Those looking to attend The Tesselaar Tulip Festival will be happy to know it is only one hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. This popular yearly event is renowned for its fantastic display of tulip flowers and interactive exhibits.
You will encounter various tulip species worldwide, so come and explore over a million tulips at the wonderful Tesselaar Tulip Festival.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival 2025 Dates Calendar, Times & Tickets, Silvan
Fields of Spring Bulbs
Well over a million spring flowering bulbs are on display throughout the festival, and the stunning Cherry Blossom Trees are on display early in the season. We have live entertainment on stage every day, including music and performances.
You can wander around the gardens and indulge in traditional Dutch foods and other treats—there is more than a touch of Dutch. You could also visit the Clog Shop and try some on, see the biggest clog in the world (and climb in for a photo), and more.
You can find treasures in the souvenir and market stalls. You can also see beautiful garden displays, take a Tulip Tractor ride, see farm displays, visit the Fairy Garden, complete a treasure hunt, and so much more.
Dutch Fun
Every day (except Children’s Days), they have a Clog Dancing Workshop; see how it is done and give it a whirl. Plus, there is the Historic Cheese Market Performance, where you can see the amazing spectacle of how Dutch cheeses were bought and sold.
Admire the replica Dutch Windmills positioned throughout the tulip fields and gardens – great for a photo or two! They have Dutch-themed photo freezes. The best Dutch fare with traditional treats from Poffertjes to sausages and everything in between.
Tractor Train
The tractor train regularly departs from the Tulip Station, taking in the gorgeous scenery as it tours the farm. Passengers will enjoy an audio commentary full of information about how the farm began and how they grow and care for all the flowers. This is a wheelchair-friendly ride, and people with limited mobility and their carers ride free. Anyone over 4 is $5, and under four is free of charge. Groups of four are $15.
Delicious Foods
There is a huge range of food available every day, including such Dutch treats as Poffertjes, Croquettes, Dutch Kibbeling (fish), Reifkoek (Dutch Potato Cakes), Frikandellen (Sausage dish), Gozleme, Baked Potatoes, Potato Twisters, Cakes, Calamari, Double Dutch Soft Serve, and Belgian Fries, to name a few.
You are welcome to bring a picnic, too. Food stall prices range from $3 to $23.
Turkish Weekend
Immerse yourself in Turkish culture
The tulip was first cultivated in Türkiye over four centuries ago, and they were the first to host a Tulip Festival to celebrate this beloved flower. The love for the tulip remains strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a colourful showcase of Turkish culture and heritage amidst a sea of tulips.
The festival will feature captivating demonstrations of art, dance, music, and gourmet food again. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage in an immersive setting. Join us on a journey into Turkish hospitality in the enchantment of the tulips.
Children’s Weeks
Come and play!
They have their Fairy with intriguing tales in our Fairy Garden. You can touch and learn about Australian wildlife from Black Snake Productions. There are Free Dance Workshops and a variety of craft workshops on offer for a small fee.
Children can test out their powers of observation on the Treasure Hunt, participate in some fun Dutch and garden games, ride on the Tulip Train, indulge in traditional Dutch foods and other treats, see market stalls, visit the clog shop, and, of course, be amongst the sensational tulips.
Dutch Weekend
Grab your clogs!
Grab your clogs and head on out to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival this weekend, which is transforming into a mini-Holland!
The founders, Cees and Johanna Tesselaar, emigrated from The Netherlands on their wedding day, bringing tulip bulbs in their suitcase, and their passion for flowers lives on this weekend.
Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend
The perfect weekend to relax in the colour
Yes, they are open on the Grand Final public holiday! A long weekend is a great excuse to come along and tap your toes to the music while indulging in delicious Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges foods and beverages.
Entry includes complimentary tastings from some amazing boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries.
The Tulip Fairy will be telling tales in the fairy garden. There will also be some delicious market stalls and all the fun of the fair with our daily activities and features.
Spring Fever Weeks
This is a great time to enjoy a day out in the tulips without the rush of school holidays. Need another reason? The tickets are specially discounted for these weeks only!
