If you are looking for one of the best family friendly events in regional Victoria, the Ballarat Begonia Festival absolutely deserves a spot on your calendar.
Held each March in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens, this iconic event celebrates stunning begonias, local food, live entertainment and that relaxed country vibe that makes Ballarat such a gamechanger weekend destination. It is colourful, vibrant and honestly just a little bit magical.
Every year I pack up the kids, remind them that yes, flowers can be exciting, and make the easy drive to Ballarat. And every year they end up loving it. The Begonia Festival is not just about flowers, although the heritage listed Robert Clark Conservatory filled with thousands of blooming begonias is definitely the showstopper.
It is about community, creativity and that joyful buzz you get when everyone is simply enjoying the moment. Think live music, market stalls, food trucks and performers scattered throughout the gardens.
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is also one of the best free events in Victoria. That alone makes it a GOAT level family outing in my books. With kids aged ten and eight, I am always looking for experiences that feel special without feeling over the top.
There are hands on workshops, garden inspired art activities and plenty of space for the kids to run around. Even Tommy the Labrador would approve of the wide open lawns, although he usually has to sit this one out at home.
One of the things I love most about visiting Ballarat for the Begonia Festival is how easy it is to turn it into a full weekend getaway. Ballarat has this wonderful mix of gold rush history and modern café culture. After wandering through the floral displays, we usually find ourselves hunting down great coffee and something sweet.
The atmosphere feels a bit like the build up before a Taylor Swift concert, that communal excitement and shared joy, just with more flowers and fewer sequins.
For garden lovers, the Ballarat Begonia Festival is a genuine bucket list experience. The begonias themselves are incredible, with bold reds, soft pinks and dramatic foliage that feels almost theatrical. It is amazing to think that this festival has been running for decades and continues to evolve.
There is something very comforting about traditions like this, especially in regional Victoria where events become part of the rhythm of community life.
If you are searching for things to do in Ballarat, family friendly festivals in Victoria, or the best autumn events near Melbourne, the Ballarat Begonia Festival should be right at the top of your list. It is colourful, creative and beautifully local.
Trivia: The Ballarat Begonia Festival dates back to 1953, making it one of Australia’s longest running floral festivals and a proud tradition of the Ballarat region.
Enjoy the Ballarat Begonia Festival then explore more of Ballarat while you are here.
Location
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is located at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens (401-405 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350) and surrounds.
When
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is on 7-9 March 2026.
In A Nutshell
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a fantastic festival that gets huge crowds. It's a place place for a wander, taking some selfies, enjoying the beautiful begonias and doing a bit of casual shopping at the associated outdoor market.
As long as the weather delivers the Ballarat Begonia Festival is just so fun!
Festival Website
The official Festival website is here.
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