Set on a 120-acre farm in the rolling Surf Coast hinterland, Moriac Heights is a garden full of discovery, creativity and rustic rural charm. What began as a bare paddock has evolved over the past 20 years into an inspiring 1.5-acre landscape of winding paths, hidden focal points and richly layered planting designed to surprise visitors around every corner.
Meandering pathways lead through bright drifts of cottage flowers, hardy natives, sculptural succulents and seasonal colour beneath a canopy of beautiful gums at the front of the property. Proteas, grevilleas, roses, lavender and ornamental trees combine to create year-round interest, while garden art and sculptures crafted by the owners add personality and whimsy throughout the landscape.
A highlight of the garden is the charming wheat silo mural painted by owner Dianne, alongside Michael’s collection of vintage farm machinery, old wagons and a recreated shearing shed. Tucked within the garden is ‘The Pond’, a tranquil water feature complete with a rocky waterfall, a bridge to a central island, waterlilies and irises, and a thriving habitat for hundreds of native frogs. The productive vegetable garden and fruit trees keep family and friends well supplied, while self-seeding alyssums and calendulas attract pollinators among the vegetables.
Established on heavily compacted clay soil, Moriac Heights has evolved through years of soil experimentation, adding organic matter to help break up the clay. Water management also plays an important part in the garden’s development. With no town water supply available, every drop is used wisely. The garden relies on a large farm dam, making the selection of resilient, drought-tolerant plants essential.
Across the open weekend, Devonshire Teas will be provided by the local CWA, and The Moriac Community Art Group will have a display. There will be plant sales throughout the event.
A portion of gate takings will be donated to Zoe’s Fight Foundation zoesfight.com.au
Moriac Heights is located on the lands of the Wadawurrung People. Open Gardens Victoria wishes to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Extra activities in the area:
Barwon Park Mansion (Sunday only)
Strictly only opening 10am to 4.30pm on the dates listed above. Please respect the garden owners' privacy and visit only during opening hours. There will be no early entries.
Entry: $10 Adults, $6 Students (with ID card). Free for visitors under 18 or students who have purchased an annual Student Pass (with ID).
Tickets can be booked and pre-paid online via TryBooking. You can also pay on the day.
Sustainable practices are important to OGV, therefore where possible please either print your own garden notes or save them for viewing on your mobile device.
If you’re a tertiary student, why not purchase our OGV Student Pass, providing you with entry to all our garden openings for the year for just $25. Find out more and purchase your pass via TryBooking.
Become a Friend of OGV and receive two x 2 for the price of 1 garden passes, plus a one off 10% discount to some of Victoria's best garden centres via Trybooking.
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