Rock the Fields Weekend
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy some rocking tunes in the blooms this weekend. They will have live music from the ’50s and ’60s to cut a rug to, funky food trucks, and fashion fun—spot prizes will be given to the best-dressed beauties and beaus.
The Shine Rock’n’Roll Dancers will hit the dance floor at 12:15pm and 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Join in or watch them twirl!
Irish Weekend
Why not rejoice in the Tulips this weekend with fun, music, dancing and Leprechauns? It is time to get out and enjoy spring while the tulips continue to bloom!
As you sit back and enjoy a Guinness or Kilkenny, they have top musical entertainment from The Kerrys and Tim Scanlan & Mana Okubo. Irish Pipers will rove the fields all weekend and enjoy Irish dancing performances from The Victorian Irish Dancing Academy at 10:30am, 12:45pm & 3:00pm on Saturday & Sunday.
General Information
The delightful Dandenong Ranges Yarra Valley region provides a stunning backdrop for this unmissable event. This area is home to many magnificent gardens worth visiting over the weekend.
Opening Hours
They are open from 10am to 5pm every day including the Grand Final Public Holiday (the charter bus from Lilydale Station operates weekends and public holidays).
Tickets
You should purchase your tickets online to avoid queues and sell-out days. You do not need to print the tickets; they can scan them from your device. It’s recommended to take a screenshot of your ticket before you come for quick and easy access (as phone reception can be limited for some networks on the farm).
Food
They have a delicious range of food vendors daily, and they change with the themed weekends, too.
Every day at the festival, they have Poffertjes (the famous Dutch mini pancakes), take-away foods such as burgers, fish and chips, Gozleme (yummy Turkish bread), tea, coffee, roasted potatoes, fresh corn, soft-serve ice cream, Dutch foods, and cold drinks.
You are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it in the gardens. There are many lovely lawn areas to sit down and enjoy the ambience. We also have picnic tables throughout. We do not have barbecue facilities on site. We are a licensed venue, so no BYO.
Parking
They have free onsite parking for cars and buses. On busy weekends, they have an additional overflow car park and an added entry point. People with limited mobility should park in the designated spots in the main car park (on the Monbulk side of the farm).
Please note that parking is limited and based on a first-come, first-served system. Many areas surrounding the farm are NO STANDING, and they actively discourage parking on the roads surrounding the farm. If the car park is full, we recommend you take a drive, get a coffee, explore the local area, and come back in an hour or so. We will reopen the car park as soon as space becomes available.
On weekends, they also offer a chartered bus service from Lilydale Station for $5 per person; children 16 and under are free.
What To Wear
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is located on a working farm. They recommend you pack a warm coat in case of bad weather; they would hate for you to be cold. On sunny days, a hat and sunglasses are handy. Layers are ideal, as the weather can change.
Please remember that flowers grow in soil, and Silvan has lovely red volcanic soil. When it rains, the soil can become muddy, so if it has been raining, gumboots or sensible footwear are advisable.
Photo Taking
You are most welcome to have your photos taken here. The season runs annually from mid-September to mid-October. As they do not have areas for private photos, you should come early at around 10am on a weekday for a more private photo shoot at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival.
Weather Conditions
While they always hope for sunshine, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is an outdoor event that runs rain, hail, or shine (and sometimes all three in one day). They have free umbrellas for hire on-site, but you may wish to bring your own.
In extreme weather events, they may be required to close for safety reasons; this will occur if there is an extreme or red alert fire rating or dangerous winds.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome. They provide water for dogs around the grounds, and ask that you please pick up after your pooch.
Getting There
How to drive here
The best way to visit the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is to gather family and friends and take a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges to Silvan, home of the Festival.
It is located within 60 minutes of Melbourne. We have off-street parking spaces for cars and up to 15 off-street parking spaces for buses.
Public Transport
Public transport is an alternative method for people who do not have access to a vehicle to get to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. It is important to pre-plan your public transport trip to ensure your day is hassle-free. Instructions are as follows:
- Board a Train to either Lilydale or Belgrave Station – both are around 20 minutes from our farm
- From the station, board the Route 663 Bus from Lilydale or Belgrave Station to Tesselaar Tulip Festival.
