Hunter Valley Gardens

Stroll along five miles (eight kilometers) of paths that lead to the superbly-landscaped feature gardens, each of which is evocatively named: titles include the Sunken, Storybook, Rose, Indian, Oriental, Formal, Border, and Chinese gardens, plus the Lakes Walk and Italian Grotto. Each feature garden is backed by the Broken Back Range. Hunter Valley day tours from Sydney often include visits to Hunter Valley Gardens between tasting sessions at wineries. For a bird’s eye view, you can take a scenic helicopter tour from Cessnock.

• Dining is available on site and there are two hotels within walking distance.

• The walking paths and gardens are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

• You can’t bring your own food and drink in the gardens, except for water.

• Pets aren’t allowed, with the exception of registered guide dogs and companion dogs.

Hunter Valley Gardens is a 2-hour drive north of Sydney via the M— turn off at the Cessnock/Vineyards exit and continue through Cessnock and then on to Pokolbin. There’s free parking available and limited disabled parking—displaying a disability parking permit is required. The closest airport is Newcastle Airport, a 50-minute drive.

The gardens are open from morning until early evening, every day of the year, except for December 25. The festive season is a great time to visit to enjoy themed events including a Christmas Lights Spectacular that illuminates the gardens. During school holidays only, younger visitors can enjoy rides including a ferris wheel and carousel.

Just outside the entrance to Hunter Valley Gardens, and surrounded by its own gardens, the Shopping Village is home to unique stores and restaurants, offering everything from delicious meals, coffee, beer, and wine to jewelry, handmade crafts, and clothing. The Shopping Village is adjacent to a playground and public barbecue and picnic area.