Bendigo’s stunning tulip displays will take centre stage in a new annual Bloom spring program launched today that brings together 60 exciting events, experiences and attractions, including new night time activations in the city centre.
Rosalind Park and the surrounds will enjoy a sea of colour from 53,000 tulips from mid-September 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 Andrea Metcalf said the annual tulip displays with 25 different varieties were integral to the popular Bloom spring events and this year’s program included some exciting additions to the program to complement the floral displays.
“Spring is a special time in Bendigo and residents and visitors always love seeing the tulips which are beautifully presented by staff from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Parks and Open Space unit, and I thank them for their wonderful work in preparing for this important season in the calendar,” Cr Metcalf said.
“As part of the annual display, a secret design in one of the main beds in the Conservatory Gardens will be revealed once the tulips bloom.
“Together with our magnificent tulips, this year’s Bloom events calendar is brimming with things to see, enjoy and experience this spring, including music, food and wine festivals, arts and cultural events.
“I am delighted to announce that new and free Bloom After Dark activations have also been developed which will run from Friday September 16 until Sunday October 9.
“Each night the Conservatory surrounds will have illuminated tulip beds and people can enjoy a stunning interactive floral display projection at the iconic Conservatory. Using three motion-sensored cameras, people can stand outside the Conservatory and interact with the vibrant and colourful projections, with the ability to move and twirl the flower images on the building’s exterior.
“People can dance to classical music and have fun drawing floral shapes and playing with the light effects – it’s the perfect activity for all ages to enjoy.
“When no one is interacting, a flower projection will trickle from the Conservatory roof like rain and then bunch up in circles in the middle and disperse in a lovely display.
“Illuminated tulips will also be wrapped around the Piazza in Rosalind Park with the BENDIGO letters adorning a new floral design, lit up for a perfect night time selfie. Another illuminated tulip bed is located just near the Queen Victoria statue, while a multicoloured tulip light show is featured on the Bendigo Visitor Centre’s arch windows that will shine bright on Pall Mall.
“Another great daytime selfie spot will be Bloom’s Secret Garden at the Carriageway (laneway between The Engine Room and The Capital on View Street) where people can take a selfie in front of the stunning flower gates and admire the digital artwork of local artist Alicia Huddy.
“These activations are important to draw people to the city centre during the day and in the evenings. It 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.
“This is a great way to support local businesses that are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With better weather on its way, I encourage residents and visitors to make the most of the Bloom events calendar and take selfies in around the city centre and share with friends and family, so Bendigo’s tulips are once again the talk of the town.”
The Bloom events calendar celebrates spring with 60 events, experiences and attractions. Here are some highlights:
- Tulip displays, night time Bloom activations and tulip curator talks – mid-September onwards (to be confirmed)
- Sunshine Super Girl at Ulumbarra Theatre (Evonne Goolagong’s rise in the tennis world) – October 1
- Vegecareian Festival at the Great Stupa -October 1
- Heathcote Wine and Food Festival – October 1 and 2
- Zinda Festival, Garden for the Future – October 8
- Bendigo Uncorked Festival program – October 1 to 16
- Bendigo Winegrowers Spring Fiesta – October 15
- Bendigo Agricultural Show, Bendigo Showgrounds – October 21 and 22
- Bendigo Open House (various locations) – October 22 and 23 (full program released soon)
- Lior & Domini: Animal in Hiding at The Capital – October 23
- Vibes and Vino at Heathcote – October 29
- Ross Wilson at Sanguine Estate at Heathcote – October 30
- Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival – November 3 to 6 (four-day event of live performances at various locations)
- Backbone (circus performance) at Ulumbarra Theatre – November 9 and 10
- Almost Summer, three-day contemporary music – November 25 to November 27
- Treasures of Dai Gum San: Chinese artistry from the Golden Dragon Museum – Bendigo Art Gallery free exhibition (until Sunday February 19, 2023)
- In our Time: Four decades of art from China and beyond – the Geoff Raby Collection – Bendigo Art Gallery free exhibition (until Sunday February 19, 2023)
Many Bendigo Tourism members, including wineries, restaurants and cafes, have also launched special spring experiences as part of the Bloom campaign.
