Trips
Bus trips to places of interest are organised regularly (subject to sufficient numbers). Wheelchairs & walkers available for use. (Purchased by a grant from Baw Baw Shire)
MAY 2026 ‘AUTUMN COLOURS’ TRIP TO BRIGHT
Our recent, 3-day trip to Bright was a huge success. A total of 50 people -plus two new members following in their car and caravan- were a great group to share the colourful autumn experiences with. We also had members from Leongatha, Poowong and Lang Lang garden clubs joining us.
The first day we left behind a grey and wet Warragul and Drouin and drove up and through the spectacular mountain ash forests and vineyards in all their autumn glory. Our first stop was in the Strathbogie Ranges at Sunnymeade Garden, created by Craig Irving. Craig explained that the overall structure of the garden was influenced by English formal roomed gardens. However, the inspirations from gardens in Spain, Persia Egypt and France- make Sunnymeade unique. It was a very tranquil and peaceful garden to explore. Craig is still developing and adding to this beautiful garden.
Our final stop for the day was in Whorouly .Rhonda’s garden is on a dairy farm and has been planted over 30 years. It is small and colourful -making full use of every inch of space, with some fantastic ideas for succulent displays.
Then we arrived in Bright for the next two nights and could settle in to our accommodation before the temperature dropped. Bright put on fantastic weather for us and it was a privilege to view gardens belonging to locals. Sally, the Bright Garden Club president opened her garden and we enjoyed a lovely morning tea in Freeburgh. We also visited Lisa’s sub-tropical garden , followed by Andrea and Glen’s garden in Wandiligong. Each garden has its own characteristics and colour. Our heads were filling with ideas and plans for our own gardens as the coach was filling with cuttings from the generous gardeners.
We also had a chance to stock up on Alpine goodies such as apples, nuts , jams, pies and ciders at the Nightingale Store.
Our final day arrived and we packed up for home. However on the way, we stopped in Beechworth and had plenty of time to sample the Bakery delights and wander through the Chinese Gardens and historical areas of this old and pretty town
Thanks must go to Ann who planned the itinerary-kept us informed, organised and- most importantly – counted- on the trip. To the past and current committee who supported in too many ways to mention . Especially thanks to Peter and Annette who accompanied Ann to reconnoiter the trip.
PREVIOUS TRIPS
SEPTEMBER 24th 2025, Bus Trip to Melbourne Botanic Gardens: —
Below are some other pictures captured at the many wonderful gardens we have visited.
Cape Patterson, Gardenaceous & Community Farm April 2024
Tall Timbers September 2023
Country Farm Perennials September 2023
Coromandel May 2022
Tall Timbers – May 2022
Broughton Hall – November 2021
On Wednesday 10th November 2021, twenty-six club members braved the poor weather and visited the beautiful gardens of Broughton Hall and we weren’t disappointed (see photo over). The glorious colour of this wonderful garden was emphasised by the contrast of the grey sky. Described as a charmed garden, the design and construction with the breathtaking view was most impressive. After a meal at Neerim South Hotel some members continued to Country Farm Perennials where David and Meryl warmly greeted us. The rain stopped long enough for us all to stroll around their magnificent garden, and of course spend some time and money in their nursery.
Cloudehill – March 2021
Blue Lotus Water Gardens
Garden Club visits don’t come much better than this. After morning tea at Noogee we arrived at Blue Lotus on the Warburton Highway near Yarra Junction at about 11.00am and spent 3 hours enjoying 14 acres of Australia’s largest water Garden. There are more than 4km of trails and tracks through a mass of lakes full of thousands of rare Lotus flowers and Water Lillies plus hothouses with tropical and night flowering plants. It is best described by the collection of photos below: —
This was a unique trip organised by Irene and enjoyed by all who attended.
