After immigrating from the Netherlands in 1939 and farming in Ferntree Gully, the family settled in Silvan in 1945, where their vibrant tulip fields soon drew curious visitors and led to the opening of their farm to the public in 1954. Now run by the third generation, the tradition continues with the celebration of the 71st Tulip Festival in 2026.
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is Australia’s only event that celebrates tulips alongside Dutch culture and history. Held over 30 days with rotating themes, it offers a vibrant mix of experiences – from Amsterdam cheese market simulations with costumed staff to joining in authentic Dutch clog dancing. Set on a 25‑acre working farm, the festival features over a million spring flowers, show gardens featuring windmills, souvenir shops, food trucks and daily live entertainment. Fill your world with colour and fun at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. With over a million spring flowers in bloom and live entertainment daily there is something for everyone.
