Victoria State Rose and Garden Show November 2024
The Victoria State Rose and Garden Show is set to bloom once again across a fabulous weekend on 9 & 10 November 2024 at the stunning Werribee Park in Melbourne’s west.
A must-see for gardening enthusiasts, this vibrant event showcases some of the most breathtaking rose varieties in the country, providing a perfect day out for anyone who loves flowers and outdoor fun.
The rose festival has built a strong following over the years, known for its beautiful display gardens, expert talks, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a wide variety of activities such as interactive workshops, live performances by aerial artists, and an array of delicious food and drinks, there is truly something for everyone.
If you’ve never been or are keen to revisit, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming event.
Unmissable Rose Festival in Werribee
When is the State Rose and Garden Show?
The Victoria State Rose and Garden Show will take place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of November 2024 at the Victoria State Rose Garden, located within the historic Werribee Park Precinct.
With over 5,000 roses in full bloom, the garden becomes a sea of colour, scent, and beauty during the rose festival. The venue is a must-visit heritage-listed attraction featuring grand landscapes and the Werribee Mansion.
While entry to the event is free, visitors are encouraged to make a gold coin donation to assist the Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters (volunteers) with the upkeep of the garden. With a packed program and stunning surroundings, the Victoria State Rose and Garden Show is sure to be one of the highlights of the spring season.
Related reading: Shadowfax Wines Werribee Park: Elegance and Flavour
I could enjoy the State Rose and Garden Show as an outing with friends. However, the last time I attended I was with my two daughters and that was an absolute delight. Lovely sunny day, and the roses were magnificent! It’s hard to believe there are about 5000 rose bushes flowering away! Breathtakingly beautiful!
There were wonderful plant stalls to peruse, garden exhibits, food trucks. Our choice was the traditional Devonshire tea in this magnificent setting.
A fantastic day!
– Terrie
Program of Events
The 2024 Rose and Garden Show will feature a packed schedule of events aimed at everyone from avid gardeners to families looking for a fun day out. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
1. Guided Tours of the Rose Garden
Don’t miss the Victoria State Rose Garden guided tours, led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who tend and nurture the garden year-round.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cultivation of roses or just want to admire the beauty, this is a highlight not to miss.
2. Guest Speaker Presentations
The Gardeners’ Dome will host an impressive line-up of gardening experts covering a broad range of topics, from fruit tree planting and grafting to how to maintain your garden tools.
Speakers include horticulturist and garden coach Chloe Thomson, the charismatic Vasili Kanidiadis of ‘Vasili’s Garden’, local permaculture expert and founding member of Werribee Park Heritage Orchard, Scott Hitchins, and Kat Lavers, the passionate gardener and designer behind The Plummery.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, these sessions will provide plenty of practical advice and inspiration.
3. Floral Art and Displays
The show wouldn’t be complete without its stunning floral arrangements and artistic displays.
Featuring both local florists and professionals from across Victoria, you can expect to see creative interpretations using roses and other flowers in fresh, imaginative ways.
Some exhibits will also offer live demonstrations on flower arranging and garden design, providing visitors with fresh ideas for their own spaces.
4. Green Hub
The Green Hub is an interactive space that will shine a spotlight on sustainable living and gardening practices, offering free gardening advice. This is a great place to learn practical, eco-friendly tips that you can implement at home.
5. All Green Workshops and Cafe
A series of free, hands-on workshops will be on offer, with some exciting sessions led by local experts.
Highlights include sculpting miniature garden ornaments with ceramist Melissa Murphy-Vella, designing and creating insect hotels with Lachlan Mackenzie from the Common Ground Project, making compost tea with best-selling author and radio host AB Bishop, and learning how to preserve Quickles with Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden.
There’s even a seed planting workshop with All Green Nursery and Garden, and a chance to create a beautiful hanging mobile for your garden or outdoor space with Emma Grace.
6. Plant and Garden Expo
For those looking to stock up on plants, tools, and accessories, the Garden Expo will be a major attraction. With a variety of nurseries and gardening suppliers on hand, you’ll find a wide range of plants, including roses, native species, and more.
It’s a perfect opportunity to chat with local growers and take home something special for your own garden.
7. Performances by SWAY
Back by popular demand, the aerial artists SWAY will return in 2024 with a new, gravity-defying show, performing high above the garden. This mesmerising performance is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
8. Food and Entertainment
No rose festival is complete without food, and the Victoria State Rose and Garden Show is no exception.
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) Point Cook will be back, serving their famous scones, jam and cream, as well as rose-flavoured cupcakes, rose-coloured lamingtons, and Persian love biscuits made with rose petals. For those looking for something refreshing, Timboon Fine Ice Cream will be offering tasty rose-flavoured ice cream, while The Prosecco Van will add a touch of sparkle to the event.
In addition, a range of food trucks will be on hand, offering tasty bites, while an acoustic music set provides the perfect soundtrack for a leisurely picnic on the lush green lawns.
There will also be plenty of seating areas where you can enjoy a picnic while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
9. Family-Friendly Activities
For families, the event has a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained. From garden-themed crafts to treasure hunts, there will be plenty of interactive options for children.
Useful Tips for Visiting Attending The State Rose and Garden Show
With so much to see and do, a little planning can make your visit to the Victoria State Rose and Garden Show even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Arrive Early
The event draws large crowds, so arriving early is a good way to avoid the busiest periods.
Gates typically open at 9am, so getting there before the rush ensures you’ll have more time and space to enjoy the displays at your own pace.
2. Parking and Transport
Parking is available at the Werribee Park precinct, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider using public transport if you can; the Werribee train station is about a 10-minute drive from the park. A shuttle bus service is often provided during the rose festival, making it easy to get to and from the venue.
3. Expect a Fair Bit of Walking
The Victoria State Rose Garden is spread over a large area, and with all the walking between displays, talks, and food stalls, you’ll want to be in comfortable footwear. The garden paths are well-maintained, but comfortable shoes are a must for a full day of exploring.
4. Bring a Hat and Sunscreen
November in Melbourne can be quite sunny, so don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun while wandering around the outdoor displays.
5. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle or grab a drink from one of the stalls. There are water refill stations available around the venue.
6. Cash and Card Payments
Most vendors and food stalls at the State Rose Garden Show accept card payments, but it’s always handy to have some cash on you, just in case. The organisers usually ensure there are ATMs on site, but bringing cash can save time and make things easier.
7. Accessibility
Werribee Park and the Victoria State Rose Garden are wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible facilities available including toilets at the event.
Travellers Aid will be back once again supporting people with disabilities and mobility needs accessing the rose garden at the event. They will have wheelchairs, walkers, and prams for hire ensuring that the event is inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Travellers Aid provides support for people with mobility requirements and/or disabilities an at Melbourne’s Southern Cross and Flinders Street train stations, and at most hallmark events.
Victoria State Rose Garden
Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
Ph: 13 19 63 W: https://www.vicstaterosegarden.com.au/
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
