250 kilometres north of Sydney lies the largest display garden in the southern hemisphere called Hunter Valley Gardens. Located in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, the gardens span 14 hectares made up of 10 themed gardens, shopping villages, rides, accommodation, and eateries. Hunter Valley makes a perfect weekend retreat with friends and family. Read on to make a checklist of what to see if you take a Sydney to Hunter Valley Tour.
Hunter Valley Gardens Information
Hunter Valley Gardens - Things to know
☀️ Best time to visit - March to May
⏰ Suggested duration - 4 Hours
🎟️ Starting Hunter Vallley Gardens Ticket price - AU$30
🚄 Closest train Station - Singleton Railway station
Hunter Valley Gardens Opening Hours
Daily from 8:00 AM- 12:30 PM
& 1:30 PM- 6:00 PM
Must-do at Hunter Valley Gardens
Hunter Valley Gardens Rides
Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens
Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Hunter Valley Gardens Address
2090 Broke Rd,
Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Get There
Why Visit Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens
About 2 hours away from Sydney is a spectacular green haven spread across 24 hectares of the Hunter Valley region. Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens is an extremely picturesque spot for nature lovers with 10 themed gardens and the majestic Broken Back Range of mountains posing as the backdrop.
This space has come to be a must-visit for tourists and locals and is a popular choice for special occasions like weddings. With 10 unique themed gardens like the Chinese Garden, Italian Grotto, Indian Garden, Rose Garden, Storybook Garden for children, the fascinating Sunken Garden, and more, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized as you walk through each of them. Walk around this massive garden on the stellar walking paths laid out for guests which covers up to 8 kilometers of land.
Although Hunter Valley Gardens is open all year round, it is particularly grand during the Spring Festival and the Christmas Lights Spectacular.
Have you ever wanted to be in one of those Christmas movies that have the most magical setting you can ever imagine? Well, at the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens, you can live out that magical Christmas and create some movie-like moments for yourself and your loved ones! The event has even won an award in 2019 for being one of the best in Sydney, so you don’t want to miss out on a chance to be a part of this special Christmas event.
Mega Creatures - Hunter Valley Gardens
Image Courtesy: Hunter Valley Gardens Website
Join in on the fun with your favorite dinosaurs at Mega Creatures inside Hunter Valley Gardens! Mega Creatures has had many new exciting additions over the years adding to the fun, including the Walking Dinosaur, Mega Creatures Trail App, Secret Dino Egg Hunt, and more.
Keep your eye out for the T-Rex, Woolly Mammoth, Flying Pterosaur, mythical Dragons, and even a skeleton of a large Brachiosaur at Night at the HVG Museum. Stroll through the museum and let your imagination run wild, take an adventurous trip on the all-new Mega Creatures Night Safari, and finish with a delicious meal at one of the many food stalls inside the venue.
Hunter Valley Gardens Attractions
Spectacular Events To Watch Out For
Hunter Valley Gardens has carefully curated a few yearly events that you should most definitely watch out for because some of them have won awards for their awesomeness! There’s so much to see and do at Hunter Valley Gardens in general, but the excitement level rises quite high during these special events.
Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari are an absolute treat for kids, families, and those who love prehistoric-themed activities. Another super fun event is Snow Time in the Garden where the garden presents a winter wonderland in which you can ski, skate, build snowmen, and so much more!
On the more magical side, you have the award-winning Christmas Lights Spectacular which happens over 4 weeks in winter. Mother’s Day is another special event at Hunter Valley Gardens where you get to rock out to live music, enjoy a special lunch, and other indulge in other Mother’s Day-themed activities.
For all you lovebirds, watch out for the Wedding Fair where three spots inside the garden are transformed into beautiful wedding venues for showcasing.
Finally, Easter weekend brings with it a fun weekend of Easter-themed activities, perfect for kids and families. So if you have the chance to visit Hunter Valley Gardens during a special event, don’t miss it!
Hunter Valley Gardens Rides
Rides at Hunter Valley Gardens are generally operational only during events, adding an element of excitement and adventure. The Tea Cup ride will take you on a swirling adventure leaving you swinging from side to side, while the Swing Chair does the same thing but you’ll be high up in the air!
Little kids can have a blast jumping around on the many inflatables, while families or couples can enjoy a scenic view of Hunter Valley Gardens and its surrounding on the Ferris Wheel. Other attractions for kids and families include the Carousel, Super Slide, and Hunter Valley Gardens Train.
Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village
Shopping Village at Hunter Valley Gardens is hardly just for shopping. At this fun space, you can shop, unwind with a glass of wine or coffee, or even grab a meal with its unique selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
If you’re looking at shopping for jewelery or clothing that is different, be sure to make a pitstop at Peppers Creek Antiques, Wilson & Hunter, and Southon Styles. To take some liquor home with you, grab a few delicious locally produced wines and spirits from Small Mouth Vodka or KissOfire Hunter Valley Liqueurs.
Other one-of-a-kind shops include Hunter Valley Christmas Shop, Australian Alpaca Barn, and Country in the Gardens. After your day out in the garden, you’ve most likely worked up an appetite so head on over to one of the restaurants for a hearty meal at Oscars, Taste of the Country, or The Cellar Restaurant. Finally, to satisfy that sweet tooth, visit Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, and Cupcake Espresso.
Snow Time in the Garden
About 2 hours away from Sydney is a spectacular green haven spread across 24 hectares of the Hunter Valley region. Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens is an extremely picturesque spot for nature lovers with 10 themed gardens and the majestic Broken Back Range of mountains posing as the backdrop.
This space has come to be a must-visit for tourists and locals and is a popular choice for special occasions like weddings. With 10 unique themed gardens like the Chinese Garden, Italian Grotto, Indian Garden, Rose Garden, Storybook Garden for children, the fascinating Sunken Garden, and more, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized as you walk through each of them. Walk around this massive garden on the stellar walking paths laid out for guests which covers up to 8 kilometers of land.
Although Hunter Valley Gardens is open all year round, it is particularly grand during the Spring Festival and the Christmas Lights Spectacular.
Hunter Valley Tours
If you do not want to miss the best of Hunter Valley, it is a good option to book a tour. Apart from Hunter Valley Gardens, there are many other things to do and see. Hunter Valley Wine Tour gets you to sip, slurp, and sample the best of Hunter Valley Wine Country. An expert guide will be allotted to your group to give you fascinating insights. Visit 3 local and boutique wineries and sample white and red wine. Check out the various Hunter Valley Tours available below.
Hunter Valley Gardens Tickets
Best Recommended
To buy tickets to Hunter Valley Gardens, you can choose between two types - Hunter Valley Gardens Tickets and the Mega Creatures Tickets at Hunter Valley Gardens (available till 25th April 2021).
Book your Hunter Valley Gardens tickets online to secure your spot at this popular award-winning attraction. Given its popularity, buying a ticket in advance will be helpful to make sure you don’t miss out on the action, especially during special events.
Tandem Skydive At Hunter Valley
Get, set, jump!
Hover over 15000 feet above the beautiful scenery of vineyards, and Gardens with Tandem Skydive At Hunter Valley. This is an opportunity to put your fears to the test and endure an unforgettable flying experience over Australia’s most fertile and picturesque valley. The skydiving experience is for all, people with no fear of heights and those who want to give it the benefit of doubt since you will be secured safely to your tandem instructor.
Hunter Valley Accommodation
Places to stay around Hunter Valley Gardens are in close proximity not just to the garden, but to other wineries, and restaurants as well. We recommend a stay at any of the following places on your next visit to Hunter Valley.
Situated in the heart of the Hunter region across the Broke Back Range is a relaxing and picturesque place to stay. At Harrigan’s, you’ll be just within walking distance from Hunter Valley Gardens, Shopping Village, and local wineries. The spacious rooms overlook nearby vineyards, giving it that true nature touch.
This 72-room resort is the perfect place for you if the location is what you have in mind. It is a part of Hunter Valley Gardens, which means you get to overlook the beautiful themed gardens nearby. Not just that, it's also right next to the shopping village and has a concert venue right opposite if you’re looking for some entertainment.
Enjoy world-class treatment while you’re surrounded by nature at Spicers Guesthouse. The facility comes with an outdoor pool, tennis court, and its very own restaurant - Éremo, which offers a delicious range of Italian cuisine. Rooms come with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.
Wine Country Villas is a luxurious property that spreads over 25 acres. Each villa is equipped with an air-conditioner, wooden fireplace, entertainment deck, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Spend the day unwinding on the patio by the pool, or take advantage of their free breakfast, free wifi, and free barbecue facilities!