Charter Bus
They charter a bus on the weekends and Public Holidays to make things easy for you. Buses depart Lilydale Station (to meet the train) and deliver you to our door. The cost is just $5 per person, and children 16 and under (when accompanied by an adult) ride free. The bus departs from Bay B.
was wondering if this event is wheel chair friendly?
Hi Lynne,
I have gone through the official event website’s frequently asked questions section and found the following information about wheelchair accessibility:
“The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is held on a working farm with unsealed roads and paths. The property is located on a slope. People with limited mobility will require assistance with access”.
Additional to this, there is “a limited number of wheelchairs available which we allow our visitors to use free of charge. They are located in our information stand. However, we do not take reservations and cannot guarantee there will be one for your visit. If you need a wheelchair we advise you bring your own or secure hire for one from somewhere else”.
Hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to give them a call for any specific questions you may have.
Thanks
Michael
I’m in the process of planning a trip to Melbourne and the countryside. Can you tell me which weekend in 2019 is designated as the Irish weekend?
Thank you!
Hi Maria
According to the official event website, the dates of the Irish Weekend in 2019 are Fri 11th – Sun 13th October.
I’ll update this page when an official program has been released.
Thanks
Michael
Hello,
My mom is coming over until around 16th September. What will be the entertainment on the Turkish weekend Tulip festival 15-16th September? I have also 1 toddler with me, what entertainment for the kid during the day?
Hi Silvia,
I have checked the official website, and although it does have a rundown of the different weekends, it doesn’t go as deep has having an actual schedule and times (a lot of other websites are still referencing 2017).
Aside form the usual tulip and garden displays, it’s mentions that you can:
– Enjoy traditional and modern Turkish couture and textiles
– Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands
– Experience memorable performances of Turkish folk dances and belly dancing
– Enjoy the aromas and tastes of rich Traditional Turkish cuisine
– The Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band) will perform at 1pm on Sunday
– Watch artistic demonstrations such as calligraphy and marbling, and take part in workshops
– Shop in the market bazaar for hand-made Iznik ceramics, Turkish rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, traditional jewellery, handicrafts, and more.
– Sip a cup of Turkish coffee and after you have finished, turn the cup upside down and have an reader tell you your fortune
We are in the process of updating our website and will be adding a lot new information this week from the official event brochure.
Thanks
Michael
Hi, Our schedule to visit the farm is on 13 Sept 2018( Thursday ). Do the farm open on that day? What is the entrance fees for 7?
Hi Joo,
Be that the Tulip Festival starts 2 days after you plan to visit, there may not be too much to do and they’ll likely be preparing and setting up for the weekend.
I visited a few weeks ago and really the only thing open was the Nursey, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 4.30pm. Aside from that though, you might nit be allowed to enter the festival area.
I’d suggest calling them on 03 9737 7722 or filling in their contact form at http://www.tulipfestival.com.au/contact-us to find out if anything will be available.
Thanks
Michael
does the coming tulip festival starts on 14 September 2018 ? Plan to visit the farm. I will be happy if I can visit this time during my stay in Melbourne
Hi Jane,
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival starts on the 15th of September 2018. Here is a list of the major themes/event dates for the 2018 festival:
Turkish Weekend: 15-16 Sept 2018
Tulips in Wonderland Week: 17-20 Sept 2018
Dutch Weekend: 21-23 Sept 2018
Children’s Week: 24-27 Sept 2018
Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend: 28-30 Sept 2018
Children’s Week: 1-4 Oct 2018
Irish Weekend: 5-7 Oct 2018
Tulipmania!: 8-14 Oct 2018
Have a wonderful time!
Jess
I am planning to visit Melbourne in early September, 10 September.
Can we visit the farm? is there any tulips to see?
Hi Sen,
Yes, you can visit the farm on 10 September 2018, however if you are around on 15 September 2018 you will be able to enjoy the first day of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival!
Have a wonderful time!
Best regards,
Jess
hello,
Do the tulips still bloom in or around mid-December? Is it possible to come by for some wedding photos if the flowers are still in bloom?
Hi Naomi,
Unfortunately, the tulips are harvested at the end of the festival, so there wont be any on display in December.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
How often do we have the Tulip Tractor Ride during the day. I have 3 kinds. So I have to come prepared. On average how long do kids enjoy staying there?
