Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens — Visitor Guide

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is Australia’s oldest traditional hedge maze. It is open. Multiple travel aggregators and booking sites continue to list it as closed or reduced-hours following a period of quieter operation around 2020, this information is incorrect. The café re-opened in January 2025 and the maze is fully trading.

The confusion costs visitors. People arrive expecting a closed attraction, or avoid planning a visit entirely, when in fact this is one of the more distinctive garden experiences in regional Victoria.

Current operating status

Open: Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday year-round. Open on public holidays and school holidays, including when they fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Last independently confirmed: TripAdvisor reviews from January–February 2025 confirm the attraction is operating. Café confirmed re-opened January 2025.

What’s here

The traditional hedge maze

Australia’s oldest traditional hedge maze: more than 1,000 Cupressus macrocarpa trees, clipped three times a year, growing over 3 metres high. The elevated viewing platform gives an aerial perspective (and a chance to find where you went wrong).

The lavender labyrinth

4,000+ lavender plants across 40+ varieties, arranged in a circular labyrinth pattern. Unlike the hedge maze, the lavender labyrinth is designed to be walked slowly, it’s a walking meditation rather than a puzzle. Year-round flowering across the variety mix means the garden is coloured even outside peak lavender season (typically November–February for the strongest colour).

The rose maze

A third maze using roses rather than hedges. More open than the traditional maze; good for younger visitors.

Café

Re-opened January 2025. Food and drinks on-site. Lavender scones are a consistent favourite. Check current café hours on the day, trading may be limited outside peak season.

Entry pricing

Entry from $15 per person. Full pricing breakdown including child rates and family tickets: verify at ashcombemaze.com.au, prices may change seasonally.

Prices may change. Confirm current rates directly with the venue or operator before booking.

Allow 1.5–2 hours for the full experience.

Location and access

15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham VIC 3916. Located in the hinterland just outside Shoreham village, about 15 minutes from Red Hill. Dedicated carpark on-site.

Shoreham is well-placed to combine with:

• Red Hill South wineries: Green Olive, Montalto, Foxeys Hangout, Many Little Bar, all within 15–20 minutes
• Iluka Retreat & Camp: adjacent on Shoreham Road (glamping)
• Flinders village: 10 minutes south for lunch at the Flinders Hotel or Moke Dining

Visitor notes

• The maze does not change, the same Cupressus macrocarpa hedge has been growing since the 1970s. It is not a seasonal or temporary installation.
• The Bortoli family has managed the property since 1998.
• TripAdvisor rating is 3.7 stars across 221 reviews, lower than the Peninsula average, and likely reflecting a price-to-experience comparison. The maze is $15 entry for a regional garden attraction; it is not a theme park. Calibrate expectations accordingly.
• School holiday crowds are real. Weekday visits outside school holidays are quieter.

Last fact-verified: 22 April 2026.