The 73rd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival is just around the corner, promising a vibrant celebration of nature, community, and creativity.
From 9-11 March, tens of thousands of visitors will flock to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens for this beloved three-day event, held over the Labour Day long weekend. With a renewed focus on conservation and a packed program of free activities, this year’s festival is set to delight locals and visitors alike.
Headlining the festival is The Last Numbat, a large-scale, interactive performance installation by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Using puppetry, the show tells the story of the endangered Australian marsupial, blending art with a powerful message of environmental awareness. This marks the first time The Last Numbat will be showcased on Australia’s east coast, offering a unique experience for festival-goers.
The festival’s full program, now available online, features something for everyone. City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves describes the event as a “treasure on our events calendar,” highlighting its broad appeal.
“From the guest presenters on the main stage to the family-friendly activities, from the food and drink offerings to the incredible garden displays, and of course the PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade – this is an event not to be missed,” she said.
Main stage highlights include talks by Gardening Australia star Costa Georgiadis, who will share his passion for sustainable gardening, and Millie Ross, who will inspire creativity with her unconventional gardening tips. MasterChef Australia alumna Mindy Wood will showcase Indigenous ingredients, while Ballarat chef Liam Downes will demonstrate his paddock-to-plate philosophy.
Beyond the stage, the festival offers a begonia display featuring over 500 rare varieties, a Gardeners Market, family-friendly activities like puppet shows and workshops, and a scavenger hunt featuring snail sculptures by artist Tim Read.
Foodies can indulge in local wines and gourmet treats, while the PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade will cap off the weekend with a vibrant community procession.
For more information, visit the festival’s website.
