Bendigo's vibrant tulip displays are the centrepiece for the annual Bloom spring program that brings together over 50 exciting events, experiences, and attractions including a new night time activation.
Bendigo's tradition with tulips began in 2004 when the region was facing years of drought. Tulips could blossom and be hardy enough to
cope with dry and arid conditions and water restrictions at the time.
Now, Bendigo is famous for its tulips. Rosalind Park and the surrounds will enjoy a sea of colour from mid-September with 53,000 tulips on show at Conservatory Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, the Civic Gardens and on Pall Mall. There will also be smaller displays at Eaglehawk's Canterbury Park and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens at White Hills.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was a perfect time to enjoy the tulips as part of the Bloom spring campaign.
"You may be surprised to know that this is the 20th year that we have enjoyed seeing beautiful tulips bloom in Bendigo and they continue to be the talk of the town," Cr Metcalf said.
"The beautifully presented displays feature an assortment of colours, sizes with around 25 varieties on show.
"It's a joy to see residents and visitors appreciating the dedicated work carried out by our Parks and Open Space staff.
"The Bendigo letters in the piazza at Rosalind Park have also had a floral makeover for spring so you'll have plenty of selfie spots to choose from when you tour the tulips.
"A new fun addition will be among the flower beds during the school holidays. A 'BendiGnome Hunt' has been created with 12 specially created gnomes appearing among the tulips across four parks. Families are encouraged to find them using a Bloom map to guide you.
"As the weather starts to improve, this year's Bloom program also offers many exciting reasons to get out and make the most of the spring season events calendar, including cultural events, food and wine festivals and many experiences.
"There will be a Bloom After Dark event during the school holidays from 6.15pm to 9.30pm each night in Rosalind Park featuring an interactive trail, featuring illuminated garden beds and giant blooming flower displays.
"The front atrium at Bendigo Visitor Centre will have a mesmerising new multimedia kinetic installation from local creative Paul Fletcher that can be seen at all times of the day and night.
"Hargreaves Mall will host a great range of free, fun-packed activities to keep families entertained during the school holidays.
"All of these activations are important to draw people to the city centre during the day and in the evenings.
"It also encourages visitors to book with our local accommodation providers and extend their stay so they can see enjoy the full Bloom experience, go to a festival, visit a winery, take in a show, dine, and shop."
Bloom events include the Harvest Moon Festival, Karen Culture showcase day, the Pony Express (Victorian Goldfields Railway), Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, the Zinda Festival, Bendigo Comedy Festival, Vegecarian Festival, Bendigo Wine Week, Bendigo Agricultural Show, Moonlight Markets, Vines and Vino, free exhibitions and much more.
Many Bendigo Tourism members, including wineries, restaurants, retailers and cafes, have special spring experiences as part of the Bloom campaign.