Thanks
Hi Darin,
The tractor rides run regularly throughout the day as demand requires. You don’t mention your children’s ages, however I would think that 2 hours could be filled quite well with all the attractions.
Have a great day at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival.
Jess
Thank you Jess. Kids ar 5, 2 and 1 yr old. I’ll go today.
Cheers
Hello,
What is the program of events for Tuesday 10th October please?
Anything for children or is that only during the school holidays?
Thanks
Denise
Hi Denise,
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival hosts market stalls, musical entertainment and exhibitions every day, there is also a Tulip Tractor Ride (for a small fee) which kids will enjoy.
Have a great time at the festival!
Jess
Hi
I was wondering do we can to bring chair and some staff for sit and get rest??
Hi there,
Yes, there are a number of tables and chairs available for you to use at the festival, and you are welcome to bring bring your own picnic rug or picnic for that matter and relax for the day.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hello I’m planning on coming Saturday Oct 7 th around lunchtime, is there much parking?
Hi Carolyn,
There is plenty of off-street parking on site. I don’t think you will have an issue.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hello, what does the Tulipmania theme include?
Hi Max,
Tulipmania was created as an extension to the festival, as the tulips flowered one week later this year. The schedule is yet to be confirmed, but there will be daily live entertainment and other (yet unspecified) activities.
Head on over for the last week of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival!
Jess
Hi. I will be arriving Melbourne on 18th October 2017. Is there any chance for me to visit the tulips? Maybe at other places or park.
Hi Aribah,
Unfortunately, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival only runs until 15 October and they tulips will be harvested immediately thereafter. You can still however head over to the Tesselaar Tulip Nursery (same location) to see what they have on offer. I am not aware of any other tulip farms in Victoria, however I would highly recommend a visit to the National Rhododendron Gardens which are magnificent in Spring.
Have a great time!
Jess
Hi there,
Can I bring my dog inside tulip festival?
Thank you.
Hi Cecelia,
Dogs on lead welcome, please remember to bring a bag.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, is the tulip still flowering on 12 October as I plan to visit Melbourne on 12 October and scared not many tulip are flowering when i visit there.
Hi Phonet,
Yes, there will still be tulips flowering. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival will run until 15 October. Have a great time!
Jess
Hi there,
Im planning to visit the farm on this friday. Will the tulips be flowering??
Whats the entry free?
Thanks
Hi Shazz,
Tulips are flowering at the moment, so this weekend is a great time to make the trip to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival! Ticket prices are listed on our page:
Adults: $28
Concession: $24
Child (under 16): Free
Regards,
Jess
Hi there
Thanks for your response. Do you have aby idea that how long it took to get there from the Airport?
Thanks
Hi Devinda,
It will take around 30 minutes from the Airport to Melbourne CBD and another hour from the CBD to the Dandenong Ranges. All up, I would allow for 2 hours of travel/transit time.
Regards,
Jess
Hi there,
we are hoping to visit the Tulip festival on 4th October, and how we get there from the Tullamarine Airport?
thanks
Dev
Hi Devinda,
Make your way into the Melbourne CBD by taking either the Airport Bus (Skybus) or a taxi to Southern Cross Station.
Board a Train to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale station, board the Route 663 Bus which will take you to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, we are 3 senior ladies who are hoping to see the tulips in full bloom and were intending to come this Friday 22nd but are unsure if there will be a good showing yet due to the late flowering. Any advice ?
Hi Moreen,
I would wait an extra week if you can. The tulips are starting to flower, but not as fully as you might like to see.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi I’m just wondering what’s the best time and dare to visit this festival. I wanna see tulip flowers.
Thanks
Regards,
Zeeshan
Hi Zeeshan,
I would give it another 2 weeks (early October) for the tulips to be in full bloom.
Have a great time at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hello, i saw on official website that the tulips is blooming late this year. will it be available beyond 10th October?
Hi John,
Yes, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival has been extended due to the late blooming of the tulips. They will remain open until the 15th of October, so get on down there to enjoy them whilst they are in full bloom!
