Warratina Lavender Farm

Warratina Lavender Farm is a small family-run property in Wandin Yallock, near the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Established in 1991, the farm grows, harvests, and processes lavender for its own body-care products, home fragrances, gourmet foods, and gifts.

Visitors can walk among seasonal lavender rows, explore the homestead gardens, browse the farm shop and stop at the Lavender Tea Room. The experience changes throughout the year, so choosing the right season is important. The largest floral display usually runs from mid-November to the end of December, rather than throughout spring or summer.

The farm currently welcomes general visitors from Wednesday to Sunday during its open season. Winter closures apply, although pre-booked group visits may be available when the farm is otherwise closed to casual visitors.

Lavender Fields and Gardens

Warratina occupies approximately 10 acres, with lavender planted across about five acres. However, the most readily visible displays around the tea room, shop and car park cover closer to one acre.

This distinction helps visitors expecting an enormous commercial field. Warratina is a boutique working farm rather than a large-scale lavender estate, and the amount of colour you see during a visit depends on the variety, weather, harvest schedule, and time of year.

More than 10,000 lavender plants grow across the property. The homestead gardens also include roses, spring bulbs, established trees, and other seasonal plants, offering something to see before the main lavender bloom begins.

Visitors are asked to remain within the areas open to the public and respect the farm’s crops, gardens and working spaces.

Best Time to See the Lavender

Peak flowering generally occurs from mid-November through to the end of December. This is the best period for visitors hoping to photograph rows of purple lavender and experience the strongest fragrance.

Some varieties flower earlier or later, but visitors should not expect extensive purple fields year-round. During September and early spring, the lavender may not yet be in flower, although bulbs, roses and other plants can provide colour around the homestead.

Harvesting takes place between November and January. Traditionally, people cut the lavender by hand with a sickle before taking it to the drying shed. Once dry, the flower heads are stripped and sifted for use in food, decorative products, body care and household items.

Because edible lavender can be harvested early in the season, some rows may be cut while other varieties remain in bloom. Visitors travelling primarily to see the flowers should check the latest farm update before making a special journey.

Lavender Tea Room

The Lavender Tea Room overlooks the fields and gardens, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Its best-known item is the lavender scone, accompanied by options such as lavender tea, lavender lattes and lavender milkshakes.

The menu can also include coffee, chilled drinks, quiche and other light meals or refreshments. Availability may vary by season and operating day.

The tea room is part of the farm experience, not a large restaurant. Visitors planning to dine, particularly as part of a group, should enquire in advance. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan catering may be available for organised groups.

During autumn and winter, the tea room may close to casual visitors while remaining available for pre-booked groups of at least 15 people.

Farm Shop and Lavender Products

The farm shop sells products made using lavender grown and processed at Warratina. The range includes dried lavender, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, massage oils, heat packs, muscle rubs, home fragrances, gourmet treats and gift packs.

Products are assembled on the farm, and many are available year-round through the online store, including when the property is closed to visitors.

Browsing the shop gives visitors a clearer picture of how the crop is used after harvesting. Visitors can also purchase culinary lavender and lavender-inspired gifts that are difficult to find in conventional stores.

Admission and Opening Hours

General admission is currently free. Tea room and shop purchases are charged separately, while ticketed seasonal events may have their own prices.

The farm and tea room generally open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, during the public visitor season. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Warratina closes to general visitors during winter and reopens in spring. Exact seasonal dates can change, so visitors should check the current farm announcement before travelling.

Pre-booked group visits operate under a separate structure. Group prices are currently $12.50 per person during February to May and September, increasing to $17.50 per person from October to January.

Guided Group Visits

Groups of 10 to 50 people can arrange a guided farm experience by appointment. The package includes a tour of the lavender fields and gardens, access to the drying shed, information about cultivating and using lavender, self-serve tea or coffee, lavender ice cream and time in the gift shop.

Brunch, lunch or afternoon tea can be added for an additional charge. The farm regularly accommodates garden clubs, Probus groups, retirement groups, community organisations and educational visits.

Organise group tours directly with Warratina rather than relying on the general public opening schedule.

Accessibility and Facilities

The visitor areas include relatively flat ground and gentle slopes, making much of the farm manageable for visitors with limited mobility. An accessible toilet is available, along with garden seating and a covered outdoor dining area.

Natural surfaces, garden paths and changing weather may still affect access. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the farm before arriving.

On-site parking is available, including space for small buses and coaches.

Getting to Warratina Lavender Farm

The farm is at 105 Quayle Road in Wandin Yallock, about an hour east of central Melbourne by car. Driving is the simplest option, particularly when combining a visit with other Yarra Valley or Dandenong Ranges attractions.

Visitors using public transport can take a train to Lilydale and continue by taxi. Alternatively, take route 683 towards Warburton to Russell Road, then walk about 1.7 kilometres to the farm.

The rural walk from the bus stop may not suit everyone, particularly in hot or wet weather, so it’s worth checking taxi availability from Lilydale.

How Long to Spend at the Farm

Allow about one to two hours for a casual visit, including the gardens, lavender rows, shop, and tea room. Visitors during peak flowering may stay longer to take photos or enjoy refreshments.

Guided groups should allow the time specified when booking, particularly when catering is included.

Is Warratina Lavender Farm Worth Visiting?

Warratina is worth visiting for travellers interested in gardening, farm-made lavender products and a relaxed country outing. It is particularly appealing during the peak bloom from mid-November to late December.

Visitors should arrive with realistic expectations. This is an intimate working farm rather than an enormous commercial flower field, and lavender displays vary considerably throughout the season. Outside the main flowering period, the gardens, tea room and shop become the principal attractions.

Warratina Lavender Farm FAQs

When is the lavender in bloom?
Peak flowering generally occurs from mid-November until the end of December. Some varieties may flower outside this period, but displays vary.

Is Warratina Lavender Farm free to visit?
General admission is currently free. Guided group tours, special events, food, drinks and shop purchases cost extra.

What are the farm’s opening hours?
The farm generally opens from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, during its visitor season. It closes to casual visitors during winter.

Is the farm open all year?
The online shop operates year-round, but the physical farm and tea room close seasonally during winter. Group bookings may still be arranged.

Does the farm have a cafe?
Yes. The Lavender Tea Room serves lavender scones, speciality lavender drinks, coffee and selected light meals.

How long should visitors allow?
Most visitors should allow approximately one to two hours to see the gardens, browse the shop and enjoy the tea room.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Groups of 10 to 50 people can book guided visits that include the fields, gardens, drying shed, refreshments, lavender ice cream and gift shop.

Is Warratina Lavender Farm wheelchair accessible?
Many visitor areas have flat ground or gentle slopes, and an accessible toilet is available. Contact the farm before visiting if specific assistance is required.

Can visitors reach the farm by public transport?
Route 683 can drop passengers near Russell Road, but the remaining walk is approximately 1.7 kilometres. Taking a taxi from Lilydale Station is generally more convenient.

Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available on-site, with room for cars, small buses and coaches.