Your Ultimate Guide to Spring Festival Fun and Adventure

Spring has sprung, and nowhere does it bloom better than in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Region.

From September through November, this gorgeous pocket of Victoria transforms into a wonderland where every day promises a fresh bouquet of experiences. Whether you're seeking family fun, cultural enlightenment, or simply want to stop and smell the (literally millions of) flowers, we've got your spring agenda sorted!

Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Get ready to tiptoe through more than a million tulips at the spectacular Tesselaar Tulip Festival. This isn't just any garden-variety event – it's a technicolour dreamland that runs through September and October. With over a million spring flowers in bloom and live entertainment daily, you'll find yourself in full bloom alongside nature's finest display.

CherryHill Orchards' Cherry Blossom Festival
Speaking of blooming marvellous, CherryHill Orchards' as the Cherry Blossoms fade they give into Cherry Picking in Early November. Pick your weight in cherries and enjoy the farmgate store and café on-site as it serves up delicious cherry ice cream, beverages, and lots of cherry goodies! Cherry Picking kicks off in November.

Pair it with live entertainment, delicious food, day and evening events and more!

Healesville Sanctuary
No spring adventure is complete without getting up close and personal with Australia's incredible native animals at Healesville Sanctuary. From cuddly koalas to majestic birds of prey, this isn't just a walk on the wild side; it's a full sprint into conservation heaven! Make it extra special with keeper talks or special encounters for an unforgettable day out.

Gumbuya World

For families seeking thrills that are tree-mendous, Gumbuya World delivers adventure by the bucket load! This theme park combines Aussie wildlife encounters with adrenaline-pumping rides, making it the perfect place where your day can go from zero to koala in seconds flat!

Puffing Billy Railway

All aboard the nostalgia express! The iconic Puffing Billy Railway steam train chugs through the stunning Dandenong Ranges, offering views that'll leave you absolutely steamed up with excitement. During spring, the journey becomes extra special as the forest awakens with fresh green growth and blooming wildflowers. It's not just a train ride, it's an adventure into the past with amazing views.

Music to Your Ears: Concerts at Rochford Wines

Rochford Wines is well-known for hosting several outdoor concerts held during the spring and summer months amongst the vines at its Coldstream winery. From the local to international acts, come and experience this stunning concert venue for a day or night to remember. There's something magical about live music under the stars with a glass of local wine in hand – it's the perfect harmony of sound, taste, and atmosphere!

We can't wait for Heavy Congress on Saturday 1 November. Dance the day away with massive sound systems and enjoy delicious food and drink from the food trucks serving up the best food from the Caribbean and local offerings. Plus, check out the amazing display of 96 classic cars on the lawn.⁠

Check out more upcoming events at Rochford here.

Laugh Out Loud: Comedy in the Vines

All your favourite comedians will team up with live music and a host of exclusive live events this October when Comedy in the Vines takes over CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream.

From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October, get ready for a jam-packed weekend featuring over 20 comedians, live music, and incredible interactive wine experiences – all set in the heart of our premier wine region.

Check it out here.

Why walk through spring when you can float above it?

Go Wild Ballooning, Global Ballooning and Liberty Balloon Flights offer magical sunrise experiences that'll lift your spirits, literally! Drifting silently over vineyards, forests, and rolling hills as the morning mist clears is an absolutely uplifting experience.

An unforgettable experience with memories to last a lifetime, pair your flight with a gourmet breakfast and a full day of exploring.

Chocoholics, prepare to have your world rocked at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery! This temple to all things cocoa isn't just sweet, it's absolutely a must-visit for treat lovers of all ages.

From handcrafted chocolates to ice cream that'll make you melt faster than chocolate in the sun, it's the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while soaking up spring sunshine on their beautiful grounds. There's loads of room for kids to run, an on-site cafe with some of the best hot chocolates you'll ever sip and plenty more.

Everything blooms here in Spring, from the wisteria to the cherry blossoms and gorgeous gardens everywhere.

So pack your camera, bring your appetite for adventure, and prepare for a spring experience that's absolutely bloom-tiful. After all, life's too short for ordinary seasons, and in our neck of the woods, ordinary is definitely not in season!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Rail Trail Adventures

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail offers the perfect way to pedal through paradise. Whether you're cycling, walking, or jogging, these converted railway lines wind through some of the most scenic countryside you'll ever feast your eyes upon. It's track-tastic exercise with views that'll make you want to brake for every photo opportunity.

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Tucked away in the Dandenong Ranges, the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is a horticultural haven that showcases what happens when passion meets petals. This award-winning garden demonstrates that good things come in small packages – it's compact but absolutely packed with inspiration and beauty.

California Redwoods

Who needs to travel to California when these towering titans are right here in the Dandenong Ranges? These majestic redwoods create a cathedral-like atmosphere that's both humbling and inspiring. Walking among these gentle giants during spring, when light filters through fresh canopy growth, is an experience that's tree-ly unforgettable.

Other Natural Attractions

The region is bursting with natural attractions that'll make your spring sing! From cascading waterfalls that put on extra show thanks to spring rains, to botanical gardens that showcase the season's finest displays, to scenic lookouts that offer views worth writing home about – every turn reveals another reason to fall in love with this incredible corner of Victoria.