The Garden City
The current dry weather conditions are proving challenging for us all – why not visit some of the gardens around Ballarat to see how the professionals are dealing with a limited water supply? All the gardens are still open for business and welcome you.
Ballarat is famous for its wonderful collection of Begonias which flower during March. Visit the displays through out the Ballarat Begonia Festival in the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory at Lake Wendouree, but there is so much more on offer in this exciting region of Victoria.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens - Lake Wendouree
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens conjure up images of a time past when wandering through the magnificent trees and immaculately kept gardens. The Robert Clark Conservatory is home to Ballarat's famous begonias during early autumn and is the focus of changing displays during the entire year.
Kirks Reservoir/Gardens - Central Highlands Water
Kirks Gardens is one of the excellent public reserves in the Ballarat area operated by Central Highlands Water. This popular facility is ideal for a family reunion, special photography, fishing, walks and more. Be sure to visit the Water Wise Garden for some tips.
Yuulong Lavender Estate
Yendon No 2 Road, Mt Egerton
Yuulong Lavender Estate specialises in all things made with lavender, from the drawer sachets through to the more exotic lavender biscuits (which have a delicate lavender taste and scent - delicious!) All goods are home made on the premises with a specialty being the cosmetics that are ideal for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Yuulong is located just off the Western Highway, between Melbourne and Ballarat, at Mt. Egerton. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Yuulong is a wonderful place to have a picnic, especially during their Summer Jazz festival that is held each December.
The Tangled Maze
Midland Highway, Creswick 3363
Just outside of Creswick, a short 20-minute drive north of Ballarat, the Tangled Maze is a unique garden maze grown from hundreds of different climbing plants. Children and adults alike happily get lost in this maze following the mystery trail with special treasure hunt supplied at the gate focusing your attention on all the little goodies within the maze. A fantastic view over "Springmount" is obtained from towers within the maze and while enjoying the great minigolf course. For gardening buffs, many of the varieties of climbers are available in the specialist nursery.
Ballarat Bird World
408 Eddy Avenue, Mt Helen (Ballarat) 3350
The park has more than 30 varieties of parrots from all corners of the world. A raised boardwalk gives easy access to the park's beautiful bushland setting and indoor aviary. Features include waterfalls, orchids and climbers, native trees and ferns.
Buninyong Botanical Gardens
The Botanic Gardens at Buninyong are among the oldest in the State, with fencing of the two township blocks being partially completed in 1864, and in 1866 plans were obtained from Dr Von Mueller, superintendent of Melbourne's Botanic Gardens
The Upper Garden centres around the Gong, a spring fed lake and haven for wildlife. Take a stroll along the circular walking path.
The Lower Garden contains an historic Victorian Rotunda, an ornamental pond and island, a landscaped enclosure which was originally the town swimming pool and an impressive variety of exotic specimen trees and shrubs.
Due to their age the gardens have a timeless quality about them, and provide a relaxing, tranquil haven for visitors and townsfolk to enjoy
Travelling towards Geelong from the Buninyong roundabout, turn right into Cornish Street then right into Yuille Street. The entrance to the gardens is on your left.