A-MAZE-ing experiences in Victoria

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

There is something undeniably, deliciously fun about getting lost in a hedge maze – and when that hedge maze is surrounded by the gorgeous and diverse landscapes of regional Victoria, there is even more incentive for visitors to escape the labyrinth and go explore.

The Maze HouseVictoria’s newest public maze – a ten-minute drive from the quaint town of Daylesford – is open for the first time this summer. The Maze House is set in a beautiful five acre garden featuring a creek, vegetable garden, orchard, cutting garden and native habitat. Children can enjoy the garden’s country carnival feel with plentiful room to run, and then collapse for the night at the onsite accommodation that sleeps up to 10 people. 3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn, +61 467 547 700

The Tangled MazeLocated only a short 20-minute drive from the centre of Ballarat, The Tangled Maze is nestled at the foothills of the Central Highlands. Set amidst the open country air and landscaped gardens, the attraction provides a perfect day out for the whole family and features the magical Botanical Maze as well as an indoor synthetic ice-skating rink, mini golf and giant chess. 2301 Midland Highway, Springmount, +61 3 5345 2847

Oz Maze and Mini GolfOz Maze is a wooden maze designed in the shape of Australia. In the riverboat heritage town of Echuca – just two and half hours drive from Melbourne – visitors are put to the test, travelling from one capital city to another answering questions about the destinations as they go. After conquering the maze, visitors can conquer their hunger at onsite restaurant Kusina Cuisine, which serves free range, sustainable and local produce. 152 Anstruther Street, Echuca,  +61 3 5480 2220

Hedgend Maze and Laser Sport HealesvilleWith panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, this 20 acre site features a 1.2 kilometre Hedgend Maze with a cryptic message hidden inside. After solving this puzzle, visitors can combat the Native Maze and Rainbow Maze. With fun for the whole family, there is also mini and frisbee golf, outdoor laser sport and a giant ‘eye spy’. Action-orientated kids can search for dinosaur bones in the fossil dig and all visitors are invited to enjoy the rustic cafe, or access the free barbecues.  163 Albert Road, Healesville, +61 3 5962 3636  

Enchanted Adventure GardenThis stunning hinterland park located in the gourmet wine region of Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula offers 22 acres of adventure activities for families and adventure seekers of all ages. With three hedge mazes including a traditional maze, a children’s maze and an indoor 3D Maze, children and adults alike will be lose themselves for hours. The Enchanted Adventure Garden is also home to 20 themed gardens, five thrilling Tube Slides plus tree surfing and zip lines, making it the perfect destination for a day out. 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat, +61 3 5981 8449

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens on the Mornington Peninsula is Australia’s oldest and most famous traditional hedge maze set among 25 acres of world acclaimed gardens. The three metre high Cypress hedges have been sculpted into a shapely challenge that will delight and inspire. The fragrant Lavender Labyrinth is planted with year-round flowering lavender and there is also the world’s first Circular Rose Maze, planted in 1988 with over 1200 bushes. 15 Red Hill-Shoreham Rd, Shoreham VIC 3916, ph +61 3 5989 8387

Boneo Maze & Mini GolfStill on the verdant green pastures of the Mornington Peninsula, just one hour south of Melbourne is Boneo Maze. Its large hedge maze stands over two metres tall with a central viewing platform, with a smaller maze designed for younger explorers. A timber ‘cage’ maze has one and a half metre long tunnels and there are mega games of chess, checkers, snakes and ladders and more for a fun day out for all. 695 Limestone Rd, Fingal, +61 3 5988 6385

Avenel MazeLocated in Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges, just over an hour from Melbourne, the Avenel Maze is themed around the Australian legend Ned Kelly – the bushranger who commanded the region, gaining mythical status. The highlight activity has to be ‘Ned’s Knot Maze’, but there is also a a hedge maze along with mini golf, a rock labyrinth, barbecue facilities, a covered decking area and outstanding views of the ranges. 471 Upton Road Avenel, +61 409 197 438

A Maze’N ThingsOn the holiday playground that is Phillip Island, A Maze ‘N Things is one of the most popular attractions. With over two kilometres of passageways, the giant 3D maze is a bewildering labyrinth of twists and turns and confusing dead ends. Hours can be lost in trying to find the exit – but visitors will want to save some time for the other activities including the magic and illusions of Puzzle Island, the sky trail and mini golf. 1805 Phillip Island Road, Cowes, +61 3 5952 2283