Kind regards,
Jess
I am visiting Melbourne on 12th Sept 2017, whether the tulips flowers are available to see.please guide me.
Hi there,
Yes, some of the tulips will have begun to flower. Have a great time at the Tulip Festival!
Regards,
Jess
I am plan to visiting Melbourne on oktober 2018, whether the tulips flowers are available to see.please guide me.
Hi Nani,
Hi there,
Yes, some of the tulips will have begun to flower. Have a great time at the Tulip Festival which is running now!
Regards,
Jess
can i know the exact date fot tulips festival?
im planning to visit Melbourne on 16th OCT. Is there any chance for me to see tulips?
Hi Nani,
The dates for the Tesselaar Tulip Festival are included on our page: 14 September 2017 to 10 October 2017
Turkish Weekend: 15-17 September 2017
Yarra Ranges Week: 18-21 September 2017
Dutch Weekend: 22-24 September 2017
Children’s Week: 25-28 September & 2-5 October 2017
Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend: 29 September – 1 October 2017
Irish Weekend: 6-8 October 2017
Have a great time!
Jess
Hi there,
Will I be able to see any tulips, say mid Oct, 15th?
Hi Yani,
The Tessealaar Tulip Festival runs between 14 September and 10 October 2017. For the rest of the year the Tesselaar Tulip Farm operates as a nursery and mail order plant business. Sadly the tulips are not on display at any other time. So you will need to try and get there on or before the 10th of October.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, is there any tour program to get to Tesselaar Tulip Festival??
i will be at Melbourne at 21 September 2017….and i would like to go to Tesselaar Tulip is its possible…
or any advice how to get there which is suitable for child and elder….
looking forward for your answer…
thanks before
Hi Yessy,
If you don’t have your own transport, the best way to get there is via train from the Melbourne CBD.
Board a Train from Flinders Street Station to Lilydale Station. There will be a shuttle bus from Lilydale Train Station that will go to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival 5 minutes after the train arrives. The prices is $3 for a return ticket.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi.
I am planning to visit on 14 September 2017. Will I be able to see any tulips?
Thank you,
Diana
Hi Diana,
Yes, all going to plan weather-wise, the tulips will be in bloom.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi.
I am planning to visit on 29th March 17 (Wednesday). Will I be able to see any tulips?
How much is the entrance fee?
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Ariani
Hi Ariani,
The tulip festival is not currently running (starts in September). Tulip bulbs are planted in May, so you wont see any tulips at this time. You can however visit the Tesselaar Nursery which is free to enter.
Kind regards,
Jess
Dear Sir/Madam
Do you still have the seniors days on Fridays during the festival.
Regards Sue
Hi Sue,
I got in contact wit the festival organisers and they advised the following: Every Friday Seniors get free tea and coffee. Each Friday has a different theme which continues across the weekend. Turkish/Dutch/Food Wine and Jazz/Irish. They used to have Seniors Week but have since changed it.
They also asked if there was something special about these days you enjoyed? If so they would definitely look at reintroducing it.
You can get in contact with them via their Facebook Page here (send them a private message) or via email here: [email protected]
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, planning to visit end of January. Will the tulips be full bloom?
Hi there,
No they wont be. As you will be visiting in Australia’s hot summer season, the tulips season has passed. They will be planted around April and in full bloom around September/October (Spring).
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, can I get to see tulips on 3rd of September 2017? Thanks
Hi Melur,
The tulips will be in full bloom in mid-Spring which will be the end of September/start of October. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival will therefore start around this time.
But you can still visit the nursery on 3 September 2017 as it will be open. You may still be able to see the first blooms coming out around this time.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, we’re planning to visit on December around Christmas. Would you be opened on Christmas Day? And would there be any special events for family with kids?
Hi Shirley,
Unfortunately the tulip plant shop is closed on Christmas Day. The nursery will be closed from mid-December until late January.
You could head to the Dandenong Ranges National Park for a picnic on Christmas Day. Most other attractions will close (including Puffing Billy and the Rhododendron Gardens).
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
My family and I are planning to visit the nursery on 30th May 2017. Can we still see any Tulips in the nursery during that period of time?
Thanks!
