Just under an hour from Melbourne, tucked into the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, sits a private garden that opens its gates only once a year. This October, the Bolobek Garden Fair returns for its 12th year - and it remains one of Victoria's most cherished garden events, drawing green thumbs, food lovers and curious visitors alike to a setting as rich in history as it is in horticultural beauty.
With over 50 specialist stallholders, a keynote address from one of regional Victoria's most respected garden cooks, and a history stretching back to 1839, Bolobek offers something increasingly rare: a genuine celebration of community, nature and generosity, where every dollar raised goes back into the region that hosts it.
The Details
- Where: 370 Mt Macedon Road, Macedon
- When: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Tickets: $20, available online and at the gate. Children under 16 free.
A Garden Fair Worth the Drive
Bolobek is a private garden that opens to the public specifically to host this fair, and it's a destination well worth the trip out of the city. Across the weekend, more than 50 specialist stallholders set up throughout the grounds, offering rare plants and bulbs, garden tools, and gourmet food and wine. Visitors can wander the historic garden at their own pace or join a guided tour to hear the stories behind its layered, century-spanning history.
Keynote Speaker: Jo Lawson of Brae
This year's keynote speaker is Jo Lawson, head gardener at Brae - the acclaimed regional Victorian restaurant known for its deep connection between kitchen and soil. Jo brings a philosophy shaped by garden cultivation, cooking from the garden, and eating seasonally, along with the practical reality of keeping a small army of chefs supplied with produce grown just metres from the plate. Her session will explore the planning, patience and vision behind that process - and the flavour and satisfaction the simple life can bring.
The Story of Bolobek
Bolobek is a First Nations word meaning "undulating," a fitting name for a property whose gentle, rolling land reflects the rhythm of the Macedon Ranges landscape it sits within. The property was first settled in 1839 and was once home to Oswald Syme, son of The Age newspaper founder.
Today, Bolobek is lovingly cared for and curated by Brigid and Hugh Robertson, who have spent years renovating and rejuvenating the gardens, establishing a large vegetable and picking garden, and planting tens of thousands of trees across the surrounding farm.
A Fair That Gives Back
What sets Bolobek apart from many events is where the money goes. All profits from the Bolobek Garden Fair are donated to community groups and to horticultural, botanical and environmental projects across the Macedon Ranges. Over the past three years, those donations have totalled more than $120,000 - a remarkable contribution from a two-day garden fair back into the community that surrounds it.
Why Visit
In a time when many events feel transactional, Bolobek offers something refreshingly different. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a curious cook, or simply someone who loves beautiful places and good company, the Bolobek Garden Fair is an invitation to slow down, dig in, and be part of something meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bolobek Garden Fair 2026?
The fair runs across two days, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10am to 4pm.
Where is Bolobek Garden located?
Bolobek is located at 370 Mt Macedon Road, Macedon, in Victoria's Macedon Ranges, just under an hour's drive from Melbourne.
How much are tickets to the Bolobek Garden Fair?
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online in advance or at the gate on the day. Children under 16 are admitted free.
Who is the keynote speaker at the 2026 Bolobek Garden Fair?
Jo Lawson, head gardener at the acclaimed regional restaurant Brae, will speak on garden cultivation, cooking from the garden and seasonal eating.
Are guided tours available at Bolobek?
Yes, visitors can explore the historic garden independently or join a guided tour during the fair.
Where do the profits from the fair go?
All profits are donated to community groups and to horticultural, botanical and environmental projects in the Macedon Ranges. Donations have totalled more than $120,000 over the past three years.
Website:bolobekgardenfair.com.au
Instagram:@bolobekgardenfair
Facebook:facebook.com/BolobekGardenFair