Children under 16 will be granted free entry to this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, in a move aimed at easing costs for families while drawing fresh interest to one of the country’s most prominent public events.
The announcement, made by Ros Spence, applies across the full five-day run of the show, which opens on 25 March at the Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens. Organisers expect the event to once again attract crowds exceeding 100,000 visitors, a figure that has remained steady in recent years.
Positioned among the top tier of global horticultural events, the show brings together large-scale floral displays, curated landscape gardens and installations designed by local and international practitioners. Alongside these headline exhibits, visitors can access workshops, talks and retail stalls, offering a mix of education and commerce that reflects the broader gardening sector.
The Victorian government’s decision to waive entry fees for children comes amid ongoing pressure on household budgets. While the measure has been framed as a way to make the event more accessible, it also aligns with efforts to maintain attendance levels and broaden audience reach. Families who have already purchased tickets for children will receive automatic refunds, according to organisers.
Speaking alongside the announcement, Spence pointed to the role of the event in supporting local producers and showcasing Victorian expertise. She said the state’s horticultural sector continues to rank among the strongest globally, adding that wider public access to the show could help strengthen that visibility.
Steve Dimopoulos echoed the focus on affordability, noting that cost pressures have affected participation in public events. He said the initiative is intended to ensure families are not priced out of attending large-scale cultural and outdoor experiences.
The garden industry remains a steady contributor to the Victorian economy, employing more than 11,000 people across areas such as retail nurseries, landscaping, turf production and floristry. Events like the Melbourne show often serve as a platform for these businesses, offering both exposure and direct sales opportunities.
Still, while free entry for children may lift attendance, it raises questions about how events balance accessibility with operational costs. Large-scale shows rely on ticketing revenue alongside sponsorship and exhibitor fees. Expanding concessions can shift that balance, particularly if visitor numbers do not increase proportionally.
For attendees, the appeal remains straightforward. The show offers a seasonal outing centred on design, gardening and outdoor living, with an emphasis on visual spectacle and practical learning. For organisers and policymakers, the challenge lies in keeping that experience accessible without diluting its commercial sustainability.
Further details, including ticketing and programme schedules, are available through the event’s official website.
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