Silvan flower mecca Tesselaar Tulip Farm’s autumn KaBloom festival cancelled due to coronavirus
One of the Dandenong Ranges’ most popular flower festivals — expected to attract 60,000 people — has been called off over coronavirus fears, in another blow to the already-struggling region.
Outer East
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One of the Yarra Valley’s most popular flower festivals, which gets more than 60,000 visitors, has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
Tesselaar Tulip Farm has cancelled its third annual KaBloom festival, which was due to run for three weeks from March 28 to April 19.
This is the latest blow to tourism in the Yarra Ranges as the brakes were put on popular tourist attractions across the municipality during their peak season thanks to bushfire smoke and the coronavirus.
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported last month German-inspired tourist mecca, The Cuckoo, had lost about 1000 bookings, mostly from international tourists.
And Mt Dandenong’s SkyHigh experienced a significant drop in the arrival of busloads of tourists, from four a day to one a week, while popular B&Bs and other accommodation business also copped a drop in bookings.
Director Paul Tesselaar said the team had been monitoring the coronavirus situation daily and decided cancelling the event was the most responsible decision to make for the safety of staff, the community and visitors.
“There are aspects that are out of our control and we can’t manage it on the ground,” Mr Tesselaar said.
“We can’t control or manage through personal safety devices or hand sanitiser.
“Especially when you’re expecting 60,000 people through during that amount of time.”
He said it was a tough but ethically correct decision.
“The flower fields are ready to go and are looking sensational,” Mr Tesselaar said.
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“I would like to especially acknowledge our team here at Tesselaar who have worked so hard to put such a wonderful show together for everyone.
“We did not make this decision lightly and understand that it will disappoint many of our loyal visitors.”
The Tesselaar family have run the tulip business for 80 years and while their autumn KaBloom festival is only in its third year, their spring Tesselaar Tulip Festival has been running for 65 years.