Turkish Weekend

We celebrate the origin of the Tulip in grand style!

The tulip originated in Turkey and they were host to the world’s first Tulip Festival more than 400 years ago. The love for the Tulip and the tradition is still strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a showcase of Turkish culture among the tulips. With more than 100 performers, it is a colourful and exciting weekend.

This year’s Festival will once again feature demonstrations of art, dance, music and gourmet food. Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage.

At the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend you can:

  • Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands.
  • See traditional and modern Turkish couture and textiles
  • Experience memorable performances of Turkish folk dances.
  • Enjoy the aromas and tastes of rich Traditional Turkish cuisine, including Gozleme, meat dishes, Adana Kebab, traditional turnip juice, desserts such as baklava, Turkish delights and much more
  • See a colourful show of culture with the Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band). They perform at 2pm on Sunday.
  • Watch artistic demonstrations such as calligraphy and marbling, and take part in workshops.
  • Shop in our market bazaar for hand-made Iznik ceramics, Turkish rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, traditional jewellery, handcrafts, and more.
  • Sip a cup of Turkish coffee and after you have finished, turn the cup upside down and have an reader tell you your fortune. It is fun and who knows, you may like what you hear!
  • There is also a touch of Dutch with Our Clog Dancing Workshop at 11:30 and 2pm, see how it is done and give it a whirl. Plus our Historic Cheese Market performance at 1pm, where you see amazing spectacle of how Dutch cheeses were bought and sold. The Findlay Dutch Fairground Organ will be playing.

Proudly presented in association with the Australian Turkish Cultural Platform

While you are there, you can discover more than a million spring flowering bulbs on show, including almost a million Tulips. As you stroll through the historic gardens you can enjoy the sculpture exhibit, indulge in traditional Dutch foods and other treats. Visit our Clog Shop, see the world’s largest Clog, find treasures in the souvenir and market stalls. See beautiful garden displays, visit our fairy garden (story telling at 11:15, 12:15, 2:30 and 3:30), pick a bunch of tulips, play some old fashioned Dutch games and see historical displays. Photo opportunities abound with Dutch frescos, Windmills, flowers and staff in traditional Dutch and Turkish costumes. Test yourpowers of observation with out treasure hunt, have your face painted. Try your luck with our garden games.

What's On The Menu

You are welcome to bring your own picnic, but there is a great selection of tasty treats on offer here at the farm.

Traditional Turkish Gozleme

Mouth watering Turkish flatbreads with savoury fillings. V Halal

Turkish Deserts

Freshly made Simit, Baklava and Turkish Delights combined with Turkish tea and coffee. V

Ottoman Empire Grill

Come back for more lamb or chicken Turkish Kebabs. Halal

The Groovy Wrap Co

Epicurean wraps and loaded fries. V GF

The Tulip Cafe

Dine in for some great meals (e.g. Greek lamb salad/Barramundi and chips), or take away and enjoy in the gardens. V GF

Poffertjes

Legendary Dutch mini pancakes. V VG

Dutch Cafe

Oliebollen, Belgian Waffles with cream V

Big Little Kitchen

Delectable pulled pork rolls, gourmet hamburgers and loaded fries. GF V

Bavarian Bangers

Gourmet German sausages with all the toppings. GF Option

Anja’s Scones

Divine freshly baked sweet and savoury scones. V VG

The Kibbeling Express

Scrumptious Dutch fish bites, Herring, salt and pepper calamari and classic French fries. GF

Baked Potato Express

Choice baked potatoes with a delectable range of toppings, as well as freshly cooked sweet corn on the cob. V GF

Pop’d Fresh Popcorn

A freshly made, satisfying snack to indulge in. V GF DF VG

Chooh la la Nuts

Oh so tasty caramelised almonds, macadamias and peanuts. V GF VG

Lemonicous

Homemade Lemonade and icypoles V VG GF DF

Grumpy Gary’s

A sizzling range of hot sauces and spcies. VG

The Wicked Spud

Potato Twisters, Sweet Potato Fries and Wedges, Popcorn Chicken V VG GF

Foods cost between $3 and $22 depending on your choices, if you would like more detailed information on costings, please get in touch with our team.

Sadly the 2021 Tesselaar Tulip Festival has been cancelled.
We look forward to seeing you all at KaBloom in 2022!

RACV Victorian Tourism Awards - Gold Winner
Australian Tourism Awards: Major Festivals & Events - Silver Winner