Did you know that Ballarat is home to thousands of begonias, including more than 600 unique varieties? In fact, the impressive collection is the rarest in the Southern Hemisphere, and they're all housed in the city's historic botanical gardens. To celebrate this floral feat, the city has hosted the Ballarat Begonia Festival annually since 1953 – yup, it's been held for more than 70 years.
When is the Ballarat Begonia Festival taking place?
If you're keen to see the colourful (and highly 'grammable) flower fest in full bloom, make your way to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the Labour Day long weekend from March 7-9, 2026. The floral festivities run across three days, so you'll have ample opportunity to explore the vibrant floral displays that fill these historic gardens.
What kinds of begonias will be on display?
At the heart of it all is the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory, home to Ballarat’s renowned begonia collection. Each year, the Botanical Gardens team grows more than 600 begonia varieties, from heirlooms to unique hybrids cultivated exclusively for the festival. The result? A bountiful display of begonias that draws everyone from green thumbs and nature enthusiasts to families and interstate visitors.
What else is on at the Ballarat Begonia Festival?
The 2026 program goes beyond the blooms. Making its debut is The Musical Plants by Playable Streets, an installation that turns living plants into musical instruments you can actually play on. The Begonia Stage, hosted by Chloe Thomson, features an impressive line-up including Sophie Thomson and Clarence Slockee from Gardening Australia, Matthew Evans of Gourmet Farmer fame, chef Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu) and permaculture educators, Formidable Vegetable.
Families will enjoy the Garden of Giggles that has immersive theatre, live music and roving performers; and Circular Gardens returns with fresh micro-garden designs celebrating low-maintenance living.
For more information, head to the website.
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