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[title]Across three jam-packed days, Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens is set to bloom with stunning floral displays as the Ballarat Begonia Festival returns for its 73rd iteration.
From Sunday, March 8 to Monday, March 10, the annual festival – which dates back to 1953 and has seen the likes of Prime Ministers and Queen Elizabeth II visit – will showcase its rare collection of begonias, all centred around the theme of ‘romance’.
While the breathtaking blooms take centre stage, there’s plenty more to enjoy, from roving entertainers and bustling markets to mouth-watering food trucks. These are the highlights that you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.
The Last Numbat
The acclaimed puppet show The Last Numbat is making its way to the Ballarat Begonia Festival for its Australia East Coast debut. This large-scale, interactive performance enlists 19 audience members to help bring the story to life, exploring themes of identity and environmental impact through the eyes of the endangered numbat.
Begonia Display
Head straight to the Robert Clark Conservatory for the festival’s star attraction: the breathtaking begonia display. Showcasing thousands of the city’s finest buds from over 500 rare varieties, this year’s romantic centrepiece is elevated with delicate pops of lavender, adding a sweet, fragrant touch to the floral spectacle.
Main Stage
Don’t miss a roster of celebrity presenters and industry experts – including Costa Georgiadis, Liam Downes, Mindy Woods and Millie Ross – hosting horticultural talks and cooking demonstrations on the main stage.
PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Festival Parade
Capping off the festival in style, a colourful parade will take over the streets from 11am to 12pm on Monday, March 10, starting at the Ballarat Tramway Museum. With local community groups leading the charge, this lively celebration is sure to be an epic send off.
Get planning your visit with more here.