The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is Australia’s largest tulip festival, running from September 13 to October 12, 2025, in Silvan, Victoria.
The festival features over one million tulips across 120+ varieties, themed weekends, and family activities. Entry costs range from $24.50 to $35.00 for adults, with children 16 and under entering free.
The festival operates daily from 10 am to 5 pm at 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, approximately one hour east of Melbourne.
Key Facts:
- 70th anniversary celebration in 2025
- Free parking and pet-friendly (leashed dogs)
- Accessibility provisions available
- Themed weekends include Turkish, Dutch, and Irish celebrations
- Peak bloom occurs mid-September to early October
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival transforms a working tulip farm in the Dandenong Ranges into Melbourne’s most spectacular spring destination.
Founded by Dutch immigrants Cees and Johanna Tesselaar in 1954, the festival combines horticultural excellence with cultural celebrations.
Visitors experience expansive tulip fields, themed entertainment, market stalls, and family activities across four weeks of spring blooms.
Contents
- 1 What Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival?
- 2 When Does the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Run in 2025?
- 3 Peak Bloom Timing at the Festival
- 4 Where Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Located?
- 5 Getting to the Festival Location
- 6 How Much Do Tesselaar Tulip Festival Tickets Cost?
- 7 What Can Visitors Expect to See at the Festival?
- 8 Exploring the Festival Layout and Attractions
- 9 What Are the Festival’s Themed Weekend Events?
- 10 Themed Weekend Programming
- 11 What Practical Information Do Visitors Need?
- 12 Maximising Your Festival Experience
- 13 Why Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Worth Visiting?
- 14 Festival’s Unique Position
- 15 Frequently Asked Questions
- 16 Planning Your Tesselaar Tulip Festival Visit
What Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival?
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is an annual spring flower festival held on a working tulip farm in Silvan, Victoria. The festival showcases over one million tulips across more than 120 varieties during Melbourne’s peak spring season.
The festival operates as a working commercial tulip farm that opens to the public during peak spring bloom season.
It combines horticultural displays with cultural celebrations featuring themed weekends, family-friendly outdoor activities, and exceptional photography opportunities.
The location serves as an ideal day trip destination from Melbourne, offering visitors access to expansive scenic flower fields in a rural farm setting.
The festival should not be confused with indoor flower exhibitions or year-round botanical attractions.
Unlike free public gardens or urban Melbourne events, this is a seasonal commercial operation located in the outer eastern suburbs that requires paid admission and occurs exclusively during the spring months.
The festival operates as a seasonal transformation of the Tesselaar family’s commercial tulip farm. Visitors walk through working agricultural fields where tulips are grown for bulb production and flower sales.
The experience combines agricultural tourism with cultural programming and family entertainment.
When Does the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Run in 2025?
The 2025 Tesselaar Tulip Festival runs from September 13 to October 12, 2025. The festival operates daily during this four-week period, with different themed weekends throughout the season.
2025 Festival Calendar:
- September 13-14: Turkish Weekend
- September 15-19: Spring Fever Week (discounted entry)
- September 20-21: Dutch Weekend
- September 22-25: Kids Week (PAW Patrol)
- September 26-28: All That Jazz Weekend
- September 29-October 3: Kids Week (Captain Barnacles)
- October 4-5: Rock the Fields Weekend
- October 6-10: Spring Fever Week (discounted entry)
- October 11-12: Irish Weekend (finale)
Peak Bloom Timing at the Festival
Peak tulip bloom typically occurs between mid-September and early October. Weather conditions affect bloom timing, with cooler springs extending the peak period.
Early season visitors see emerging blooms, while late season visitors experience fuller displays with some varieties past peak.
Where Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Located?
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is located at 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, Victoria, in the Dandenong Ranges. The festival site sits approximately 40 kilometers east of Melbourne CBD, requiring a one-hour drive through suburban and semi-rural areas.
| Location Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan VIC 3795 |
| Distance from Melbourne | 40km east / 1 hour drive |
| Region | Dandenong Ranges |
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Public Transport | Limited (shuttle from Lilydale Station available some years) |
Getting to the Festival Location
The festival location requires private vehicle transport for most visitors. The drive from Melbourne follows the Monash Freeway to the Belgrave-Healesville Road exit, then continues through Belgrave and Tecoma to reach Silvan.
