Lose — and Find — Yourself in Shoreham’s 40‑Year‑Old Cypress Maze

SHOREHAM ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Lose — and Find — Yourself in Shoreham’s 40‑Year‑Old Cypress Maze

A practical guide to group visits at Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Garden, home to Australia’s oldest hedge maze set within 25 acres of sculpted gardens.

Lose — and Find — Yourself in Shoreham’s 40‑Year‑Old Cypress Maze.

Duration
10am-5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Location
Shoreham
Operator
Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Garden
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on 25 acres of acclaimed gardens on the Mornington Peninsula, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Garden houses Australia’s oldest and best‑known hedge maze. Planted with more than 1,000 cypress trees and carved into thousands of metres of winding paths, the maze has been clipped and sculpted for over 40 years to present a playful, challenging landscape for groups of all ages.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MAZE

A living puzzle: more than 1,000 cypress trees

The traditional hedge maze has been maintained for decades: hedges now stand over three metres high and two metres thick, creating a curvaceous challenge of narrow pathways and tight turns that delight groups and families.

THE GARDENS

Twenty‑five acres of lavender, lawns and sculpted plantings

Beyond the maze the grounds unfold across 25 acres of garden rooms, with a Lavender Labyrinth that provides a wider, gentler option for those who prefer broader paths or a more sedate wander among planted beds.

THE PRACTICALITIES

Accessibility and group check‑in

Some sections of the traditional maze are a tight squeeze and may not suit prams or wheelchairs; the wider Lavender Labyrinth avoids this issue. Note also that dogs are not permitted, and certain entry offers or companion cards must be presented at check‑in.

What the day feels like

What a group visit feels like

A group arrival here unfolds from a quick check‑in to an hour or more of playful exploration: individuals and smaller teams set off into the sculpted labyrinth of cypress, while others drift between lavender beds and garden rooms. The aged hedges create moments of discovery and squeeze‑through sections that reward curiosity—the sort of experience that reads as both a gentle walk and a social puzzle.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits — and who should plan alternatives.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal: children and adults who enjoy a playful, social challenge through hedged passages; the site’s varied gardens make it an easy half‑day outing.
2
Accessibility‑conscious visitorsMixed: the traditional maze contains tight sections that may not accommodate prams or wheelchairs; the Lavender Labyrinth provides a wider, more accessible alternative—contact staff for specifics.
3
Group organizersGood match: groups can gather for a relaxed garden visit and maze challenge, but organisers should ensure any required coupons or companion cards are presented at check‑in.
4
Dog ownersNot suitable: dogs are not permitted on site.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Open 10:00–17:00 with last admission at 16:00; open Thursday–Monday and seven days a week during Victorian public school holidays and all public holidays (closed Christmas Day).

What to Bring

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the gardens and maze; note some maze sections are narrow and may not suit prams or wheelchairs—plan accordingly and contact staff if in doubt. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

Group Logistics

Check in at the venue on Shoreham Road on arrival and present any buy‑1‑get‑1 coupons or companion cards at check‑in as required by the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What are the opening hours and last admission time?

The site is open 10:00–17:00 with last admission at 16:00; opening days vary (see seasonal notes).

Where do groups meet or check in?

Groups check in at Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Garden at 15 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham, VIC 3916.

Are prams and wheelchairs able to access the hedge maze?

Some sections of the traditional hedge maze are a tight squeeze and may not fit prams or wheelchairs; the wider Lavender Labyrinth is more suitable for those needs.

Can I bring my dog?

No — dogs are not permitted on the property.

Do I need to present any special vouchers at check‑in?

Yes — any buy‑1‑get‑1 coupons and companion cards (entitling the holder to one free adult companion) must be presented at check‑in.

Is the maze suitable for all ages?

Yes — the attraction is presented as suitable for all ages though narrow sections may challenge very young children or those using prams.