Every autumn, as Melbourne’s city gardens begin to quiet, something extraordinary blooms in the Dandenong Ranges. The Tesselaar KaBloom Flower Festival transforms 14 acres of hillside farmland into a riot of colour, with millions of flowers creating one of Victoria’s most spectacular seasonal displays. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a family looking for school holiday entertainment, or simply someone who needs a break from the city, KaBloom offers a day out that engages all the senses.
The 2026 festival runs from Saturday, March 21, through Sunday, April 19, giving you nearly a month to plan your visit. This guide covers everything you need to know—from ticket options and what’s currently in bloom to practical tips for making the most of your day among the flowers.
What Is KaBloom?
KaBloom is Victoria’s largest flower festival, hosted at the Tesselaar Flower Farm in Silvan, in the Dandenong Ranges approximately 50 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD. The festival began as a daffodil show in the 1950s and has grown into a month-long celebration of spring and autumn flowering bulbs, with displays spanning tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus, and an ever-expanding collection of specialty blooms.
What makes KaBloom special is the sheer scale. We’re not talking about a formal garden with carefully curated beds—this is a working flower farm opened to the public, where rows upon rows of colour stretch across the hillsides. The effect is almost overwhelming in the best possible way. Bring a camera, because you’ll want to capture every vista.
The festival also supports the Royal Children’s Hospital through its charity partner program, with a portion of ticket sales contributing to this worthy cause. It’s a feel-good day out that genuinely gives back.
Festival Details: When and Where
Dates and Times
2026 Festival Dates: March 21 – April 19
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm daily (last entry 4:30pm)
Location: Tesselaar Flower Farm, 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, Victoria
The festival runs every day during this period, including weekends and public holidays. Good Friday falls within the festival dates (March 28), and the grounds remain open as usual.
Getting There
By Car: From Melbourne’s CBD, take the Eastern Freeway (M3) and exit onto Maroondah Highway (B360) towards Lilydale. Continue through Lilydale and follow signs to Silvan. The farm has extensive on-site parking, with standard parking free and premium parking (closer to the entrance) available for $10.
By Public Transport: Take a train from Melbourne CBD to Lilydale Station (approximately 1 hour on the Belgrave line). From Lilydale, catch the 688 bus to Silvan, which stops near the festival entrance. Note that bus frequency is reduced on weekends and public holidays, so check the route 688 timetable before you go.
By Tour: Several tour operators run day trips to KaBloom from Melbourne, often combining the flower festival with other Dandenong Ranges attractions like Puffing Billy or the Yarra Valley wineries. These tours typically include transport and sometimes meals, making them convenient if you prefer not to drive. Search “KaBloom tours Melbourne 2026” on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide for options.
Fuel Considerations
Given the current fuel situation affecting regional Victoria, if you’re driving, we recommend filling up in the city before heading to the ranges. Fuel stations in the Dandenong Ranges can have limited availability, and the drive back to Melbourne is easier with a full tank.
What’s in Bloom (2026 Edition)
The flower displays at KaBloom vary each year depending on the season, weather, and what the farm has chosen to plant. Based on historical patterns and early reports, here’s what you can expect during the 2026 festival:
March 21-31 (First Half)
The festival opens with the tail end of the daffodil season, transitioning into tulip season. Early March visitors typically catch the last of the jonquils and smaller daffodil varieties, while the larger show varieties are at their peak. Tulips begin emerging in the second week, with the first flush of colours appearing by late March.
Key blooms: Daffodils (including rare and heritage varieties), early tulips, hyacinths, muscari
April 1-19 (Second Half)
As autumn deepens, the tulip display reaches its full glory. The farm plants hundreds of thousands of tulip bulbs in a rainbow of colours, from classic reds and yellows to exotic fringed varieties and dramatic parrots. Ranunculus also peak during this period, with their rose-like blooms adding textural interest to the displays.