Public transport options are limited, though some years feature shuttle bus services from Lilydale Train Station.
How Much Do Tesselaar Tulip Festival Tickets Cost?
Adult tickets for the 2025 Tesselaar Tulip Festival cost between $24.50 and $35.00, depending on the date. Concession tickets range from $22.50 to $31.00, while children 16 and under enter free with paying adults.
| Ticket Type | Standard Days | Peak Days | Spring Fever Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $28.00 | $35.00 | $24.50 |
| Concession | $25.00 | $31.00 | $22.50 |
| Child (16 & under) | Free | Free | Free |
| Family (2A + children) | $56.00 | $70.00 | $49.00 |
Ticket Purchase Recommendations:
- Book online to avoid entry queues
- Spring Fever Weeks offer discounted rates
- Weekend tickets cost more than weekdays
- Group discounts available for 15+ people
Ticket prices vary based on expected crowd levels and special programming. Peak weekend prices reflect higher demand and additional entertainment.
Spring Fever Weeks target budget-conscious visitors and families seeking value. All tickets include full access to tulip fields, themed areas, and standard activities.
What Can Visitors Expect to See at the Festival?
Visitors can expect to see over one million tulips in bloom across more than 120 different varieties. The festival features extensive tulip fields, complementary spring flowers, themed entertainment areas, and family activity zones.
Main Attractions:
- Expansive tulip fields covering 5-55 acres
- 120+ tulip varieties in multiple colours
- Early-season cherry blossoms and daffodils
- Hyacinth displays and spring bulb gardens
- Australia’s largest wooden clog (photo opportunity)
Entertainment and Activities:
- Live music performances
- Cultural dance demonstrations
- Fairy Garden for children
- Market stalls with Dutch souvenirs
- Tractor rides through the fields
- Clog shop with traditional footwear
Exploring the Festival Layout and Attractions
The festival spreads across the working farm property with designated walking paths through tulip fields. Central areas feature market stalls, food vendors, and entertainment stages.
The Fairy Garden provides dedicated children’s activities, while tractor rides offer elevated views of the flower displays. Photography opportunities are abundant throughout the property.
What Are the Festival’s Themed Weekend Events?
The festival features eight different themed weekends and weeks, each with specific cultural programming and entertainment.
Each theme includes relevant music, dance, food, and cultural demonstrations.
The Tulip Festival 2025 Themed Events are listed below.
Turkish Weekend (September 13-14):
- Traditional Turkish cultural performances
- Authentic Turkish food vendors
- Historical displays about tulip origins
- Turkish music and dance demonstrations
Dutch Weekend (September 20-21):
- Traditional Dutch clog dancing
- Windmill displays and demonstrations
- Dutch cheese and food tastings
- Authentic Dutch costumes and music
Kids Weeks (September 22-25 & September 29-October 3):
- PAW Patrol character meet-and-greets
- Captain Barnacles from Octonauts appearances
- Children’s activity stations
- Family-friendly entertainment programs
All That Jazz Weekend (September 26-28):
- Live jazz music performances
- Gourmet food and wine offerings
- Relaxed atmosphere for adult visitors
- Evening entertainment options
Themed Weekend Programming
Themed weekends transform the festival experience through specific cultural lenses. Programming includes authentic performers, traditional foods, and educational displays.
Visitors can experience Dutch tulip heritage, Turkish tulip origins, or family-focused entertainment depending on their visit timing.
What Practical Information Do Visitors Need?
The festival operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free parking, café facilities, and accessibility provisions. Visitors should prepare for outdoor farm conditions by wearing appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for the weather.
Essential Practical Details:
- Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Food: On-site cafe, bar, and food vendors
- Accessibility: Provisions available (contact organisers)
- Pets: Dogs welcome on leashes
- Weather: Outdoor event, dress appropriately
Visitor Preparation Tips:
- Wear waterproof or easy-to-clean shoes
- Arrive at 10 am opening for the best photos
- Bring sun protection and layers
- Consider weekday visits for smaller crowds
- Book tickets online to avoid queues
Maximising Your Festival Experience
Morning arrivals provide the best lighting for photography and smaller crowds for walking. Muddy conditions are common due to the farm setting, making waterproof footwear essential.
