Melbourne Off-the-Beaten-Path | Cactus Country, a Mini World Full of Cacti

Cactus Country is about a three-hour drive northeast of Melbourne. To be honest, this distance is quite far for a day trip, but drawn by its reputation as a "Mexican-themed cactus garden," we decided to go anyway.

 

Before going, I thought it would just be a nursery full of cacti, but when I arrived, I realized it was much more elaborate than I had imagined. The entrance is inconspicuous, right by the roadside. The moment I pushed the door open, I felt a bit disoriented—one second, it was the mundane Australian countryside, the next, my eyes were filled with cacti of varying heights, as if I had stepped directly into a Western film.

The park isn't huge, but it's very enjoyable to explore. The trails are divided into main paths and smaller lanes, allowing you to wander among the cactus clusters. The most impressive part is the columnar cactus area, where some cacti are two or three times taller than a person. Standing beneath them and looking up, I inexplicably felt like I was in a canyon. There are also some oddly shaped ones, some resembling octopus tentacles, others round and squatting on the ground. Many varieties have name tags, though I didn't remember many names after seeing them.

 

This place is better for photos than I expected. The light is best around three or four in the afternoon, casting long shadows from the cacti. With a clean background, every shot looks good. The park also features some Mexican-style decorations—colorful skulls, old wooden chairs, and pottery—which fit the overall atmosphere perfectly without feeling out of place.

 

The cafe was an unexpected bonus. It's small but sells interesting things. I tried the cactus ice cream, which was a pale pink with a flavor reminiscent of dragon fruit mixed with a hint of cucumber—refreshing and not overly sweet. There were also cactus-shaped cookies, crumbly and perfect as souvenirs.

 

A few practical tips: First, make sure you're well protected from the sun. There's almost no shade in the entire park, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Second, wear closed-toe shoes. Don't think that just because you're walking, flip-flops are fine; the tiny cactus spines can easily brush against your ankles. Third, keep your hands to yourself. Some cacti look soft and cute, but their spines are fine and dense, and touching them can be quite painful.

 

We visited on a weekend, and it wasn't crowded; the entire garden was quiet and peaceful. We spent about an hour and a half slowly exploring, walking, stopping, and taking photos, a very comfortable pace. If you like succulents or just want a different kind of scenery for the weekend, it's worth the trip.

 

You can also stop by Tocumwal, just a 20-minute drive away, situated on the Murray River, where you can walk across an old wooden bridge. Alternatively, on your way back, stop in Shepparton for a good meal before heading back to Melbourne, making the day less rushed.

Overall, Cactus Country isn't a place that's exquisitely stunning, but it possesses a raw yet serene beauty. If you don't mind a three-hour drive, it makes for a very unique weekend destination.

 

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