Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Practical Details: Visiting and Planning

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Introducing Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens: A Family-Friendly Garden Adventure on the Mornington Peninsula

If you’re looking for a charming day out that combines greenery, fun, and a touch of whimsy, the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens offers a delightful escape. With over 25 acres of lush gardens, this attraction is perfect for families, garden lovers, or anyone craving a peaceful yet playful outdoor experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour? First, the largest hedge maze in Australia provides a surprisingly challenging and fun puzzle for all ages. Second, the lavender gardens bloom brightly year-round, filling the air with a soothing aroma. Third, the kid-friendly activities like the fairy and gnome scavenger hunt and a new timber playground make this a genuinely engaging outing for children.

One potential consideration is that, depending on how long you want to stay, the visit can range from just 30 minutes to a full day. So, planning your time accordingly will help you maximize your experience.

This tour suits anyone who enjoys leisurely outdoor activities, botanical sights, or family outings. It’s especially appealing for those interested in garden design, lavender fields, or simply looking for a relaxing, interactive day with kids.

Key Points

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Key Points

  • Largest Hedge Maze in Australia provides a fun challenge for all ages.
  • Year-round Lavender Blooms create a fragrant, picturesque setting.
  • Family-Friendly Activities include scavenger hunts and a timber playground.
  • Affordable Price Point offers good value for a full-day outdoor experience.
  • Flexible Duration from 30 minutes to several hours.
  • Open Year-Round with consistent hours, making it easy to plan visits.

Exploring the Gardens and Maze: A Closer Look

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Exploring the Gardens and Maze: A Closer Look

Visiting Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens feels like stepping into a whimsical storybook. Covering 25 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, the site boasts two hedge mazes—the star attraction being Australia’s largest hedge maze. The maze itself is a marvel of horticultural design, with winding paths that promise either a quick escape or a delightful hour of wandering.

Travelers often comment on how the maze’s size and layout make it more than just a simple puzzle. It’s a great spot for family bonding, with enough twists and turns to keep kids guessing, and enough space for parents to relax on the sprawling lawns nearby. Kids apparently love the fairy and gnome scavenger hunt, which adds an extra layer of fun as they search for hidden figures throughout the gardens.

The gardens also feature a striking Lavender Labrinth, which blooms throughout summer with over 1000 Grosso and Intermedia Lavandula plants. The scent alone is worth the visit, turning the air into a calming, fragrant breeze that envelops you as you stroll. The lavender’s year-round flowering means you don’t have to time your visit just for summer; the sight and smell are consistent highlights.

The Kid-Friendly Focus

One of the standout features, based on visitor feedback, is how well the site caters to children. The brand-new timber playground is perfect for little ones needing to burn off some energy, with plenty of space for running, climbing, and playing. The scavenger hunts—focused on fairies and gnomes—are a hit among kids, turning what could be a stroll into an interactive adventure.

A visitor from Tripadvisor shared, “Kids love the maze and the lawn games. The fairy and gnomes hunt was so exciting, and staff was very friendly.” This sense of friendly engagement adds to the overall appeal, making it a welcoming environment for families.

Practical Details: Visiting and Planning

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Practical Details: Visiting and Planning

The tour is accessible via a mobile ticket, removing the hassle of paper tickets, and is available from December 2024 through June 2026, with opening hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every Monday. The entry fee is around $14.84 per person, which is reasonable considering the size of the gardens and the variety of activities available.

The flexibility of the duration—from just 30 minutes up to roughly seven hours—means you can tailor your visit to suit your schedule and interest level. Whether you’re after a quick walk or a full day of exploring, Ashcombe provides good value.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit makes this a low-risk outing, perfect for spontaneous plans or uncertain weather. Service animals are allowed, which is thoughtful for visitors with pets or service needs.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - What’s Included and What to Expect

Your ticket grants access to the entire garden complex, including the maze, lavender gardens, scavenger hunts, and the new timber playground. Staff members are known for their friendly attitude, adding a welcoming touch to your visit.

You’ll likely find the gardens well-maintained, with lush greenery, fragrant lavender, and neatly trimmed paths. The large lawn spaces are ideal for picnics or lawn games, so packing a picnic basket could enhance your experience. Just remember that, depending on your timing, the visit can be as quick or as long as you want—so plan accordingly.

Authentic Visitor Experiences

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Authentic Visitor Experiences

One review captures the essence of a family day here: “Nice place to spend the day with kids. The maze and lawn games kept everyone entertained. The fairy and gnome hunt was so exciting, and staff was very friendly.” This highlights how well the site balances entertainment and relaxation, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

Another note from travelers is how the gardens look even more vibrant in summer, with the lavender offsetting the greenery beautifully. The scent is often described as calming and refreshing—something you’ll want to take your time savoring.

Comparing to Similar Experiences

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Comparing to Similar Experiences

If you’re considering other outdoor or garden experiences around Mornington Peninsula, this tour offers a distinctive combination of maze challenge and fragrant gardens at an accessible price point. It’s more interactive than typical botanical gardens and offers structured family activities, setting it apart from quieter garden strolls or nature walks.

For those interested in relaxing cruises, spa days, or wildlife experiences, the Ashcombe tour offers a different flavor, more focused on outdoor fun and botanical beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families with kids, thanks to the playful scavenger hunts, playground, and open spaces. Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the lavender blooms, especially as they provide a sensory delight year-round.

Outdoor lovers looking for a relaxed yet engaging day will find this tour offers a good mix of leisure, exploration, and light adventure. It’s also ideal for those wanting a budget-friendly activity that doesn’t sacrifice fun or beauty.

Nature lovers, garden fans, or anyone craving a break from city life will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to explore at their own pace.

FAQs about Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - FAQs about Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children love the maze, lawn games, and the fairy and gnome scavenger hunt, making it a family-friendly activity.

What is included in the ticket? Your entry grants access to the hedge mazes, lavender gardens, scavenger hunts, and the timber playground.

Are pets allowed? Service animals are permitted, but it’s best to check in advance if bringing a pet.

What are the opening hours? The gardens are open Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the tour running from December 2024 through June 2026.

How much does the experience cost? The entry fee is approximately $14.84 per person, offering good value considering the size and activities.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your visit, with a full refund.

How long does a visit typically take? Visitors can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on their interest level.

Is there a guided tour, or just self-guided? The experience is generally self-guided, with staff available for questions and support.

Can I visit year-round? Yes, the gardens are open throughout the year, with the lavender blooming in summer and flowering year-round.

Is parking available? While not explicitly mentioned, given it’s a large garden complex, parking is likely available on-site or nearby.

To sum it up, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens offers a scenic, family-oriented outdoor experience that blends the fun of a hedge maze with the serenity of fragrant gardens. Its affordability, flexible timing, and engaging activities make it an excellent choice for a day trip on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk among lavender, a light-hearted puzzle in the maze, or a playful day with kids, this site delivers genuine value and a memorable experience. Perfect for garden enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a relaxing outdoor outing, it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy nature’s simple pleasures.