Looking for a fun family day out? Wander through the beautiful Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae! Covering 125 hectares, there’s something for everyone, all year round. Discover stunning natural bushland, native plants, themed gardens, rare and endangered plants, peaceful trails and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Whether you’re up for a picnic, snapping some photos, or just enjoying a relaxing walk, this is the perfect place to connect with nature and create lasting family memories.
Located on the Pacific Highway in Heatherbrae, between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is easy to access. There are large signs that are highly visible from the road.
There is ample parking available and the cost of entry is $5 per person, or $10 for a family making it an affordable family day out. This is payable at the cafe/gift shop where you will receive a token to leave the car park. The Gardens are managed and maintained by volunteers and were established in 1986.
In addition to the many theme gardens such as Succulent and Rainforest, there are surrounding hectares of natural bushland managed as a conservation area. There are several easy walks of varying lengths. A paved pathway, well maintained and constructed, is suitable for prams and wheelchairs and forms part of several walking trails.
The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the magnificent old Red Ash tree, its branches stretching across the walkway. It’s a truly spectacular sight in this idyllic setting.
Take a stroll to the nearby pond, where a fountain, sculptures, and comfortable benches await.
If you bring a packed lunch, the children’s play area is a great place to we settle in for a picnic and a game of frisbee.
There is a cute little cubby house, outdoor toys, picnic tables, grassed spaces, stepping stones and even some painted caricatures for cute photo opportunities with the kids.
The rotunda is also a wonderful space to spend time with family and friends. You can easily spend an hour here enjoying the sights and activities that this area of the Gardens has to offer!
The Kookaburra Cafe is open 7 days a week from 9am to 3pm, run by friendly volunteers. They have yummy treats for everyone! Grown-ups can enjoy a delicious Segafredo coffee and maybe some homemade scones with jam, while kids might like the tasty sandwiches, fresh cakes, or even the famous Thai Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup. It’s a great place to stop for a bite while you’re exploring!
The passionate volunteers are eager to share their knowledge of the incredible plant collection, from Camellias to Grevilleas and Aboriginal plants. Grab a pamphlet and explore the botanic gardens at your own pace or book in for a guided tour.
Guided tour tickets start at $10 per person or $5 for children aged 4-12 years and it’s advisable to book at least 2 weeks in advance. Tours are offered on foot or in the People Mover, which is an excellent option for mobility-impaired people. Night tours are also available throughout the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy beautiful plants and flowers, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.
There are several different walking trails including Botanic Walk (1.8 km), Forest Walk (1.2km), Grasstree Walk (2.1km), Wetlands Walk (2.7 km), Banksia Loop (0.6 km) and Southern Walk (2.7km). The Botanic Walk, starting and finishing at the Visitors Centre, is popular.
The majority of this walk is on a paved pathway with access to many theme gardens such as Succulents, Waterfall and Palm. This is a pram and wheelchair accessible walk.
The Botanic Walk provides lots of activities specifically for children. There is a sweet little Blue Wren Maze that kids will love. They’ll especially enjoy finding the inspirational message at the end of the maze.
The sensory square is a very cool hands-on space for children. Here they can experience plants through touch and smell. Rosemary, with its distinctive scent, is a memorable one.
There are stepping stones with various animal footprints engraved on them that the children can try to match up with the correct animal.
There is even a “wombat cave” where little ones can follow the wombat footprints through the bush tunnel.
Water has such a calming effect and there are many pretty water features throughout the Gardens. These are the perfect resting points to stop for a few moments to relax and soak in the sights and sounds.
One of the most peaceful spots to discover on the Botanic Walk is the Bush Chapel. Full of charm, this quaint outdoor setting could be the ideal spot for an intimate wedding. Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is the perfect location for an outdoor wedding, reception and any number of other functions.
Another favourite themed area is the Succulent Garden, a part of the exotic collection. Full of oversized and wildly wonderful plants and cacti, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. It’s an incredible experience to see such a variety of visually impressive succulents in one location.
Some other visual highlights of the Botanic walk include a bumpy tree, vibrant flowers and tall-standing established trees.
There are plenty of signs throughout the gardens showing you which way to go for particular walks or points of interest.
The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is a truly special place – experience it for yourself!
Good to know
Getting there: Located at 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae, between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace and just a short distance north of the Hexham Bridge, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is a 30-minute drive from both Newcastle and Maitland, 40 minutes from Lake Macquarie and approximately 2-hour drive from Sydney.
Opening Hours: Open 7 days from 9am to 4pm. Closed for Christmas and Easter breaks.
Toilets: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
On-site parking: Yes. Free parking. You’ll receive a token to leave the car park when you pay admission.
Gift shop: Yes
Cost of entry: Individual $5, family $10
Bring: Mozzie spray in case they’re biting
Website: https://www.huntergardens.org.au/
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