In a remarkable stroke of good fortune, mother nature has graced the Blue Lotus Water Garden with its most spectacular display of exotic lotus and waterlily flowers in years.
The idyllic weather conditions experienced at the gardens throughout spring and December have created an optimal environment for plant growth, resulting in the emergence of thousands more flower buds compared to the same period last year.
Notably, the Giant Amazon Waterlily, renowned as one of the largest waterlily species globally, has exhibited astonishing growth, with lily pads already three times larger than those seen in December of the previous year.
Blue Lotus Water Garden
- A seasonal garden in the Yarra Valley
- 2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction
- The 2024 season runs from December 26 – April 14
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In a heartwarming gesture towards families grappling with the challenges of the cost of living, the garden’s owners have introduced a welcome change for the 2024 season.
Children aged 15 and under can now enjoy free entry when accompanied by a paying adult (terms and conditions apply). This thoughtful adjustment aims to alleviate financial burdens for families and make the visit more accessible than in previous seasons. Families are also encouraged to bring their own picnics, taking advantage of the garden’s extensive picnic and barbecue facilities.
Blue Lotus Water Garden attractions
Encompassing an expansive 14 acres (50,000 square meters), the tropical-themed gardens boast over 40 ponds, lakes, and water features, creating a breathtaking showcase of lotus and waterlily flowers, unrivaled in the southern hemisphere. The vast grounds showcase an impressive variety of exotic plants, captivating garden exhibits, enchanting fountains, cascading waterfalls, artistic floral sculptures, inviting walks, and picturesque vistas.
For a relaxed outing, they’ve also thoughtfully provided extensive picnic facilities, including numerous shelters and BBQs strategically scattered throughout the gardens. Alternatively, visitors can savor the delightful hospitality of their café, offering fantastic views of the vibrant floral displays.
The garden’s café and ice cream kiosk now operate under the management of the highly experienced team from 3 Sugars Café in Warburton. This collaboration introduces a fresh dine-in menu featuring a variety of house-made meals, snacks, treats, and beverages, providing a delightful dining experience amidst the blooming flowers. It is important to note that these facilities are exclusively available for garden visitors with a valid ticket.
A new 50-metre creek
Adding to the allure, the garden’s landscaping team has unveiled a new 50-metre-long artificial creek, meandering through a newly cultivated garden featuring rainforest plants and ferns. Artistic sculptures and water features dot the landscape, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
For the little ones seeking enchantment, the fairy garden and family space have been expanded, offering an array of new attractions such as Todd’s Tree House. Older kids can engage in a game of Giant Chess, conveniently located near the café, providing entertainment for the entire family.
The Blue Lotus Water Garden’s Cochrane Lake
In a testament to natural grandeur, the largest lake within the Blue Lotus Water Garden stands as a marvel, holding an impressive 11 million liters of water and stretching an expansive 250 meters. This aquatic spectacle hosts a stunning palette of over 70 varieties of waterlily flowers, creating a vibrant and captivating carpet of colors across the lake’s surface. Notably, the display includes a prized collection of Claude Monet’s original waterlilies, meticulously planted in his renowned garden at Giverny, France.
At the lake’s terminus, a flourishing plantation featuring hundreds of Mrs. Perry Slocum Lotus, Hindu Lotus, and Cream Lutea Lotus contributes to the visual splendor, producing a daily abundance of thousands of blooms. The encompassing gardens are adorned with a profusion of perennial flowers and shaded by banana and cocos palms. Within the lake, a 300-meter walkway invites exploration, featuring 11 bridges, including the iconic red arched bridge. The natural habitat surrounding the lake attracts native water birds such as Giant Egrets, Water Hens, Spoon Bills, and various ducks, engaging in foraging or nest-building activities.
On the lake’s southern flank, a sandy pathway provides convenient access, complemented by numerous picnic shelters where visitors can pause, rejuvenate, and relish the breathtaking views. Enhancing the visual allure are two fountains crafted in the shape of giant lotus flowers, seemingly floating on the lake’s surface and casting a mesmerizing reflective dance of their surroundings. The Blue Lotus Water Garden’s largest lake promises a serene and visually enchanting experience for all who venture into its picturesque surroundings.
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