Canonical: https://peninsulainsider.com.au/journal/ashcombe-maze-visitor-guide/ Publisher: Peninsula Insider Published: 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z Modified: 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z Format: public main text, generated from the canonical page; imagery and interactive controls omitted. Dates and caveats below retain their page meaning; this format is not a new fact check. Venue Guide 22 April 2026 5 min read # Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens - Visitor Guide Multiple travel websites still list Ashcombe as closed. It is not. The café re-opened January 2025, the maze is fully operating Thursday to Monday, and the lavender labyrinth uses 4,000 plants across 40+ varieties. Here is the accurate guide. Keep this for later - By **The Peninsula Insider** Ashcombe Maze Lavender Family Gardens 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 Paid entry, at the modest end of Peninsula attraction pricing. Child rates and family tickets are available: book direct at [ashcombemaze.com.au]() for current prices, which 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 modestly priced 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. Something wrong on this page, or is this your business? [Tell us what to fix]() and you get a case reference back. corrections@peninsulainsider.com.au reaches the same desk. Questions readers actually ask ## FAQ Is Ashcombe Maze still open? Yes. Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is confirmed open as of 2025–2026. Multiple travel websites and aggregators incorrectly list it as closed, following a period of reduced operation around 2020. The café re-opened January 2025 and TripAdvisor reviews from early 2025 confirm it is fully trading. Open Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday year-round. What days is Ashcombe Maze open? Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday year-round. Open on public holidays and school holidays, even if they fall on Tuesday or Wednesday. How long does Ashcombe Maze take? Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience including the traditional hedge maze, the lavender labyrinth, and the rose maze. The main hedge maze is the most time-consuming - it takes most visitors 30–45 minutes even with the help of the elevated viewing platform. The gardens are pleasant to walk slowly and extend the visit further. Is Ashcombe Maze dog-friendly? Dogs are not confirmed as permitted at Ashcombe Maze. The venue's website does not list a pet policy. Contact Ashcombe directly before visiting with a dog: 15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham - (03) 5989 8387. 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