This lavender farm with Highland cows is Melbourne’s cutest day trip

A cute-as-a-button day trip from Melbourne that will only cost you $5.

Located just one and a half hours northwest of Melbourne, Lavandula Farm is a historic property near Daylesford promising a taste of idyllic Swiss-Italian village life. Here, delight comes in many forms: a cheese and wine bar in an 1870s stone barn, geese waddling through fragrant orchards, grazing alpacas and crusty woodfired pizza in an open-air courtyard. The 40-acre farm has recently reopened with a host of new dining and shopping experiences, giving Melbourne day-trippers even more reasons to visit.

Whether you’re here for the furry friends, homemade goods or shady picnics surrounded by rows of lavender and olive groves, Lavandula Farm is the ultimate place to reconnect. We think the $5 entry price for adults (or $1 for children five and up) is a small price to pay for a day of unlimited joy.

Why you’ll love Lavandula Farm

Lavandula Farm's Highland cows — Spend the day with Lavandula Farm’s Highland cows.

An obvious drawcard that will have you melting inside, Lavandula Farm’s resident animals are well-loved by visitors – you’ll find them roaming freely around the farm during the day. Meet adorable Highland cows munching on hay, meandering pheasants and the gaggle of honking geese. You’ll even see emus and alpacas wandering the property.

lavandula farm flowers — Visit the farm from January through March to see the blooming fields. (Image: Visit Victoria)

January to March is the perfect time to visit if you’ve got your heart set on witnessing the farm’s stunning lavender crops. Time your visit from 10–12 April to witness the popular annual lavender harvest and experience the blooms at their most fragrant.

Scout out a sunny corner near the fields and set up your own picnic (you’re welcome to BYO or purchase a picnic basket packed with bites from the cafe and deli). Or perhaps head to Tinetti’s Dairy Barn & Wine Shoppe, which nods to the farm’s history as a dairy farm. Enjoy spritzes, locally made wines and grazing boards under the pitched roof to round out the afternoon. For classic pizzas under the trees and lingering conversations, opt for Woodfire – another casual yet elegant restaurant on Lavandula Farm.

picnic lavandula farm — Enjoy a picnic hamper from the Lavandula cafe or bring your own.

The Farm Shop is where you’ll find homemade keepsakes and artisan goods spanning everything from bath products to produce grown onsite, from lavender jam and honey to lavender lollies. The shop is designed to feel like a charming apothecary with sensory discovery and a deep connection to the farm’s continuing production heritage.

What’s new at Lavandula Farm

Discover heritage stone barns at Lavandula Farm. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A newly opened space, The Post Office Deli & Larder has been reimagined as a gourmet takeaway stop-in. Buttery, country-style sausage rolls and Italian paninis are the perfect lunchtime pick-me-up to bring along as you wander the gardens, while the farm’s iconic lavender scones will keep sweet tooths more than happy.

Also brand-new at Lavandula Farm is The Homestead Store. Set inside a 160-year-old stone building where Aquilino Tinetti lived with his wife and 13 children, the store combines heritage and modern luxury. Sifting through the handpicked homewares, artisan pieces and array of locally made gifts is a wonderful way to escape the sun for a little while.

Lavandula Farm's cafe — Enjoy a meal in a shady vine-draped setting at the farm.

Named after the farm’s founding matriarch, Maria Tinetti, Maria’s Trattoria offers seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menus in a beautifully rustic stone-walled setting. While the checkered tablecloths and hearty Italian dishes remain fan favourites, the restaurant has recently launched a Lavender High Tea. The two-hour morning experience treats visitors to oven-warm cakes, dainty sandwiches and delicious quiches with a choice of lavender-flavoured beverage: spritz, tea or lemonade.

For those enamoured by tales of the past, there’s more good news – Lavandula Farm will launch history tours offering visitors a deeper dive into the property’s European settler heritage that dates back 160 years.

The details

Entry cost: Adults $5, children (5–18 years) $1, season pass $10, free for children under five

Address: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat VIC 3461

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (though individual onsite venue hours may differ), Friday to Tuesday

Parking: Free and onsite

Accessibility: The farm is wheelchair and pram accessible with ramp access and wide paths.

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.

This European lavender farm with Highland cows is Melbourne’s cutest day trip