The festival operates rain or shine, so weather-appropriate clothing ensures comfort throughout the visit.
Hard-Won Experience Tips: I learned the gumboot lesson the hard way during my first visit after a rainy night – my sneakers were caked in mud within 20 minutes.
We now pack waterproof shoes in the car regardless of weather forecasts. I’ve also discovered that bringing a small picnic blanket transforms the experience, as the designated seating areas fill up quickly during busy periods, but you can create your own rest spot among the flowers.
Why Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Worth Visiting?
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival offers Australia’s most extensive tulip display, combined with cultural programming and family entertainment. The festival provides a unique agricultural tourism experience within easy reach of Melbourne.
Key Value Propositions:
- Scale: Over one million tulips in a single location
- Variety: 120+ tulip varieties not available elsewhere
- Cultural Education: Authentic Turkish and Dutch programming
- Family Appeal: Free children’s entry and dedicated activities
- Convenience: Day trip distance from Melbourne
- Photography: Professional-quality flower photography opportunities
Comparison with Other Melbourne Spring Events:
| Event | Scale | Duration | Cost | Distance from Melbourne |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesselaar Tulip Festival | 1M+ flowers | 4 weeks | $24.50-35.00 | 40km / 1 hour |
| Royal Botanic Gardens Spring Festival | Varies | 2 weeks | Free | CBD |
| Dandenong Ranges Spring Events | Multiple small events | Various | Varies | 30-60km |
Festival’s Unique Position
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival occupies a unique position in Melbourne’s spring event calendar. No other single location offers comparable tulip displays, while the working farm setting provides authentic agricultural tourism.
The combination of horticultural excellence, cultural programming, and family accessibility creates comprehensive value for diverse visitor types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival?
Yes, parking is completely free at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. The festival provides extensive on-site parking areas at no additional cost to visitors, including designated spaces for coaches and larger vehicles.
Can I bring my dog to the tulip festival?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, provided they remain on leashes at all times. The festival operates on a working farm with agricultural considerations, making leash control essential for pet and flower safety.
What happens if it rains during my visit?
The festival operates rain or shine as an outdoor agricultural event. Muddy conditions are common during wet weather, making waterproof footwear essential. Indoor shelters including the cafe and market stall areas provide weather protection.
Are children really free at the Tulip Festival?
Yes, all children aged 16 and under enter the festival completely free when accompanied by paying adults. This policy applies to all festival days regardless of pricing tiers or special events.
How long should I plan to spend at the festival?
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the tulip fields, attractions, and activities. Photography enthusiasts and families with children often stay longer, while quick visits can be completed in 90 minutes.
Q: Can I pick tulips at the festival?
No, tulip picking is not permitted as this is a working commercial farm. Tulip bulbs and cut flowers are available for purchase from the on-site shop and market stalls.
Q: What is the best time to visit for peak blooms?
Peak bloom typically occurs between mid-September and early October, weather dependent. Early morning visits provide the best lighting conditions and smaller crowds for optimal viewing and photography.
Q: Are there food options at the festival?
Yes, the festival includes an on-site cafe, bar, and multiple food vendors offering both standard Australian fare and themed cuisine matching weekend events.
Planning Your Tesselaar Tulip Festival Visit
The 2025 Tesselaar Tulip Festival celebrates 70 years of bringing Dutch tulip heritage to Australian audiences. This milestone year combines traditional horticultural excellence with expanded cultural programming and family entertainment.
Advance ticket booking ensures entry during popular periods, while weekday visits provide more relaxed touring conditions.
The festival’s position in the Dandenong Ranges creates opportunities for extended regional touring, including wineries, scenic drives, and mountain township visits.
The Tesselaar family’s commitment to sharing tulip beauty with Australian audiences continues into its eighth decade. This agricultural tourism success story demonstrates the enduring appeal of seasonal flower festivals and cultural celebration.
Puffing Bily Railway
Many visitors combine the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Silvan with other classic attractions in the Dandenong Ranges, creating a full spring day out.
After exploring the tulip fields, one of the most popular experiences is a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Railway through the mountain forests and fern gullies.
Both destinations highlight the region’s natural beauty and heritage, making them ideal pairings for families, photographers, and day-trippers from Melbourne.
