Life in Bloom

Spring brings new growth to gardens and wilderness areas right across the state, so there’s never a better time than now to head outside for natural inspiration.

Grampian wildflowers

In the Wild

When spring arrives, so too do the Grampians wildflowers. There are more than a thousand species of flowering plants here, including about 20 that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. While the ranges are a riot of colour, head to the plains of the southern Grampians for bluebells, pincushions and correas, as well as native grasses. When you’ve filled your eyes with colour, head to the Royal Mail Hotel for destination dining at Wickens and a range of accommodation. +royalmail.com.au

Ballarat Botanical Gardens Chippy Rivera

Gardens by Design

On the shore of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Botanical Gardens is one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens. With 40 hectares divided into four zones, there is an abundance of opportunities to explore. When you’re done, check in to the Provincial Hotel and tuck into European-inspired fare created using local produce at its bistro, Lola. +ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au +theprovincialballarat.com.au

Alpine Ambience

For half of the year, Dinner Plain is covered in a layer of snow, but when spring arrives that white is replaced by a riot of colour. There are many hiking trails in the region , but the gentle JB Plain Walk heads to cattle yard remnants at JB Hut and passes vast swathes of alpine wildflowers. After a long walk, head to Hotel High Plains for a meal at its Stone’s Throw Restaurant or to play pool at the Cobungra Bar. +hotelhighplains.com

Cruden Farm

Peninsula Posies

When Dame Elisabeth Murdoch died in 2012, she left Cruden Farm to the people of Victoria to enjoy as much as she did. Located at Langwarrin on the Mornington Peninsula, the garden is best known for its long driveway planted with more than a hundred lemon-scented gums. Head to the Picking Garden, so named because it once grew vegetables, to enjoy thousands of blooming plants. If you’ve never had the chance before, this is the perfect opportunity to head to Arthurs Seat Eagle for a gondola ride with extraordinary views. +crudenfarm.com.au +aseagle.com.au