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This dreamy cherry-blossom festival in Victoria is about to bloom

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
Flowers, fruit-picking and a whole lot of fun.

It’s that time of year. The winter chill is finally easing. Brave Aussies are starting to shed a few layers. Buds are beginning to bloom, and the sweet scent of spring is officially in the air. And there’s no better place to celebrate than CherryHill Orchards, which is hosting its cherry-blossom festival to welcome the season.

What is Bloom & Graze Festival?

Bloom & Graze, Victora
Welcome spring among the cherry blossoms at Bloom & Graze.

In Victoria’s bucolic Yarra Valley, CherryHill Orchards sits pretty on the outskirts of Coldstream township. The family-owned fruit farm, which has a sister property in nearby Wandin East, is officially opening its gates ahead of harvest season with the Bloom & Graze festival. Running across the second weekend of spring, the colourful celebration is returning after a successful debut in 2025.

A range of market stalls run by local businesses, producers and creators will take over the orchard as it begins to bloom, with wine, cheese, jewellery, flowers and tea. This year’s exhibitors include The Botanical Brothers, Yarra Valley Dairy, Watts River Brewing, Truffle Valley and more.

CherryHill Orchards in Victoria
Sample a variety of delicious treats served up by local producers.

Each vendor will run its own workshop or demonstration, sharing expert advice on everything from cocktail mixology to candle-making. There will also be live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and a cherry-inspired farmgate store.

“This is all about bringing our incredible community of producers, makers, and creators together to showcase the very best of the Yarra Valley," says Mike Appleton, CherryHill’s general manager of customer experience, tourism and events. “Set against the breathtaking backdrop of our 100-acre Coldstream orchard as our cherry trees begin to bloom, it’s the perfect way to celebrate spring."

What else is on at CherryHill this spring?

CherryHill Orchards in Victoria
CherryHill’s spring calendar is blooming with fun events in 2026.

If you can’t make it to Bloom & Graze, you don’t have to miss out. CherryHill Orchards is hosting a bloomin’ good line-up of events that rivals Australia’s best spring festivals.

The weekend after Bloom & Graze ends, the ever-popular Blossom Festival kicks off with 12 days of floral fanfare, just as the entire orchard enters full bloom. Running from 18 September – 4 October, it transforms the Wandin East property into a festival of fun for the whole family.

CherryHill Orchard's Blossom Festival in Victoria
Picnic among the petals at CherryHill’s Blossom Festival.

Guests will enjoy a range of themed experiences, like live music, local food and wine tastings curated by the region’s best vineyards, plus plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Come October, the beloved Comedy in the Vines festival kicks off back in Coldstream. Guests can look forward to four days of stand-up, live music, wine tastings and gourmet dining, with appearances from comics including Rhys Nicholson and Mel Buttle from 22–25 October.

And finally, as spring fades into summer, the flowers that have been admired for weeks slowly grow into their final form. It’s that time on Australia’s seasonal fruit-picking calendar – cherries are officially ripe for the picking! Grab your favourite straw hat and stroll through rows of fruit-heavy trees, basket in hand.

CherryHill Orchards in Victoria
Both Yarra Valley orchards welcome visitors throughout cherry-picking season.

Both the Coldstream and Wandin East orchards will be open to the public for cherry-picking. BYO picnic to enjoy lunch in the sun, paired perfectly with your fresh fruit. There will also be cold drinks, food and ice-cream available at both onsite cafes. It’s cherry-flavoured goodness, all spring and summer long.

Dogs are welcome at all times, with a $3 entry fee per furry friend. Tickets for each spring event are available now via CherryHill’s website.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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Vanilla slice to desert racing: 8 must-see Mildura events

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    Sun-drenched Mildura is set to host a spirited array of events for guaranteed good times.

    Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, the rural town of Mildura punches well above its weight for cultural events throughout the year. And it’s the perfect escape for those who like to find award-winning food and wine, ancient outback landscapes and a relaxed river lifestyle all in one place.

    Whether you’re an oenophile on the hunt for your next favourite bottle of wine or a motor enthusiast looking for high-octane action, these events are equal parts unique and unforgettable, and offer the best ways to experience the Mildura region.

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    Enjoy a stellar line-up of arts and entertainment.

    Mildura Fringe Festival is gearing up for another huge year of feel-good fun in 2026. From 29 October – 15 November, attendees will find a stellar line-up of arts and entertainment acts, spanning burlesque, comedy, theatre, live music and circus shows. Standouts include the Shake It! burlesque act, hosted by Minnie Andrews, and the first annual Mildura Pride Day. You’ll also find beer gardens, multiple bars and family-friendly venues to get the party started, as well as a tasty curation of food trucks.

    2. Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show

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    Oenophiles and occasional imbibers alike are almost guaranteed to find their next favourite drop at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. More than 800 wines from nearly 70 regions across Australia are entered into the competition, which has celebrated lesser-known innovative wines and emerging grape varieties for more than 20 years. There are a host of events from 4–7 November, from the Show Tasting – where you can sample as many entries as you like – to a delicious three-course dinner with matching wines curated by renowned Italian-Australian chef and festival co-founder Stefano de Pieri.

    3. Cullulleraine Music Festival

    Cullulleraine Music Festival mildura events
    Listen to local, national and international artists. (Credit: David Sickerdick)

    Adored for its ‘salt of the earth’ reputation that fosters welcoming regional vibes, the Cullulleraine Music Festival is a community-driven, not-for-profit music festival that hits all the right notes. Taking place from 9–11 April 2027, the lineup showcases a diverse range of local, national and international artists, including Harry Manx, Cat & Clint and Deep South Brass 8.  Festivalgoers can get down to folk, blues and roots music, and can join immersive experiences such as drumming circles and Celtic jam sessions – all in front of golden sunset views across Lake Cullulleraine.

    4. Balloons Over Mildura

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    Mildura is set for a glow-up when this illuminating winter event comes to town. Around June to July each year, the Balloons Over Mildura takes over the skies. Be sure to catch the festival’s popular Night Glow event, where illuminated balloons light up the evening sky in a choreographed display. Order some fairy floss and a kebab and lay down a picnic rug to admire the colourful designs as they soar above. Little ones are also well looked after with children’s games.

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    Start planning your eventful trip to Mildura at mildura.com.