Hi Elaine,
Unfortunately, you will be out of luck as the tulip bulbs will only be planted in early May. They will generally be in full bloom in mid-Spring which will be the end of September/start of October.
Best regards,
Jess
Dear sir/madam,
May I know how much is the entrance fee to visit the nursery? After the Tesselaar festival. The above-mentioned entrance fee is for the festival only right? Thanks!
Hi there,
After the festival, entry to the nursery is free. The above page relates to the festival event only.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, can you please tell me whether we are still able to visit and see the tulips at the end of October 2016?
Hi Jessy,
Although the Tesselaar Tulip Festival has finished for 2016, you can still attend the nursery to see the Tulips, although they may not bee in full bloom in late October.
Best regards,
Jess
I am planning to bring overseas visitors to festival on 4th Oct. Is it too late to see flowers?
They are only arriving in Melb on 4th
Hello Kaartyk,
This is a hard question to to answer as it really depends on the weather.
In previous years, the flowers have been in full bloom mostly during the last 2 weeks of September. The Irish portion of the festival runs until 2 October, so you may still have some flowers on the last day.
Perhaps check their Facebook page for live updates, photos etc which will give you up to date information leading up to October 4.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, can you tell me if the tulips are in bloom already?
Hi Corrie,
There are plenty of red and yellow tulips already in bloom and some purple ones are well on their way! I would give it another week though for the full burst of colour.
Regards,
Jess
As this is my first visit to the Dandenong Ranges, can you please advise how far is it from the Tulip Festival to the National Rhododendron Gardens? Can I get from one place to the other by public transport?
Many thanks. Vivien
Hi Vivien,
The two attractions are around 9kms from each other. Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport between the two attractions, but you can take the bus (with an interchange) which will take about an hour.
Catch a route 663 bus towards Belgrave (the stop is on Monbulk-Seville Rd/Monbulk Rd, Silvan)
Get off at stop Belgrave Railway Station
From Belgrave Railway Station, get on a Route 694 bus towards Mt Dandenong.
Get off at stop Parsons Lane/Monash Ave (Olinda)
Walk approximately 600 metres to the Rhododendron Gardens.
Otherwise, you can call a taxi on 9753 6933 which will be your quickest option (about 15 minutes) and will cost around $25.
Best regards,
Jess
Can you please advise roughly around when is the best time to visit Cherry blossom? thank you!
Hi Vicky,
Of course nature is hard to predict, but typically the best time is during the last three weeks of September – which would make it starting next week!
I would probably wait another week and hopefully they will all be in full bloom by then.
Best regards,
Jess
Could you tell me if you do group bookings and what cost would be for a Probus club? Could you also tell me some places we could eat nearby? Thankyou
Hi Christine,
I recommend you contact the event organisers to see if you can arrange any discounts for your Probus Club. Groups of more than 10 people are listed as being $22, which is the same price for a single concession. So there isn’t really any benefit to organising a group booking if everyone is already entitled to concession pricing.
As for places for lunch, I would head over to Olinda which has a number of cafes and restaurants. The restaurants located near to the festival are restaurants that are open for dinner only, so head over to Olinda where you will find many places offering brunch/lunch as well as coffee and cake.
You can contact the organisers who may be able to mail you some more information on (03) 9737 7722 or email: [email protected].
Enjoy the festival!
Regards,
Jess
If after I go here, then I want to go to Puffing Billy. How do I get there by public transport? Also, how long does it take? Thankyou.
Hi Mandy,
You do not mention where you are travelling from, so I will assume you will be leaving from Melbourne.
Board a Lilydale train from Flinders Street or Southern Cross Station. Get off at Lilydale Station and catch the 663 bus which will take you to the festival. This trip will take approximately 1hr 30 minutes. (Note that if you are attending the festival on a Saturday or Sunday, there will be a shuttle bus waiting at the station to take passengers to the festival so you wont need to take the 663 public bus. The cost of the shuttle is $3.)
You can get to Puffing Billy from the festival by taking a the 663 Lilydale bus from Silvan to Belgrave. This will take approximately 30 minutes.
Enjoy your time in the Dandenong Ranges!
Regards,
Jess
Are the tulips still there after October 4th?
