Medieval Fair
2025-08-10 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
All the fun of the fair – a medieval fair, that is! Armour and swords, battles and competitions. Dress in costume and join in the fun.
Book Now!!
https://events.humanitix.com/medieval-fair-at-hunter-region-botanic-gardens

September Native Plant Sale
2025-09-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Saturday 6th September 2025
9am – 1pm

Sculptures in the Garden - Meet the Artists
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Meet the artists – enjoy a tour of the Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition with insights from some of the artists
Book now via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/sculpture-in-the-gardens-artist-walk-and-talk-1

Pen Drawing Workshop with Julia Jay
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Very excited to share an afternoon workshop drawing magical woven TREE!
I have been passionately drawing with pens for just over 10 years now as they such a beautiful medium to use! I love how easy it is to carry a pen & notepad along with you wherever you go!
In this Workshop I will be guiding you through pen techniques, detail & how to create a layered tree! This style of drawing is very magical based so that you can go one to draw your own magical worlds….
This workshop is very guided and is suitable for beginner to advanced creatives! (So even if you haven’t drawn before- you will be very supported in this workshop!)
$50 Cost – All Materials are provided, so you just have to bring yourself!
Held at The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae NSW (15mins out of Newcastle)
Suitable for Ages 16+
(or 13+ if they are a very keen drawer)
If you have any questions about the workshop or if you would prefer to pay in cash on the day please email me on juliajayart@gmail.com
Bookings available via Humanitix
Woven Tree Pen Drawing Magic with Julia Jay

Propagation Workshop
2025-09-21 12:30 - 14:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Learn propagation techniques from the experts!
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Nursery Manager, Helen Howard, will teach all you need to know for great results.
https://events.humanitix.com/propagation-workshop-shxq479m

Grafting Workshop with Helen Howard
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Grafting is a skill for life
https://events.humanitix.com/grafting-workshop-september

Orchid Potting Demonstration
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
All experience levels welcome
Entry to Gardens: $5 per person
Learn the best way to keep your Orchids happy and healthy
Media -What mix do I use? Pots, Pests
Fertilisers -organic and inorganic
DEMONSTRATE
Media recipe, repotting
Q&A SESSION
TOUR OF ORCHID HOUSES ORCHIDS FOR SALE
Come and have morning tea or lunch at the Kookaburra Cafe

Koori Walk For Kids
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join our Aboriginal guide, Kevin Riley, for an interesting walk along our Gundabooka Trail.
Learn about the uses of the plants for foods, medicine and building.
Book now via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-koori-walk-for-kids-10-am-sesion

Flannel Flower Tours
2025-10-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our Flannel Flowers are blooming among the other colourful spring flowers in our heath garden. Kevin Stokes is the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens expert in native plants. Join Kevin for an informative and enthusiast tour. Some walking ability required to get the best from the tour so wear your walking shoes. Only 7 people per tour!
You will also receive a snack box for morning tea. All-day entry to the Gardens is included in your tour price.
9:30am Tour https://events.humanitix.com/flannel-flower-tour-3
11:30am Tour https://events.humanitix.com/flannel-flower-tour-4

Native Bee talk and Bee Hotel in a can workshop
2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join Diane Call from Australian Native Bee Association Hunter for a fantastic talk on our native Australian bees then build your own Bee Hotel in a can.
Book now via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/native-bee-talk-and-bee-hotel-in-a-can-workshop

Spring Fair
2025-10-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Combining four fairs in one!
This year our annual Spring Fair is being supported by 3 gardening groups – Australasian Native Orchid Society, Newcastle Bonsai Society, HRBG Native Plants .Come and celebrate the magic of spring with the colours and scents of the season.
There will also be market stalls (such as: Mahli Moo Designs, Luscious by Lucia, DJ’s Quilts, DVD Haven, Celtic Stag Giftware, Sweetz n Treatz, We’ve Got The Munchies, Clare Makes Candles – to name a few). ABC Jumping Castle ($10), Kiki’s Face painting ($10), Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association, Hunter Bird Observers, Wetlands Centre. Music will be by Jumpin’ Jukebox. Food Van – The Doghouse Grill. Free guided tours of the Gardens, free kid’s craft activities.
Thank you for supporting this fund-raising event for Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, your contribution helps keep us open. All the fun of the fair!
Ticket prices: Adults $10, kids (4- 16) $5, family (2 adults + 2-4 kids) $25, Pensioner $8.
Book your tickets now via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/spring-fair-featuring-orchid-show-bonsai-show-native-plant-fair

November Native Plant Sale
2025-10-24 08:00 - 17:00 | NSW
Come see our new nursery plant stall at our November Native Plant Sale on Saturday 1st November from 9am – 1pm.

