Blue Lotus Water Gardens – spot of Asia in the Yarra Valley

There a

re many things to do with the kids when visiting the Yarra Valley, including Healesville Sanctuary, the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory, not to mention a family friendly winery or two.

But there is one special place that doesn’t seem to make many lists of family activities. On the face of it, I can see why. There is lots of water, so parents need to be on guard. But I will think both you and your kids, no matter their age, will be blown away by this place.

I am talking about the Blue Lotus Water Garden at Yarra Junction. In full bloom at this time of year, this place is magical – a small spot of Asia in the Yarra Valley wine region. Its is a magical place. How could 14 acres of lotuses and water lilies fail to be?

What I also love about this place was how it started – a market gardener farmer who decided he wanted to create a fly fishing resort, but ended up developing a passion for the water lilies and lotuses he had planted in the dams.

The Blue Lotus Water Garden opened in 2006 and is constantly evolving. Even since our visit this time last year, there is a new attraction that is bound to enthral the young ones – a flower fairy garden with fairy houses and giant mushrooms. This area is also perfect for a bbq or picnic lunch.

Fast Facts

When it comes to the Blue Lotus Water Garden, it is the pictures that speak a thousand words. So, just a few other ‘need to knows’ for when you are planning your visit:

• Entry is only $17 for adults and FREE for children aged up to 16 years.
• See the largest Amazon water lily in Australia
• You can buy drinks and light meals at the on-site café or take your own picnic lunch
• The gardens are only open from late December to April (3 April 2016) which is when you will be able to see flowers in bloom
• There is a retail nursery on-site

This is why you visit Blue Lotus

I cannot recommend the Blue Lotus Water Garden highly enough for families wanting a garden experience with a different. And if you decide to stay the night to make the most of your visit, check out some of the best Yarra Valley family friendly accommodation available in the area.

More details about the Blue Lotus Water Garden.

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