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What's on

Begonia Stage at the Ballarat Begonia Festival

Ballarat

Festivals & celebrations

401-405 Wendouree Parade,
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Get directions

  • 7–9 Mar

10am–5pm

Set at the heart of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the Begonia Stage features an exciting lineup of well-known Australian personalities in gardening, sustainability, food and culture. Enjoy inspiring talks, live cooking demonstrations and performances across the long weekend!

Saturday 7 March
On StageTimeTopic
Sophie Thomson11:30-12:00pmHow to create a cooler, greener, more liveable backyard
Sophie Thomson12:00-12:15pmQ&A
Ballarat Botanical Gardens Team12:30-12:50pmLet's chat begonias
Clarence Slockee1:30-2:00pmConnecting with and caring for Country
Clarence Slockee2:00-2:10pmQ&A
Formidable Vegetables2:15-2:45pmLive performance combining sustainability, music and storytelling
Sophie Thomson3:00-3:30pmGardens connect us
Sophie Thomson3:30-3:40pmQ&A
Sunday 8 March
On StageTimeTopic
Matthew Evans10:45-11:15pmSoil, the world's most underrated superhero
Matthew Evans11:15-11:25pmQ&A
Clarence Slockee11:30-12:00pmCircular gardening & natural systems – creating a sustainable garden at home
Clarence Slockee12:00-12:15pmQ&A
Ballarat Botanical Gardens Team12:30-12:50Let's chat begonias
Central Highlands Water X Sustainable Environment Ballarat 1:30-1:55pmWater saving techniques and rain gardens
Matthew Evans2:00-2:30pmLiving with the seasons – eating what you grow
Matthew Evans2:30-2:40pmQ&A
Clarence Slockee2:45-3:15pmAustralian native plants
Clarence Slockee3:15-3:25pmQ&A
Sophie Thomson3:30-4:15pmSustainable Gardening, Plants surviving and thriving
Sophie Thomson4:15-4:30pmQ&A
Monday 9 March
On StageTimeTopic
Nori Bero12:30-1:15pmLive cooking demonstration
Matthew Evans1:30-2:30pmWhat your food ate – how growing practices affect nutrient density
Matthew Evans2:30-2:45pmQ&A
Nori Bero3:00-3:45pmLive cooking demonstration

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Competitions

About

Industry Hub

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

1800 44 66 33

Contact us

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.

©️ 2026 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.

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