Celebrating the bloom of these charismatic flowers, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival takes place each spring near the town of Silvan in the countryside of Victoria. Take in the beauty of almost a million blooming tulips, backed by the spectacular Dandenong Ranges and complete with market stalls, enticing food and live entertainment.
The Tesselaar Tulip Farm was established by a Dutch couple, Cees and Johanna, after migrating to Australia in the late 1930s. Today they have more than 130 different varieties of tulips planted across 10 hectares, creating one of Australia’s most impressive floral destinations.
Wander amidst the rows of flowers and photograph all the colourful sights, or attend one of the special events held throughout the month-long festival season. Join in the cultural festivities of the Turkish, Dutch and Irish weekends, bring the whole family for the “Over the Rainbow” week or be merry amongst the tulips during the Food, Wine and Jazz weekend.
Getting there
The Tesselaar Tulip Farm is one hour drive to the east of Melbourne and easily visited on a day trip exploring the Dandenong Ranges. Alternatively, you can jump aboard a train to Lilydale Station and hop on the Tesselaar Tulip Festival shuttle bus for the short remainder of the journey.