Dutch Weekend at Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Join me for a day trip out to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival for its Dutch Weekend, when the farm transforms into a mini-Holland! Think five acres of tulips in full colour, live Dutch music, clog dancing, a historic cheese market, and traditional Dutch food like poffertjes, oliebollen and patat frites.

We'll take the train and bus out together, so it's a relaxed, no-car way to enjoy the day. We'll meet at Boost Juice at 7:30am, catch the 7:46am train to Lilydale, then the 663 bus up to the farm — arriving around 9:53am. From there we'll wander the fields, catch some of the entertainment, and have lunch, before heading back to the city mid-afternoon.

This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can head along together — it isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Please book your own ticket directly with them; an RSVP here doesn't include entry.

Who this is for

• Anyone who enjoys flowers, a bit of culture, good food and an easy day out of the city • No fitness requirements — it's a working farm on a gentle slope with unsealed paths, so it involves some walking on uneven ground • Solo attendees are very welcome — this is a friendly, easy group to join on your own

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wd8FPiEp95unpccU6 • Tesselaar Tulip Festival: https://tulipfestival.com.au/ • Dutch Weekend: https://tulipfestival.com.au/whats-on/dutch-weekend • Tickets: https://tulipfestival.com.au/buy-tickets • FAQs: https://tulipfestival.com.au/faq/ • Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aVWu-BStww

Timeline

• 7:30am – Meet at Boost Juice and say hello • 7:46am – Train towards Lilydale • 8:55am – Arrive at Lilydale Station • 9:27am – Take Bus 663 • 9:53am – Arrive at Tesselaar's Tulip Farm • 10:00am – Explore the festival, catch the entertainment and have lunch • 1:20pm – Start walking towards the bus stop • 1:43pm – Bus back to Lilydale Station • 2:11pm – Arrive at Lilydale Station • 2:19pm – Train towards Flinders Street Station • 3:17pm – Arrive at Flinders Street Station and the meetup ends

Driving? You're welcome to meet us at the farm at around 9:55am instead of joining the train. Just message me beforehand so I know to expect you.

Tickets

• You'll need to buy your own festival ticket in advance. • The festival currently lists General Admission at $39.50 (adults).

Transport

• We're going by public transport — Lilydale line train plus the 663 bus. • Bring a Myki with enough balance (or set up Myki on your phone).

Bring

• Myki (topped up) and some cash/card for food and extras • Your festival ticket saved on your phone • Layers and a warm coat — it's outdoors and the weather can change • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny spells; a small umbrella or raincoat just in case • Sensible, closed footwear (it's a working farm — paths can be muddy if it's rained) • A refillable water bottle, and a picnic rug if you'd like to sit on the lawn

Expect

• Difficulty: easy — mostly gentle walking • Pace: relaxed, plenty of time to explore at your own speed • Vibe: cheerful, colourful and social

Important notes

• The festival runs rain, hail or shine, so come dressed for the weather. In rare extreme-weather cases they can close for safety. • Times for trains and buses are based on current timetables and can change on the day — please allow a little buffer, and I'll help keep us together. • Please take part within your own comfort and ability, follow any farm rules and staff instructions, and look after yourself on the uneven ground. You're joining at your own risk and responsible for your own safety and wellbeing on the day. • If your plans change, please update your RSVP so our numbers stay clear. 🌷