Blue Lotus Water Garden
Around mid-January, we took a drive up to the Blue Lotus water garden at Yarra Junction. While the nursery is open all year round, the gardens are only open to the public from late December to mid-April each year. I hadn’t visited them before, but it had been on the list to see for a while. So, with a nice day of 24C and sunny, we headed off.
The Gardens
After parking the car, we wandered into the entrance, paid our fee, received our free map. We decided to sit and have lunch first as it was near lunchtime. There is a large seating area overlooking the lake for those dining at the cafe. Also dotted around the lake are many other areas offering great seating with tables undercover for those who prefer to bring a picnic lunch. Next time we visit we will definitely bring a picnic. It took two trips to the counter to get our lunch (we got the order wrong the first time, left stuff off the second time, and if we returned a burnt hamburger bun, it would have made three trips).
The Blue Lotus water garden, however, is delightful. It’s well laid out and has loads to photograph. Acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with a ‘tropical’ theme, enormous waterlilies bloom everywhere in a riot of colour among lakes, lagoons and ponds.
Pack the sunscreen
Despite the many planted trees, apart from the picnic areas and front cafe area, there is no shade on the pathways, so it’s nice of them to provide umbrellas for you to walk around with. Keep an eye out for them near the cafe, if it’s a sunny day you will need them. Do bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
About half way around you’ll come to a couple of greenhouses, here, you’ll find the more exotic water lilies and massive lily pads from the amazon.
If you have little ones with you there is a Faerie Garden – on certain days the ‘Faerie Queen’ is in residence and offering face painting (for a fee).
Location
Blue Lotus Water Gardens 2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction
Open seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm – December to April.
Entry: $18 adults, $16 conc. or seniors. Kids 0-15yrs free