Best Placed to See Lavender in Victoria
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm (Shepherds Flat)
90 minutes from Melbourne, step into old European times in one second. Hidden in Shepherds Flat, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm reopened at the end of last month.
The lavender is now blooming very brilliantly, and the flowering season will last from January to early autumn. The whole garden is full of historic stone buildings, paired with lavender fields, every casual photo looks like a大片.
Step into the manor feels like traveling through a relaxed European town. The farm has a hundred years of history and is operated by a Swiss family, full of old European estate atmosphere: stone brick houses, European courtyards, English-style manor.
Lavender sways in the breeze, releasing a strong floral fragrance and attracting buzzing bees. Being in a large purple flower sea, it fully heals the body and mind and brings inner calm. Every corner is very photogenic.
Walk around the enclosure and you will meet various cute farm animals, including Highland cows, alpacas, sheep, cows, chickens, geese, emus, pheasants, guinea fowl.
The small houses on the farm fully show old Australian farm life. There are many yellow dried flower bundles and vintage decorations that can be used as photo props. You can also buy lavender bouquets for photos.
There is a café in the manor where you can have lavender ice cream and wood-fired pizza, as well as various lavender-themed foods and afternoon tea. There is also a souvenir shop selling different lavender products.
The farm holds the Lavandula Harvest Festival every year and is a popular place for weddings and photoshoots.
Pet friendly, you can bring your dog with a leash.
Entry: Adult $5, 5–18 years $1, under 5 free
Time: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; weekends 9am–5pm (or daily 10:30am–5:30pm)
Address: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat VIC 3461
Warratina Lavender Farm (Yarra Valley)
Warratina Lavender Farm is a family-operated lavender farm located in Yarra Valley, about 1 hour drive from Melbourne, one of the very popular countryside attractions near Melbourne.
The farm was originally started by Annemarie in 1991 from land that used to grow oranges. After years of development, it now has more than 10,000 lavender plants and attracts many visitors every year.
The farm area is about 10 acres, with about 5 acres planted with lavender. November to January each year is the lavender blooming season, very suitable for visiting and taking photos.
During harvest season, you can also see the process of traditional sickle hand-harvesting and natural drying.
There is a gift shop on the farm providing various lavender products: lavender essential oil, dried flowers, sachets, lavender body care products, lavender tea, lavender honey, lavender desserts.
There is a countryside-style tea room providing lavender-themed snacks and ice cream. Recommended lavender ice cream, scones and lavender tea.
The lavender area is not very large, but enough for playing and taking photos. There are not many people, but there are quite a lot of bees.
Service is very enthusiastic and explanations are great. Sometimes there is free lavender ice cream.
The café has quite a lot of people, mostly elderly ladies, ordering can be slow. Lavender milk and tea are very good for photos.
There is a small shop selling delicate lavender products like koalas, sachets and essential oils, suitable for buying as gifts.
Suggested route: lavender farm for drinks and photos → CherryHill next door for cherry picking ($25 entry, $17/kg takeaway), cherries are sweet and you cannot stop eating.
Entry: Adult about $15 (recommend booking in advance)
Time: Wed–Sun 10:00–16:00
Address: 105 Quayle Road, Wandin North VIC 3139
Transport: Train + taxi about 1.5 hours
Red Hill Lavender Farm (Mornington Peninsula)
Located in Mornington Peninsula, about 1 hour drive from the city, this romantic lavender flower sea is hidden here.
Farm open until January 26, limited summer season (about Dec 27 – Jan 27). Free entry.
The whole farm has four lavender fields, crowd is spread out, no need to worry about photos full of people, you can easily take over a whole purple field.
There is a café and shop, you can buy lavender bouquets (about $10 per bundle) as photo props, as well as essential oils, hand cream, soaps and other lavender products.
Must try: lavender blueberry lemon ice cream, lavender sundae, lavender tea.
There are also scented products like green tea & lemongrass, very fresh and relaxing.
Lavender blooms best from December to January. The field closest to the parking lot is the largest and most purple.
Parking is limited, it may stop entry when full, recommended to go early.
There are many bees and insects, pay attention to protection.
Nearby you can also visit Murrays Lookout, very beautiful ocean view, and wineries like Foxeys Hangout.
Entry: Free
Time: Around 10am–4pm (varies by day)
Address: 284 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge VIC 3928