Hunter Valley – renowned for crisp, refreshing white wines; robust, tantalising reds … but there is another part which is equally exciting and welcoming – Hunter Valley Gardens and surrounds.
Perfect complement to winery visits !
Where is it
Set in heart of Hunter Valley wine country New South Wales … 14 hectares of beautifully manicured greenery and flora … 10 different themed gardens … shopping village … accommodation … rides … events … dining … something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate !
Brainchild of Bill Roche, “garden for generations of enjoyment “ … 4 years in the making, team of 40-50 landscape gardeners, engineers, architects … Hunter Valley Gardens opened in 2003.
Favourable climate; tender loving care, gives rise to lush, green ground covers, trees, ornamental shrubs, assorted blooms; tranquil, colourful, unforgettable environment, suitable for all ages.
Over 8 kilometres of gentle walking paths wind along scenic nooks and corners; quaint stonework, strategic statues along the way; guide you to various spots of special interests …
Bubbling streams cascade over rocks, filling ponds large and small, emptying into serene lake … scattered pavilions all around for shade and shelter, benches for seating at quiet spots …
What is there
Themed Gardens
Border Garden … Chinese Garden … Formal Garden … Indian Garden … Italian Grotto … Lakes Walk … Oriental Garden … Rose Garden (hot favourite) … Storybook Garden … Sunken Garden … so much to see – truly a feast for the senses !
You will need to return over and over again to appreciate intricacies of each section – because few hours or short visit is just not be enough !
From European to Chinese, Japanese, Korean styles … Italian, French-influenced statues, garden mazes … koi ponds, pagoda … Korean velvet grass (Zoysia Tenuifolia) … so much to see and appreciate !
And there is the Rose Garden and pavilion – huge range of rose varieties including Blue Moon, Bonica, Charles De-Gaulle, Double Delight and many more – note the Rosa Imelda – yellow rose dedicated to Imelda Roche by husband Bill.
Wow … What a sight to behold !
There is something alluring about roses … ladies’ best friend … after diamonds of course !
Shopping Village
Hungry after a long walk?
Stop at Shopping Village for variety of snacks, meals, lunch treats, coffee and wines all within walking distance surrounded by more gardens, ponds, playground, BBQ and picnic areas.
Lots to do for family, young and old !
Welcoming atmosphere; scrumptious meals; leisurely browsing boutiques and shops, scattered amongst cafes and restaurants … wiling away perfect afternoon …
Fun Rides & Events
Don’t forget there are rides for whole family – especially during school holidays … Tea-Cup, Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Swing Chair and Super Slide – fun time for young and young at heart !
Naturally events are held in such magnificent gardens – weddings, memorials, birthday celebrations, picnics … available for booking, accommodation within easy reach.
Christmas Lights
Visit around Christmas and see garden decked out in lights and Christmas display … maybe after scrumptious Christmas dinner at the Garden Terrace Restaurant – perfect evening out for family.
Definitely will help walk off calories after dinner !
Conclusion
Beautifully maintained themed gardens … always joy to walk through … pleasant visual surprise; colourful flora and fauna; fragrant treat for senses … birdlife chattering on treetops in evening, nature’s comforting song … Christmas lights celebrate festivities – perfect close to another year for one and all.