2025-11-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Storytime in the Rotunda

Storytime in the Rotunda
2026-01-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Storytime in the Rotunda!
Bring your own cushion to sit on and join our storyteller, Rebecca, for some magical moments. Afterwards, explore our Treasure Trove Trail where everyone can claim a ‘treasure’.
This event is open to all ages, best suited to those 8 years and under, but adults can enjoy the stories, too!
Our cubby house will be open and there may even be some lawn games to play. Explore the beautiful botanic gardens, bring a picnic or buy a snack/lunch at the Kookaburra Cafe.
Note: This gathering takes place in an outdoor site. It is mosquito season. Mozzie spray will be available for use, or you may bring your own.
There is no charge for this workshop, just our usual Gardens entry fee applies – Adults $5, special child price for the day $3 (5 – 16 yrs), family ticket $10 (2 adults + 2-3 children). Children 4 years and under are FREE to attend.

Native Bee Hotel Workshop SOLD OUT
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Native Bees are essential pollinators for many Australian native plants and introduced plants as well. Many are tiny and you have probably never seen them, but they are there.
Join Diane Call from Australian Native Bee Society in this informative workshop. You will learn all about our native bees and their habitat, and what you can do to help protect them, encourage them to visit your garden and provide habitat for them.
Best suited to ages 8 yrs and over.

Drawing in the Gardens Kids Art Workshop - LIMITED SPOTS
2026-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Workshop date #1 – Monday 12th January 2026
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
Drawing aspects of nature is very rewarding. Learn techniques from an expert! Renowned nature artist, Lynda McPherson, will lead this class. After a walk around the Botanic Gardens, you will learn basic drawing techniques to apply what you have seen onto the page.
Best suited to ages and up. All materials supplied.
BONUS: participant’s works will be exhibited in the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens ‘art space’ during the month of February 2026.

Chain Making Workshop
2026-01-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Create your own jewellery!
Participants will be introduced to the art of jewellery-making with expert tuition from Gillian Stewart. Skills you will learn include: using craft pliers with both hands, using craft pliers to hold links, opening and closing links, assembling a bracelet in the ‘double cross-over’ chain maille pattern.
Participants will receive stainless steel links/jump rings, stainless steel wire and a ‘lobster claw’ clasp, as well as a set of craft pliers suitable for jewellery-making. The 125 links are enough to make a bracelet measuring approximately 230mm in length.
This workshop is for kids 10 years and older, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are also welcome to attend as a participant.

Spotlight Walk - SOLD OUT
2026-01-15 20:30 - 22:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Many of Australia’s special animals sleep by day and come out after dark. Who do you think we might see on our walk? Possums, bats, owls and other animals may be around. Let’s see who we can find.
John Simpson from National Parks Association is an experienced wildlife guide and he will be leading this walk.
Meet at 8.30pm, wear long sleeves and insect repellant, wear enclosed shoes. Bring a small torch. (Note: only John’s special wildlife spotlight will be used to find the animals.)
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for all ages but please note that there will be no running allowed and it is a late night walk.

Fantasy Succulent Bowls Workshop - SOLD OUT
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Growing succulents is a great introduction for kids to learn how to look after plants.
Succulents are easy to grow and are fun to arrange in an imaginative way.
Choose your plants, put in the soil and then decorate with dinosaurs, fairies or creepy crawlies.
A fun and educational workshop facilitated by our succulent/bonsai tutor, Ali Abbott.

Drawing in the Gardens
2026-01-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Workshop date #2 – Wednesday 21st January 2026
Drawing aspects of nature is very rewarding. Learn techniques from an expert! Renowned nature artist, Lynda McPherson, will lead this class. After a walk around the Botanic Gardens, you will learn basic drawing techniques to apply what you have seen onto the page.
Best suited to ages 10 years and up. All materials supplied.
BONUS: participant’s works will be exhibited in the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens ‘art space’ during the month of February 2026.

