01
Begonias under glass
In 2026 more than 600 begonias formed the Symphony of Begonias in the Robert Clark Conservatory, seen by 10,000 people.
Festivals & traditions
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The Robert Clark Conservatory at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in March 2021, home of the begonia display; a file photo. · Report image rightsBallarat · AustraliaFestivals & traditions
2027.03.06 — 2027.03.08 · Coming soon
A glasshouse full of begonias.
Ballarat Begonia Festival 2027
The Ballarat Begonia Festival fills the Ballarat Botanical Gardens beside Lake Wendouree from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 March 2027, Victoria’s Labour Day weekend. The City of Ballarat’s horticulture team tends the begonias for ten months of the year. 2026 was the largest festival on record: more than 600 begonias formed the themed Symphony of Begonias in the Robert Clark Conservatory, seen by 10,000 visitors, with 18 talks and demonstrations on the Begonia Stage, sustainable and community garden displays, and a Snail Trail of ten decorated snails to find. The Power FM Begonia Parade runs from 11am to noon on 8 March along Wendouree Parade, South Gardens to North Gardens, watched by around 10,000 people.
GOWOAH / Ballarat
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Ballarat Botanical Gardens2027.03.06 — 2027.03.08Festivals & traditionsAdmission cost unconfirmed
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
02
The Labour Day parade
On 8 March the parade, called Ballarat’s heart and soul on parade, follows Wendouree Parade by the lake, watched by around 10,000.
Festivals & traditions03
Garden talks and the Snail Trail
In 2026 the Begonia Stage hosted 18 talks and demonstrations, and children hunted for ten decorated snails.
Festivals & traditionsA LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
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2020 · Ed Dunens · Photo source · CC BY 2.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Does this fit what you are looking for?
This could be for you if you are…
- Flower and garden lovers
- Families with children
Before you decide
Entry and daily hours are not out yet.
The lakeside is busy on parade day.
The 2027 display and programme are still to come.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
This edition’s festival map is not out yet.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
Dates & times
2027.03.06 — 2027.03.08Saturday 6 to Monday 8 March 2027 (Melbourne time); parade on 8 March, 11am–noon; daily hours to be announced.
Australia/MelbourneMore programme details
- Begonias under glass
- The Labour Day parade
- Garden talks and the Snail Trail
Venue & travel
Ballarat Botanical GardensThe Botanical Gardens are on the western shore of Lake Wendouree; Ballarat is about 115 km from Melbourne, with V/Line trains.
Entry & companions
Entry arrangements and daily hours for 2027 are not out yet. The parade is on 8 March, 11am–noon, along Wendouree Parade.
Tickets & access
Entry details to be announced
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Peter Stokes · CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source
City of Ballarat
The Robert Clark Conservatory at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in March 2021, home of the begonia display; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-16
Suggest a correction ↗Festivals & traditionsFolk Group Bulgari from Melbourne in costume with welcome bread in the European village at the 2020 festival; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
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