Found in the heart of the scenic Dandenong Ranges, the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival is a vibrant celebration of nature, creativity, and seasonal beauty. Each autumn, the Tesselaar Flower Farm is transformed into a spectacular floral wonderland. It features over 12 acres of meticulously curated blooms arranged in sweeping fields of colour.
Festival of flowers
At the core of the festival is its extraordinary floral display. Millions of flowers are planted in bold patterns and striking combinations. This creates immersive landscapes that are as captivating for horticultural enthusiasts as they are for casual visitors. Specially designed photo paths and floral pockets throughout the grounds offer countless opportunities to pause, explore, and capture unforgettable moments.
But, KaBloom is more than a visual feast. The festival brings together a diverse range of experiences. From live entertainment and family-friendly performances to delicious food offerings and tractor rides through the blooming fields. Set against the backdrop of crisp Victorian autumn weather, it offers an engaging and memorable day out for all ages.
Behind every stunning floral display lies months of meticulous preparation. The process begins well before a single bloom appears. Firstly, with soil preparation and extending through planting and ongoing care. In December, over 150,000 seedlings, which have been carefully nurtured in the nursery, are hand-planted with precision. Prior to this, farmer Dennis ensures the soil is perfectly conditioned for planting. A specialty roller attached to the tractor not only marks the planting spots but also creates uniform holes for the seedlings. Each plant is carefully placed by hand, a labour-intensive process designed to give every flower the best chance to thrive.
The Tesselaar KaBloom Festival is a relatively recent addition to the Tesselaar family’s proud tradition of celebrating the beauty of flowers with the public. It was introduced in 2018 as a vibrant complement to the iconic Tesselaar Tulip Festival. A springtime event that has delighted visitors for decades. While the Tulip Festival captures the brilliance of spring, KaBloom was created to showcase the rich colours and textures of autumn through expansive plantings of seasonal blooms.
Year-Round Floral Celebrations at Tesselaar
Beyond KaBloom in Autumn, the Tesselaar Flower Farm hosts a variety of events throughout the year that highlight the changing beauty of the landscape:
- Tesselaar Tulip Festival (Spring): Held annually during mid-September to mid-October, this world-renowned event features over a million tulips in bloom, themed weekends, cultural performances, and live music. It is the original cornerstone of the Tesselaar legacy and draws visitors from across Australia and abroad.
- Garden Tours and Seasonal Visits: Additionally, outside the major festivals, Tesselaar often opens its grounds for seasonal visits, guided tours, and horticultural showcases that reflect the farm’s rich history and expertise in flower cultivation.
These events not only highlight the region’s natural beauty but also foster a deep appreciation for horticulture and gardening. Whether visiting in spring for the tulips or in autumn for the dazzling displays of KaBloom, the Tesselaar Flower Farm offers a year-round invitation to experience the wonder of nature in full bloom.
