The Gardens are temporarily closed because of storm damage

Visit Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Discover The Natural Beauty Of The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Visiting The Botanic Gardens

How To Get Here

Located on the Pacific Highway between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace

Just a short distance north of the Hexham Bridge

Only a 30-minute drive from both Newcastle and Maitland

Reachable within 40 minutes from Lake Macquarie

Approximately a 2-hour drive from Sydney

Cafe - Scene

Gardens Experience

Individual
$ 5 Per Person
  • Stay all day, explore our beautiful gardens and grounds and orchid houses and use all of our facilities including the picnic areas and BBQ

Gardens Experience

Family
$ 10 Per Family
  • Stay all day, explore our beautiful gardens and grounds and orchid houses and use all of our facilities including the picnic areas and BBQ

Pit Stop Or Short Stay

Individual
$ 3 Per Person
  • For those who haven't the time to explore our gardens and grounds but just need a break from driving with a coffee and snack and to use the bathrooms.

Pit Stop Or Short Stay

Family
$ 7 Per Family
  • For those who haven't the time to explore our gardens and grounds but just need a break from driving with a coffee and snack and to use the bathrooms.

Coach Passengers

Group Bus Experience
$ 5 Per Person
  • Stay all day, explore our beautiful gardens and grounds and orchid houses and use all of our facilities including the picnic areas and BBQ

Children

Under 3 Years Old
Free
  • Children 3 years and under are free

Parking

For Visitors
Free
  • When you enter the carpark, the automatic boomgate will lock behind you. Then proceed to the Visitor Centre to pay your entry fees and receive your carpark exit token.

Pets

Dogs & Other Pets
Not Permitted
  • Pets of any kind are not permitted within the Botanic Gardens or its immediate surrounds. However, assistance dogs are welcome although must be leashed at all times.

Accessibility

Parking and Access: Designated parking is available for drivers and passengers with disabilities, allowing easy access to the main garden areas.

Wheelchair-Friendly Paths: A brick-paved, wheelchair-accessible pathway follows the primary route through the Gardens, providing access to most themed sections. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow from the Visitor Centre.

Inclusive Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors with disabilities. The people mover is accessible, and tours can be customized for individuals with limited mobility or vision. Advanced booking for these services is recommended.

Accessible Facilities: Both the Visitor Centre and Kookaburra Café are accessible, with disabled restrooms available for convenience.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Kookaburra Cafè & Gift Shop

  • Open 7 days, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
  • Fresh and homemade dishes including Devonshire scones with fresh jam
  • Our famous Thai sweet potato and pumpkin soup
  • Fresh sandwiches
  • Fresh cakes and slices
  • Freshly ground Segafredo coffee
  • Group bookings welcome with menu selection available
  • BBQ facility available on request
  • Beautiful settings available for your wedding or special occasion in the gardens
  • Guided tours are available if booked in advance

 

Come in and experience our friendly volunteer service while you browse through our gift shop and plant stall.

Guided Tours

Our volunteers enjoy showing the gardens to visitors and providing information about the botanical collections and the Gardens’ bushland environment. Group Tours and Educational Excursions can be booked at the Visitor Centre and provide such options as the Koori Walk, Plants in Place, Plants Galore. Special tours can be organised for tour groups.
 
A generic tour of the theme gardens is very popular with visiting social club groups and covers the history of the site and introductions to the theme gardens along the Botanical Walk. This tour will give you a glimpse of the extent of our gardens. Tours are offered on foot or in our People Mover, which is an excellent option for mobility-impaired people.
 
Night walks are organised throughout the year which provide an opportunity for visitors to discover the nocturnal birds and wildlife. Visitors may encounter, ringtail and brushtail possums, sugar gliders and various night birds. The dates of night walks are listed in our events guide.

Tour Fees

Guided Tours – $10.00 per person
 
Children 4-12 years (accompanied by an adult) – $5 per child
 
School Groups – $5.00 per child
 
Tour bus or coach passengers – $10.00 per person
 
People Mover – $10.00 per person
 
Night Walk – $20 per person or $40 for a family of four
 
Wheelchair Hire – FREE
 
Note: Entry fees also apply to visitors participating in guided tours.
 
It is advisable to book guided tours at least 2 weeks in advance.