Blue Lotus Water Garden - Yarra Junction - Melbourne - Review
Kate and her little ones headed to the luscious Blue Lotus Water Garden this weekend in Yarra Junction and were spoilt with this unique water garden filled with waterlilies and exotic lotus flowers. Kids can enjoy wondering around the garden by following a cute trail, playing in the kids garden, feeding fish, exploring greenhouses, trying lotus chips, listening to a story and face painting (on the weekend) and more! Make a day of it with the family. Thanks Kate for the gorgeous pics and review. x Catherine. To follow Kate’s adventures, head to her Instagram account.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
From December to April every year, the Blue Lotus Water Garden throws open its gates and shows off one of the world’s most spectacular seasonal floral displays.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Located in the Yarra Valley, Blue Lotus Water Garden is spread over 14 acres of lush landscaped grounds boasting thousands of beautiful waterlilies and exotic lotus flowers. Originally operating as a cabbage farm until the late 1990s, owners Geoff and Yvonne Cochrane used the land to create an amazing water garden, which officially opened in 2006. Now, more than a decade later, the site features ornamental lakes, ponds, bridges, sculptures, fountains and even a waterfall, which are just waiting to be explored.
Here is a list of our highlights:
Flower Fairy & Kids Garden
Located on the shores of Silver Lotus Lagoon - near the giant mushrooms - you will find a fairy village, cubby houses, a rainbow slide, wishing well and the Fairy Queen’s magical throne. On weekends and public holidays the Flower Fairy Queen appears in the Fairy Garden between 12-2pm for story time and face painting. Check the website before you visit for Fairy Queen times and dates.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Goldfish Feeding
At 2pm every day, children can help feed the goldfish on the bridge near the Garden Kiosk at the Silver Lotus Lagoon. Be sure to keep a look out for the monster goldfish, which are up to 40cm in size.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Dragon Spotto
A fantastic interactive activity designed to get children interested in exploring the gardens and the wonders of nature. Each child receives a sheet and pencil on arrival, the sheet contains clues to a dozen features, animals or plants found in the garden. Once the children have found 10 things on the sheet, they can return it to the ticket counter and exchange their pencil for a reward.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Dragon Trail
Children will love going on an adventure to meet the mystical Red Dragon. The journey takes you through the belly of the dragon as it winds around cascading ponds full of flowers and ends at the Fantasy Falls.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Giants of the Amazon
Located in the Tropical World complex you will find four specially designed greenhouses, two of which contain the largest waterlily species in the world. The largest species on show is named the Victoria Longwood (hybrid) waterlily. This giant is distinguished by its massive leaves (lily pads), which can reach well over 2m in diameter. The leaves can get so large, it’s possible for a leaf to support the weight of a child or even a small adult. Wow!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Bridge Walk
The best way to see Monet’s Lake (World of Waterlilies) is by walking through the middle of it. The walk is 300m, offers stunning views in all directions and features nine bridges, including the famous arched red bridge.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Lotus Root Chips
A trip to the Blue Lotus Water Garden would not be complete without sampling their homemade lotus root chips. The poppets were amazed by all the holes in the chips and they tasted so delicious that we had to order another cone. Yum!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Blue Lotus Water Garden is perfectly located for a day trip from Melbourne and is a truly magical place to experience with your family. Whether you just wander amongst the gardens and soak in the beauty of the grounds or if you want to enjoy the additional themed attractions, I highly recommend you making time to visit.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Our tips:
Don’t forget your camera!
Pick up a colourful umbrella from the entrance to protect you from the sun (or rain).
Wear good walking shoes and ensure to take your hat and sunscreen.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens or in one of the designated picnic areas. There is also coin operated BBQs available.
There are many family-friendly rotundas and seats around the gardens to stop for a snack, drink, rest or respite from the sun.
The Lily Pond Cafe is a great spot to eat whilst overlooking the beautiful waterlily flowers. Otherwise pick up an ice cream from the Garden Kiosk.
Keep hydrated and drink water. You can refill your water bottle at one of several drinking taps.
The gardens are mostly pram friendly with only a few slopes.
There are baby change facilities located in the toilet block between the Garden Kiosk and Fairy Garden.
Be sure to stay off garden beds and keep an eye on little ones at all times around the water + don’t let them pick the flowers or plants.
Busy City Kids were invited to experience the Blue Lotus Water Garden for the purposes of a review. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful. Travel and food was self funded.
For more ideas of what to do with the kids in Melbourne, checkout our Website, our Daily Spots List, CBD Spots or Blog.