Located at the foot of the mountains and overlooking nearby vineyards is a tranquil retreat perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Grapevines Boutique Accommodation is spread across 12 acres of land and offers its guests free wifi and barbecue facilities. You will also be treated with a complimentary cheese sampler pack and a bottle of Hunter Valley on your arrival.
Hunter Valley Gardens Restaurants
Hunter Valley Gardens has a great selection of restaurants for you to choose from. We’ve put together our top 5 picks for you.
The Garden Terrace Cafe is exactly what it sounds like - a cafe amidst a garden. You get to overlook the serene Oriental Garden as you enjoy a scrumptious meal by the flowers, plants, and water. The selection of cafe-style food and drinks is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
No matter what time of the year you visit Hunter Valley Gardens, Harrigan’s Bistro offers an adaptable ambience. During winter it has a warm fireplace, while in the summer months, they open up their outdoor alfresco area. You must try the award-winning Beef and Guinness Pot Pie, or steak, or ask for a speciality salad.
This particular restaurant has come to be a favourite of both locals and tourists on their visit to Hunter Valley Gardens because of its hearty selection of dishes. Favourites include gourmet sandwiches, BBQ chickens, homemade pies, salads, and pizzas. Finish off with their delicious selection of coffees and cakes!
There’s nothing more satisfying than a good old-fashioned country kitchen with its country-sized meals! At Taste of the Country, all preserves are made by the restaurant, which is also sold by the jar for you to take home. Some of the must-try dishes are gourmet burgers, breakfast plates, and ploughman’s platters.
Located just a short walk from Hunter Valley Gardens is an elegant, world-class restaurant called The Cellar Restaurant. Enjoy a classy and sophisticated ambience as you bite into their selection of contemporary dishes, the presentations of which will leave you in awe. The exquisite, carefully crafted flavours, and textures of the food are bound to give your taste buds a treat!
Visiting Hunter Valley Garden
Practical Information
Best time to visit
Spring is a great time to visit Hunter Valley Gardens when the flowers are in bloom. You also get to witness the stunning Spring Festival during this time. Hunter Valley Gardens is also charming during winter, where you can also catch the award-winning event - Christmas Lights Spectacular!
Keep in mind that the weather in Australia is different from the northern hemisphere. Here spring falls between September and November, while winter is from June to August. However, Hunter Valley Gardens is open throughout the year with features and events that peak during different seasons, which means you can visit it any time.
Opening Hours
Hunter Valley Gardens is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm and 6 pm to 10:30 pm.
Suggested duration of the visit
3-4 hours is sufficient to take your time exploring the whole of Hunter Valley Gardens. If you happen to go at a time when there is a special event like the Christmas Lights Spectacular or Snow Time in the Garden, you’ll want to spend at least half a day there.
Hunter Valley Weather
Winter at Hunter Valley brings with it clear blue skies and pleasant weather averaging at about 18°C, perfect for campfire nights. Summers can get pretty warm, but there are also chances of thunderstorms during this time. So, this might not be the best time to plan a visit there.
Autumn is when warm summer days start to cool down and leaves start falling off. This is also when the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival takes place to celebrate the harvest of the year, which can be lots of fun!
Spring is an ideal time for outdoor activities where temperatures are between 20 - 25°C and everything is in bloom. You can also catch the picturesque Spring Festival of Flowers which takes place at Hunter Valley Gardens during this time.
Hunter Valley Gardens Facts
Here are some of the most interesting thinngs you would want to know about Hunter Valley Gardens.
- Hunter Valley Gardens is the recipient of multiple awards including the Hunter Valley Legends award and the Destination Sydney’s Gold Award for their Christmas Lights Spectacular.
- The vast spread of flora includes 6,000 trees, 600,000 shrubs, and around 1,000,000 ground covers.
- To water all the plants, about 100 kilometres of underwater irrigation piping has been laid out.
- The entire area of Hunter Valley Gardens is spread across 14 hectares of land, which is equivalent to about 32 football fields.
- The Ferris wheel at Hunter Valley Gardens was constructed in Italy.
- Before it became an award-winning tourist spot, Hunter Valley Gardens was a combination of horse paddocks and vineyards.
- The team that created this nature marvel consisted of 40 landscape artists, architects, and engineers.
All your questions about Hunter Valley Gardens answered
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