Top Oz Tours offers a great range of Hunter Valley tours and experiences. You can browse the options here.
As soon as you say the words ‘I’m visiting the Hunter Valley’, most people assume you are going for the wine.
However, at the top of my to-do list on a recent visit was the amazing Hunter Valley Gardens. Located just over two hours’ drive from Sydney, and less than an hour from Newcastle, Australia’s largest display gardens are open all year round and offer a scented escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You’ll need the best part of a day to do the Gardens justice. There are ten themed zones to explore, including the one most popular with kids (and big kids at heart) — the gorgeous Storybook Garden. This floral precinct is filled with the much-loved storybook characters that many of us grew up with, and younger visitors are only just getting to know.
The other nine zones are the Italian Grotto, Indian Mosaic Garden, Formal Garden, Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, Border Garden, Oriental Garden, Chinese Garden, and Lakes Walk. Aside from the Storybook Garden, I particularly loved the Border and Sunken Gardens. The Border Garden incorporates formal hedges, classic fountains, and an array of annuals that represent the four seasons. The Sunken Garden features a ten-metre-high waterfall, which is a spectacular sight.
Construction of the Hunter Valley Gardens began in 1999 and was completed in 2003. The gardens were opened in October of that year by the then premier of New South Wales — the Honourable Bob Carr. Originally a series of horse paddocks and vineyards, the 14-hectare site now boasts around 6,000 trees and 600,000 shrubs. More than 500,000 annuals are planted each year. Imagine having to water them all!
Leave some time to visit the delightful Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, which has a number of specialty retailers, cafes, and eateries. The famous Hunter Valley Chocolate Company serves hot chocolate to die for!
The Hunter Valley Gardens is a special place — and even if you’re not a keen gardener, there will be plenty to interest you within the sprawling grounds. My top tip for visiting the Gardens? Wear comfortable walking shoes!
For more information, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
Browse our range of Hunter Valley tours and experiences here.
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Additional images: Bigstock
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