Kid's Art Exhibition Opening
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Native Plant Sale
2026-02-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Grafting Workshop
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Mindfulness Mini-Fair & Exhibition
2026-03-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Be a part of the launch of our new Mindfulness Walk. Discover the healing power of nature at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
The Mindfulness Mini-Fair & Exhibition is part of the celebrations to launch our new Mindfulness Walk at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. The Walk has been designed by counsellor, hypnotherapist and mindfulness coach, Jo Miller, and is designed to allow you to make the most of your walk in the Gardens, mindfully.
There will be stalls relating to mindful practices, readers, food and activities for wellbeing all in the tranquility of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
Come along and enjoy a day for mental health and wellness. Gates open at 9:00am
Items will be added as we get closer to the date.

Painting Gum Leaves Watercolour Workshop with Lauren May
2026-03-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join local artist Lauren May SK for her popular, beginner friendly watercolour class “Painting Gum Leaves”. In this relaxed, nature-inspired workshop we’ll focus on capturing the beauty of the iconic Australian eucalyptus leaf.
All materials are provided. Just bring yourself!
Sunday 15th March, 10-1pm.
$130
For more details and to book your spot please visit www.laurenmaysk.com.au/teaching

Leaf Dot-Painting Workshop
2026-04-08 10:30 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Come along and learn about Aboriginal symbols and the art of dotting with artist Deb Jackson.
Wednesday April 8th
10.30am – 1.00pm
Participants – $25
Accompanying Adults – $5
Limit Places available
All materials included.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/leaf-dot-painting-workshop-faf9lmgt

Cup Cake Decorating Workshop
2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Come along and use your creative skills to decorate some beautiful cupcakes with Maree.
Price reduced to $20 per person
Friday, 10th April from 10.00 – 11.30am.
4 cupcakes and all decorating supplies included.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/cupcake-decorating-workshop-9fqexds8

April Native Plant Sale
2026-04-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our April Native Plant Sale is on Saturday 11th April from 9am – 1pm.

April Grafting Workshop
2026-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Grafting is a marvellous skill to share, allowing others endless possibilities in saving our flora.
Grafting is a very useful method of plant propagation .It is a quick form of propagation for plants to be saved by vegetative propagation which allows for quick turn around. Many plants like fruit trees are grafted and this has been popular for many years. Many Australian ornamentals are grafted especially so that we can have then in our gardens. One the most popular is grafting Grevilleas and we will cover that along with Brachychiton grafting .
Some plants graft very easily like Brachychiton…especially in wintertime. Come along to learn from an expert about what to graft and when! This is designed to be a series of workshops that will progress over time, this first round workshops cover basic skills of grafting like: Why we graft? What we graft onto, Maintenance of rootstocks and plants, Results of grafting and the need for constant trials and research.
You don’t need to know anything or bring tools with you – everything will be provided!
On the day, you will get a ‘kit’ which will include:

2 rootstocks
1 scalpel holder
1 blade
Grafting tape
Fresh cuttings

All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and eagerness to learn!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This is an ADULTS ONLY workshop, suitable for +16yrs, due to the handling of sharp items and the focus needed for the techniques being taught. Purchasing your tickets implies you have read this condition.
Sorry, refunds are not available for this workshop.

2026 Teddy Bear's Picnic
2026-04-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our popular Teddy Bear’s Picnic is on again!
Join us on the Eucalyptus Lawn on Tuesday, 14th April 10am – 2pm.
Entry $5
Family $18 (2 adults + 3 children)
Concession $3
Teddy Bear Parade will be led by The Marching Koalas.
Let’s see just how many teddys we can fit in our Rotunda!
Dress up your bear and yourself – costumes are very much encouraged (kids AND adults – this is a day for FUN!). Spot prizes will be presented.
FREE merry-go-round and face painting.
Stalls:
Camelot Valley Farm, DVD Haven, Mahli Moo Designs, Sami Bayly books, The Crafty Mum 3D, Sweetz ‘n’ Treatz, Handmade by Elizabeth & Karen, Handmade by Annette, Luscious by Lucia, Ella Rose Handmade.
Food:
HRBG fund-rising sausage sizzle, Anne Dunne Gelato (sno cones, candy, fairy floss), The Doghouse Grill, Spiral Spuds, Kookaburra Café. Or bring a picnic.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/teddy-bear-s-picnic-2026
