Lavender fields in and around Melbourne

Open year-round and best to visit in January

1.5 hours from Melbourne

These gorgeous European-style gardens look like they were plucked straight from the canvas of a Thomas Cole painting and dropped into the hills of Shepherds Flat. The building's mottled brickwork is the same rock and mortar from when it was built over 150 years ago when it was owned by the Swiss-Italian family who founded it. Its 40-hectare grounds hold a café and herb and vegetable gardens in addition to the lavender farm itself.

Open from November 23, 2022 to January 15, 2023

1.5 hours from Melbourne

The Warratina Lavender farm was built in 1991, set into the foothills of the Dandenongs. It has grown to more than 10,000 lavender plants, which are harvested by hand using a traditional sickle. The lavender that's farmed at Warratina is used to create a range of scented goodies, including soaps, candles, essential oils and furniture oil. After wandering through the lush, purple fields you might want to stop by the estate’s tearooms for lunch or light refreshments. It's free to visit and is open Wed-Sun.

Open from January 2023

One hour from Melbourne

Tucked between wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill Lavender features a picturesque lake and orchard perfect for an afternoon stroll. When the property was purchased in 2007, the farm was created as a haven, with a hand-planted crab apple orchard and olive trees. Should you stop by, be sure to bring a picnic basket and enjoy your lunch amongst the fields, or stop by the farm’s restaurant for a bite. On your way out you can stop by the farm gate and spoil yourself with some fresh, local produce and lavender-scented products on offer.

Open year-round

One hour from Melbourne

These gardens are home to a year-round flowering lavender maze, a rose maze and Australia’s oldest hedge maze, which stands at more than three metres tall. The sprawling garden beds are peppered with hidden gnomes for you to find, and the Ashcombe café features a medley of lavender dishes from lavender scones to lavender ice cream and chamomile, green and black lavender teas.