Bendigo’s signature spring festival returns this September, transforming the city and surrounds into a celebration of colour, culture and community. Running from September 1 to November 28, Bendigo Bloom features more than 80 events and experiences spanning floral displays, wine tastings, markets, arts and food.
This year’s theme, “Inspired by nature,” encourages visitors to explore the region’s gardens, wineries and cultural scene. And wherever you look, nature’s beauty is on show.
Since 2004, the annual tulip display has transformed the city’s historic streets with more than 43,000 blooms. Running from mid-September to early October, Pall Mall and Conservatory Gardens become a tapestry of colour each spring, the result of year-round planning.
“Preparation for Bloom is a year-long process which starts in October, after the previous festival’s tulips are pulled from the garden beds,” says Izabelle So, Destination Marketing Lead at the City of Greater Bendigo. “A team of 12 gardeners finalises the designs, selects varieties and spends three weeks planting bulbs to create each display.”
The result is one of Bendigo’s most recognisable attractions, drawing thousands of visitors from across Australia every year.
Golden fields and local wine
Beyond the city, visitors can explore another spring spectacle: the Cornella Canola Walk (August 29 to September 28) at Shiraz Republic winery. The bright yellow fields have become a Bloom favourite, attracting thousands.
“This is our fourth year, and each year it’s almost doubled in size,” says owner Brian Spencer. “Last year, we had 5,000 people, up from 2,500 the year before. This year, we could reach 7,000 or 8,000.”
To meet demand, the walk has been expanded with new track options, private zones for photographers and even a drone pad for safe flying above the fields.
“We’re very much about building community,” Brian says. “These experiences slow people down and reconnect them with place and season – something valuable to visitors from busy city lives.”
Elsewhere, discover the beauty of Kooyoora State Park with the Kooyoora guided wildflower walks that showcase the cultural significance of Kooyoora State Park, its unique flora and the vibrant wildflowers of the region.
Food, wine and culture
No festival is complete without food, and Bloom delivers. The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival (October 4-5) brings together more than 40 producers showcasing acclaimed shiraz and regional varietals.
From October 10-18, Bendigo Wine Week offers tastings, dinners and the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk, where guests sip local wines inside some of the city’s historic buildings.
Arts and culture also take centre stage. The Loddon Valley Arts Festival (October 3-5) features open studios, exhibitions and workshops across Inglewood, Wedderburn and beyond, Spanner Man Sculpture Gardens (November 1) offers a whimsical escape with over 40 spanner-crafted creations, native bushwalks and local delights near Boort. For something different, in Bendigo the Comedy Festival (October 1-10) adds laughter to the season with stand-up gigs and family shows.
Diversity is part of the program, too. The Vegecareian Festival (November 1) at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion serves up plant-based food, cooking demonstrations and sustainability talks. Take in high tea at Langley Hall or Shamrock Hotel and enjoy an elegant selection of sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats, scones with jam and chantilly cream, washed down with tea, coffee or champagne.
Free events and community spirit
Several events are free to enjoy, making Bloom accessible to all. Bloom After Dark (September 19 to October 5) lights up the city with illuminated tulips and projections along Pall Mall, while Spring in the Bush offers free workshops and guided walks through Box-Ironbark country.
A firm Bloom favourite and a must-visit on everyone’s list is the Bloomin’ Good Market (September 28, October 26 and November 2) featuring artisan stalls, live music, food trucks and local.
“This year we’re bringing even more local business and artisans to our exciting new location in Bendigo’s picturesque Rosalind Park,” event organiser Greta Donaldson says.
“Bring a picnic blanket and come explore our fantastic array of products, enjoy delicious food and drinks, then sit and soak up the vibrant atmosphere while listening to some fabulous performers.
“It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day in Bendigo.”
Bendigo Bloom runs from September 1 to November 28. For the full program of more than 80 events, visit Explore Bendigo Bloom.
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