plan your trip to Ballarat on the Vline. A free shuttle bus will run to and from the Ballarat Train Station (Lydiard Street) to the Ballarat Begonia Festival.
By car: If you drive to the Festival, there is a Festival Car Park is located in the North Gardens, entry off Wendouree Parade into Zoo Drive. There is also ample parking around the Botanical Gardens, both along Wendouree Parade and Gillies Street. There will be no parking available on Wendouree Parade between Nursery Drive and St Aidans Drive from 6.30am to 1pm (inclusive) on the day of the parade – Monday 11th March.
By tram: Vintage tram rides will be available all weekend for your convenience and enjoyment. Travel the 1.3 km of the original track beside the Botanical Gardens on the west side of Lake Wendouree.
What else is there is to do in Ballarat with kids?
We’ve got you covered with our article of the best things to do in Ballarat with kids, including where to play, eat and stay.
Visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park with kids
Tips for visiting Sovereign Hill with Kids
Visit Kryal Castle
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