Hunter Valley Gardens sits in Pokolbin, in the wine country of New South Wales, and covers 14 hectares of formal and themed gardens. Ten separate gardens hold rose beds, a Chinese moongate garden, an Italian grotto and a Storybook Garden built around nursery rhyme characters. A 10-metre waterfall drops into the Sunken Garden, and a lookout sits above it. Walk the eight kilometres of paths at an easy pace, then return after dark in the holiday season for the Christmas lights.
From a family project to a garden park
The gardens opened in 2003, when owners Bill and Imelda Roche turned a large area of Hunter Valley land into a garden. The park now has ten international themed gardens, a series of sculptures and fountains, and marble sourced from Italy.
The layout is built around walking, so the gardens work well for a slow day rather than a quick look.
What is inside the gardens
The Rose Garden is one of the most colourful sections, with hundreds of roses on display. The Sunken Garden has a 10-metre waterfall, and a lookout sits at the top of it for wide views over the grounds.
The Storybook Garden has life-sized characters from classic tales, including Humpty Dumpty, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and Jack and Jill. The Italian Grotto has Mediterranean sculptures set among lush plants. Other sections include European formal gardens, a Chinese moongate garden, an oriental pagoda, topiary displays, ponds, statues and murals.
Birdlife is common along the paths, and the quieter corners suit a picnic or a rest from the crowds at the rides.
Seasons and events
The gardens change with the seasons. Autumn brings leaf-strewn paths, summer offers shaded picnic spots, and spring is the time for the storybook characters and fresh colour.
Events run through the year. Snow Time is a fake snow festival with activities for children, and there is an Easter egg hunt. During the school holidays, the gardens host Mega Creatures displays with giant dinosaurs and bugs. An October school holiday program has included a spring maze, fairies and gnomes, and an inflatable jumping castle.
The Christmas Lights Spectacular is the main night event. It features intricate light displays, many figurines, live entertainment and family activities. The gardens are open at night in the holiday season, from 6 to 10 pm, roughly from mid-November to late January. Displays are most striking once it is dark.
Getting around and facilities
The Gardens Train loops around the site and is a practical choice for families or anyone who wants to limit walking. The paths are stroller-friendly, and the car park can be hard to navigate, so allow a few extra minutes to find a space.
Restrooms are at the entrance and about halfway through the gardens. The Shopping Village has boutique shops, a playground, Aqua Golf and putt putt, and the Oscars café serves coffee. The Garden Terrace café is another option. Tickets can be bought at the entry gate or online.
Fairground rides, including a Ferris wheel and a carousel, are at the far end of the site. Rides are charged separately, and the area has little shade.
Weddings and private events
The gardens are a popular wedding venue in Pokolbin. Ceremonies can take place in the garden chapel, in any of the ten themed gardens, at the top of the 10-metre waterfall, or at the Lakes Walk Rotunda. The site is also known for Oriental Pagoda fireworks displays, lolly buffets and private helicopter transport for couples.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to book tickets?
Tickets can be bought at the entry gate or online.
How long do you need at Hunter Valley Gardens?
Plan for about 2 to 4 hours to walk the gardens at an easy pace.
Is Hunter Valley Gardens wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible, and the paths are stroller-friendly. Some displays have steps around them, which can mean backtracking.
When are the Christmas lights on?
The Christmas Lights Spectacular runs during the holiday season, with the gardens open from 6 to 10 pm, roughly from mid-November to late January.