Hi Lea,
After the festival finishes, the location will go back to running as a nursery which is open year round. So yes, you should still be able to see tulips after this date.
Regards,
Jess
Are the tulips still there after festival?(october 14th)
Hi Miza,
No, the tulips wont be there much after the festival. The flowers are de-headed so the bulbs can regenerate for next season. It is best to try and make it to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival as the flowers are in full bloom at this time.
Kind regards,
Jess
Do you have Tulips earlier? If so what is the earliest opportunity to purchase purple Tulips in particular?
Hi Chris,
The Tesselaar Nursery is open year round where you can purchase a variety of bulbs and flowers. Unfortunately, Tulips become in season in Spring, so you will have to wait until September if you want ready grown tulips.
Regards,
Jess
Hi,
As this will be my first time visiting, I was wondering was wonder how I get to Silvan Dam to visit the Tulip Festival in Sept 2016? Can I travel all the way by Puffing Billy? Thanks.
Hi Avis, thanks for your question.
Unfortunately Puffing Billy does not go past Silvan as the track is further south.
However, public transport is available. If you are travelling from Melbourne CBD, go to Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station and catch a train on the “Lilydale” line. Get off at the last stop – Lilydale Station (approx 1 hour journey).
In previous years, there have been shuttle buses provided on weekends by the Tesselaar Tulip Festival which took visitors from Lilydale Station out to the festival for a $3 return ticket. During the week, you can also catch the route 663 bus from Lilydale Station which will also take you to the festival. Check closer to the date to see if the shuttle service will be offered in 2016.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, does anyone know what dates the Japanese cherry blossom festival will be on this year?
Hi Belle,
I am not sure why the Cherry Blossom event will still showing on the event calendar since i took it down a while ago.
The event actually hasn’t been held since 2013 and from the feedback i have received, it doesn’t look like it will be held again this year.
This is the message that is on the official event page from last year:
“There will be no Hanami Day event this year, but visitors are encouraged to enjoy the gardens anytime during the cherry blossom flowering season that usually occurs across 2-3 weeks in September”
Thanks
Michael
Hi, could you please tell me what the dates are for this year and if there are any holiday packages available, and if it is for one weekend only.
Can you please send me some information or even a leaflet?
Thank you. Kind Regards,
Jane
Hi Jane,
I have just updated the dates on my website – the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is to be held between 10 Sep – 6 Oct in 2015 (the official website doesn’t have it yet, but it’s on their Facebook page). With the dates as they are, the event runs over the course of 4 weeks and there is a different theme every week.
As lot of other websites have little information on the event until the main website is updated, but i suggest you follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tulipfestival and you will be notified of any new developments.
It doesn’t look like there are any official packages available (unless you have more than 10 people, then you can get tickets at $18 instead of $22), and it might be too early to book accommodation (Wotif is only showing dates up until July 31 right now), but here is a link for accommodation for the Dandenong Ranges that you can use closer to the event – Wotif.
Please don’t hesitate to ask any more questions.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi there,
Could You please tell Me what Your “special program for Children” consists of please???
And is there any of that still going on Tomorrow & at what times?
Thanks,
Stewart & Kathy
Hi Stewart & Kathy,
Looking at the event guide, this weekend (3rd – 5th October 2014) is “Irish Weekend” – with Irish entertainment, stalls, food and drinks.
In terms of the entertainment, there is a Celtic band, Irish Pipers and Irish Dancing. For food and drink, they are offering Irish Coffee, Guinness, Kilkenny, Cider, Baked Potatoes, Irish Stew, Sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls, cakes and Irish biscuits. They also have the dutch favourites of Poffertjes, Croquettes, Frikendallen, Reifkoek, Gozleme and Chevap Sausage.
For kids, it is noted that they have the following activities: sculpture exhibit, alpacas, fairy garden, hunt for gnomes, tulip picking, old fashioned Dutch games, historical displays, as well as photo opportunities with Windmills, flowers and staff in traditional Dutch costumes.
I couldn’t find a hourly breakup of the day, but the Festival runs until Sunday from 10am until 5pm.
I hope this helps and have a great weekend – the weather looks good and no mention of rain!
Thanks
Michael