Garden of St Erth in Blackwood, Victoria at the entrance of the Whipstick Loop walk and Lerderderg Heritage River Walks. There is a picturesque garden, a plant nursery, cafe as well as an external berry garden and public garden.
The nursery at Garden of St Erth has a nice collection of plants. Given the Garden of St Erth also includes a berry garden it is unsurprising that they stock lots of different types of berries and many other fruiting plants. They also stock quite a few heirloom plant seeds if that is a particular interest to you. They are also affiliated to Diggers Club so if you are a memeber you get discounted prices.
The cafe at Garden of St Erth is fairly utilitarian and old school. If you like trendy or a very modern twist then this isn't the place for you. There is nothing wrong with this, just marry your expectations to what the cafe offers.
It's worth taking a walk around the outside berry garden at the Garden of St Erth. If you time it for early summer you should see plenty of berries on the bushes. There is quite a variety of berry types and semi-interesting to see the different types and shapes.
The Garden of St Erth is perfectly located if you feel like a bite to eat after either the Whipstick Loop walk or the Lerderderg Heritage River walk. While a manicured garden isn't everyone's cup of tea the cafe serves a purpose for weary walkers or those just wanting to relax and have a cuppa.
Location
The Garden of St Erth is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD or 100km. As you near the Greendale Pub the view as you drive gets progressivley better.
Other Things To Do
While you are at the Garden of St Erth why not consider:
- Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve is perfect for a family picnic or easy stroll. You can also walk to Shaws Lake.
- Domino Rail Trail Walk (Trentham) is nice and flat albeit a one-way walk.
- Greendale Sunflowers is perfect if you have children, like a special outing or love taking selfies. If the season is right head straight here.
- Pig and Whistle Hotel is our favourite dining spot in Trentham. It's a short drive out of the town centre but it's where all the locals are dining.
- Red Beard Bakery
- SpudFest, annual celebration and festival of everything potato.
- The Lerderderg Heritage River Walk
- Whipstick Loop Walk
- Wombat Trail
- Trentham Falls
- Trentham Farmers Market
- Historic Trentham Railway Station and seasonal market
- Radio Springs Hotel
- Trentham is a surprising hidden gem in the area with many people overlooking it to only visit Daylesford. Don't MISS out.
- Blackwood Mineral Springs to Shaws Lake via Moonlight Gully Walk. A short but semi-demanding walk at Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve.
- Wombat Forest Wines is just 14 minutes drive away and is kid friendly with outdoor picnic and games area.
