Hunter Region Botanical Gardens

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

Native Plant Sale
2026-02-07 09:00 - 13:00

Kid's Art Exhibition Opening
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:00

Drawing in the Gardens
2026-01-21 09:30 - 11:30
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.

Fantasy Succulent Bowls Workshop - SOLD OUT
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00
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.

Spotlight Walk - SOLD OUT
2026-01-15 20:30 - 22:30
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.

Chain Making Workshop
2026-01-14 11:00 - 13:00
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.

Drawing in the Gardens Kids Art Workshop - LIMITED SPOTS
2026-01-12 13:00 - 15:00
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.

Native Bee Hotel Workshop SOLD OUT
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:30
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.

Storytime in the Rotunda
2026-01-07 10:30 - 11:30
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.

2025-11-17 10:30 - 11:30
Storytime in the Rotunda

Spring Fair
2025-10-12 10:00 - 14:00
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

Native Bee talk and Bee Hotel in a can workshop
2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30
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

Flannel Flower Tours
2025-10-02 09:30 - 11:30
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

Koori Walk For Kids
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:00
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

Orchid Potting Demonstration
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:30
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

Grafting Workshop with Helen Howard
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
Grafting is a skill for life
https://events.humanitix.com/grafting-workshop-september

Propagation Workshop
2025-09-21 12:30 - 14:30
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

Pen Drawing Workshop with Julia Jay
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00
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

Sculptures in the Garden - Meet the Artists
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00
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

September Native Plant Sale
2025-09-06 09:00 - 13:00
Saturday 6th September 2025
9am – 1pm

Medieval Fair
2025-08-10 09:00 - 15:00
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

Official Opening Sculpture In The Botanic Garden Response III
2025-08-02 13:00 - 16:00
OFFICIAL OPENING
SATURDAY 2 AUGUST FROM 1 PM
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
KATE WASHINGTON, MP
Twenty four artists explore, challenge and interrogate the dialogue that has long existed between architectural sculptural form and the natural environment for this exhibition at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Choosing their own site within which to work among the 130 hectares nestled on the lower reaches of the Hunter River at Heatherbrae, site and its specifics are at the core of the developed work.

August Plant Fair
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00
Saturday 2nd August

Fantasy Garden Succulent Bowls For Kids
2025-07-18 10:30 - 12:00
Let’s get creative! Design and plant up your own mini fantasy garden using succulent plants and figurines. Learn about nature as you go and take home your own plant to grow.
$20 per participant ($5 accompanying adult).
Tickets available now via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/fantasy-succulent-bowl-for-kids

Kid's Fancy Dress Winter Disco
2025-07-15 00:00 - 15:00
Warm up your dancing shoes and find your best winter costume to wear to the Kid’s Winter Fancy Dress Disco!
Join us for 3 hours of fun with DJ’s Neil and Rebecca. Dance the afternoon away and win some prizes, too.
What a great way to keep warm.
Bookings available now via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/kid-s-winter-fancy-dress-disco

Gundabooka Bush Foods Walk, Talk and Tasting
2025-07-13 10:30 - 12:00
Join your Aboriginal guide, Kevin Riley, for an enlightening talk about bush foods. Enjoy sampling some bush food fare before the walk and then see the plants growing along the Gundabooka Trail at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
$25 per Adult | $15 per child (age 3 – 12)
Bookings now available via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/gundabooka-bush-foods-walk

Children's DiscoveryDay
2025-07-08 10:00 - 14:00
A special day for kids to highlight how learning about nature can be fun!
Join us for market stalls, craft activities, nature workshops, jumping castle, face painting, join our discovery train for tours of the Gardens.
There will be a sausage sizzle and food van, cafe open for coffee, or bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
Children $5 | Adults $10 | Families $25 | Pensioners $7
Bookings available now via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/children-s-discovery-day-2025

Grafting Workshops
2025-06-14 10:00 - 13:00
Helen Howard has been grafting plants for over 30 years. She will be sharing her great knowledge and experience in this fantastic workshop.
You will be able to take home your grafted rootstock and watch them flourish.
$60 per person. Includes Garden Entry and grafting kit.
Limited Numbers, so book asap!
This workshop is not suitable for children – ADULTS ONLY.
https://events.humanitix.com/grafting-workshop-june

Native Plant Sale - Saturday June 7th
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
Come along to our Native Plant Sale on Saturday June 7th 2025 from 9am – 1pm.
Grab yourself some great plants and advice.
