Tesselaar Tulip Festival 2025: A Colourful Day Out
Each spring, the Dandenong Ranges burst into colour as more than a million tulips bloom at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Running from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025, this beloved annual event celebrates its 70th year, making it one of Victoria’s most enduring and enchanting floral festivals.
Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a grandparent planning a day with the grandkids, or simply someone who enjoys fresh mountain air and a relaxed outing, the Tulip Festival is a must-do.
Why We Love the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Melbourne
Throughout the Tulip Festival, there are various events and themes, but here are the things you can enjoy every day which we love:
A sea of colour: Over one million tulips in every shade imaginable stretch across the fields, with themed garden beds and winding paths perfect for leisurely strolls.
Entertainment & culture: Each day features live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment. On weekends, special events like Dutch Weekend, Turkish Weekend, and Food, Wine & Jazz bring extra vibrancy.
Delicious dining: Explore international food stalls, from Dutch poffertjes to Turkish gozleme, or bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of the many tables scattered around the grounds.
Gift shop: Don’t leave without exploring the delicious range of gifts and tulips available to take home!
Family fun: There’s room for children to play, tractor rides, and special activities that make the day exciting for all ages. Best of all, kids under 16 enter free.
Tip: The tulip tractor rides cost $5 per person (kids under 4 ride free), and you might be dragged onto it more than once!
Spring Fever Weeks – Specially Discounted Tickets
From 15–19 September, and 6 – 10 October, the gardens burst into life with Spring Fever Weeks, a special midweek celebration of all things spring. This is the perfect time to visit, with discounted tickets available exclusively during these dates, including for Seniors, Pensioners, Veterans, Health Care and WeCare card holders.
Each day offers a lively program:
- Cheek to Cheek perform show tunes and old favourites on their baby grand piano (11:30am & 2pm).
- Clog Dancing Workshops let you learn a traditional Dutch step (1:00pm).
- Historic Cheese Market Performance, showcasing the age-old spectacle of Dutch cheese trading (1:00pm).
- Fairy Garden Storytelling, where little ones can enjoy enchanting tales of Silvan’s fairies at 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm & 3.00pm.
- The Findlay Fairground Mechanical Organ is a sight and sound to behold, running throughout the day.
Alongside the entertainment, you can stroll through more than a million blooming bulbs, ride the Tulip Tractor, meet stallholders, enjoy Dutch delicacies, and snap photos among the vibrant displays.
If you’ve seen photos of a ferris wheel at Tesselaar, that’s from KaBloom, the farm’s autumn flower festival held in March and April. The ferris wheel is not part of the Tulip Festival program, but you can still enjoy it if you visit during KaBloom next year.
Festival Fun Beyond Spring Fever
The celebrations don’t stop there — the Tesselaar Tulip Festival runs until 12 October, with new experiences each weekend. Themed weekends include everything from food and wine tastings to cultural celebrations, live entertainment, and family fun days. No matter when you visit, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking tulip fields, traditional Dutch charm, and plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and celebrate spring.
Music lovers won’t want to miss All That Jazz Weekend (26–28 September), when smooth live performances fill the air, blending seamlessly with the vibrant floral backdrop.
Later in the festival, the tempo shifts with Rock the Fields Weekend (4–5 October), where local rock bands bring energy and excitement to the gardens.
Flower Updates
Thanks to the cool nights this year, the tulips are blooming a little later than usual. Alongside the tulips, you’ll also see plenty of daffodils, flowering plums, and cheerful Iceland poppies, making the gardens a vibrant spring destination from the very start.
The Flower Guarantee
The festival team wants every visitor to enjoy the tulips at their best. If you arrive on one of the earlier days and the flowers aren’t yet in full bloom, you’ll receive a return pass to come back later in the season — or even during next year’s KaBloom festival — completely free of charge.
To help you plan your visit, the organisers also share a weekly flower update every Wednesday on the Facebook page, so you can track the blooming progress and pick the perfect time to go.
Why Visit Midweek?
For anyone who enjoys a slower pace, visiting the Tulip Festival midweek is an ideal choice. The crowds are smaller, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and you’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the fields, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit back and soak in the views.
Midweek also comes with savings. Off-peak tickets, on Spring Fever Days, are available at a reduced price of just $22.50 for Seniors, Pensioners, Veterans, Health Care, and WeCare cardholders on select dates.
Diane’s review
It’s not just the flowers — it’s the whole experience. The Dandenong air, the food, the music. We took our time wandering the gardens and various activities. It’s a day that feels both exciting and relaxing.
I especially loved seeing the vibrant daffodils. Who knew there were so many stunning varieties? It was also wonderful watching the little ones run through the tulips. There was plenty of space for everyone to have fun at their own pace.
The kids loved exploring the fairy garden and attending story time. Another highlight was watching the mechanical organ.
The many food stalls offered lots of tasty options, including dietary options for me as a celiac. In fact, I had the tastiest gluten-free scones I’ve ever tried, and had to go back to buy more to take home! It was $10 for a giant scone, jam, cream, and a cup of tea. Marvellous!
Tractor Rides
For a fun way to see more of the farm, hop on a tractor ride that loops around the festival grounds every 10–15 minutes. There’s no need to book ahead — just purchase your tickets at the lolly shop near the maze on the day.
- $5 per person
- $15 for a group of four
- Free for people with limited mobility and their carers
The tractor ride is an optional extra. Rather than raising the general entry price, the festival team offers it as a small add-on since not everyone will use it.
Note: There is one large step up into the tractor train, and friendly staff available to assist. A ramp for wheelchair users is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tesselaar Tulip Festival
When is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival on in 2025?
The Tulip Festival runs daily from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025.
Where is the Tulip Festival held?
It takes place at the Tesselaar family’s farm in Silvan, in the Dandenong Ranges — about a one-hour drive from Melbourne. The address is 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan VIC 3795.
What are the opening hours?
The festival is open 10am to 5pm daily, including public holidays.
How much are Tulip Festival tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on age and ticket type.
- Seniors: from $22.50 midweek off-peak (Spring Fever dates)
- Children under 16: free entry
- Standard adult tickets: around $35
Discounts apply for groups of 10+ people. Tickets must be booked online.
Is the tulip festival suitable for those with limited mobility?
Yes. The site offers:
- Smooth and flat pathways
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Ramp access onto the tractor train (which is free for those with limited mobility and carers)
- Recognition of Carer Card and Companion Card
- Plenty of seating and picnic areas
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a picnic. Alternatively, there are food stalls offering international cuisine, snacks, and drinks.
Is there entertainment as well as flowers?
Yes. Expect live music, cultural performances, market stalls, and themed days across the four weeks.
What’s the best time to visit for a quieter experience?
Midweek visits are more relaxed compared to weekends. There are also discounted Spring Fever days on select weekdays.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is free on-site parking at the festival.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes, but it takes longer than driving. From Melbourne, take a train to Lilydale Station, then a bus to the festival site in Silvan.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but must be on a lead at all times.
Accessibility at the Tulip Festival
The Tesselaar family has taken care to ensure the festival is as accessible as possible.
Key features include:
- Some gravel and pebble areas, but mostly smooth flat surfaces throughout the garden trail
- The Tractor Train has one large step up into it, and friendly staff available to assist. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair users. People with limited mobility and their carers ride free.
- Recognition of Companion Cards and Carer Cards, making visits more affordable for those requiring assistance.
- Plenty of seating and picnic tables throughout the grounds, so you’ll always find a comfortable spot to rest.
- You can read more about accessibility on the Tesselaar Tulip Festival website.
Tesselaar Flower Farm
357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan VIC 3795
(03) 9737 7722
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
