Snow Time in the Garden

What are the opening hours and dates of Snow Time in the Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens?

Snow Time runs from 27 June to 26 July 2026.

Each day:

• Gardens open 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
• Snow Time activities are from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
• Last entry for Snow Time activities is 3pm.
• Ice skating tickets are available from 9am to 3:45pm.
• Ice skating sessions start at 10am, with last session being 4pm.
• Amusement rides operate from 10am to 4:30pm.
• Ride ticket booth hours are 10am to 4pm.
• Ride ticket sales close at 4pm.

What additional activities are available during Snow Time?

Ice Skating Rink, Ice Toboggan, Snow Play Zone and roving entertainment.

Do you have to pay for the activities once inside the Gardens?

The Superslide, Swing Chair, Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Tea Cups are all user pay. Rides are $6 per person, per ride, or you can purchase a bonus 6 ticket pass for $30. Tickets can be purchased at the ride booth. Height and age restrictions apply. Take note of the signage at the ride.

Can you pre-book ice skating sessions?

Ice skating session times operate on a first-in/first-served basis with a maximum capacity. We recommend arriving early and collecting your session ticket prior to participating in other activities. Ice skating tickets can be collected from entry.

How long are the ice skating sessions?

Ice skating sessions last 20 minutes. The rink will be closed for maintenance and cleaning between 12:20pm-1:00pm each day. Please note, the rink may also close without notice outside of this time if urgent maintenance is required.

Can you book multiple ice skating sessions?

No. Due to limited capacities for each session, only one group (maximum of 12 people) per booking can be made at a time.

What are the ice skating sessions times?

Session 1 10:00 – 10:20
Session 2 10:30 – 10:50
Session 3 11:00 – 11:20
Session 4 11:30 – 11:50
Session 5 12:00 – 12:20
Session 6 13:00 – 13:20
Session 7 13:30 – 13:50
Session 8 14:00 – 14:20
Session 9 14:30 – 14:50
Session 10 15:00 – 15:20
Session 11 15:30 – 15:50
Session 12 16:00 – 16:20

Do you have to bring your own ice skates?

Hunter Valley Gardens provides ice skates in a range of sizes at no extra cost. Guests are permitted to bring and wear their own skates.

Children 6 years and under must wear a helmet. We provide helmets, however, you may bring your own to ensure a correct fit for your child.

How can I book a skating aid (Bobby Seal)?

Bobby Seals will be available for children 5 years and under only and can only be used on the Seal Rink. Bobby Seal tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the ride ticket booth. One Bobby Seal ticket permits one child and one adult entry onto the Seal Rink. Sessions operate on a first in/first served basis with limited capacity and limited Bobby Seals available.

What should we wear to Snow Time?

To keep warm and dry, we recommend you wear weatherproof/waterproof clothing, including gloves, jackets, pants and shoes. This is particularly important for smaller children who will be playing in the Snow Play Zone. We also recommend you bring along a towel and an extra set of clothing.

Are there any physical restrictions on the Snow Time activities?

Our rides are subject to safety requirements all users must meet to participate. Key height restrictions are listed below, but other conditions can be found on the safety requirements signage at each of the rides.

Ferris Wheel: Children below 120cm must ride with an adult. A specially designed wheelchair accessible gondola is available on our Ferris Wheel, accommodating one wheelchair user and one carer.

Carousel: This ride is for children only. Children below 105cm must ride with an adult. Adult must stand next to the child.

Tea Cup: Not suitable for children younger than 2 years and/or under 95cm. Children between 95cm-120cm must ride with an adult. 120cm and above may ride alone.

Swing Chair: Children between 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult. 120cm and above may ride alone.

Superslide: Children between 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult. 120cm and above may ride alone.

Ice Skating Rink: Children 6 years and under MUST wear a helmet and be accompanied on the ice by an adult at all times. Helmets are supplied free of charge. No carrying children on the ice. Skaters and parents/guardians of skaters using the ice rink acknowledge that there is a risk of injury while ice-skating, and by entering the rink area you freely accept that risk and liability for any injury sustained as a result of skating or being on/around the ice rink. Skaters may fall on the ice and, while most falls are harmless, there is the possibility that an injury may occur. Skaters are encouraged to wear elbow/knee pads and wrist guards to minimise injury.

Seal Rink: Children using the Seal Rink must be under 5 years of age and be accompanied on the ice by adult at all times. Children MUST wear a helmet. No ice skates are permitted on the seal rink. No carrying children on the ice.

Ice Toboggan: Riders must be seated in the tube provided. Children under 4 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Adults and children can ride together in one tube, but two children or two adults are NOT permitted to ride on the same ring. All users must follow the operator’s instructions.

PLEASE NOTE: Heights are checked at each individual ride and access will be approved by the operator. Children must be supervised at all times.

Can you see the Gardens without the activities for Snow Time?

Yes, all our display gardens are available during Snow Time. However, only Snow Time event tickets can be purchased between 27 June – 26 July 2026.

Can you leave Snow Time and come back?

Yes, pass outs are allowed providing you leave and return the same day the ticket is dated. See Garden entry staff for pass outs. Your tickets will be stamped and are required as proof of payment when re-entering the Gardens.

Event updates

Updates about weather changes or any other event announcements will be posted on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/huntervalleygardens

Where can I buy tickets to Snow Time?

Tickets can be purchased online at hvg.com.au. Snow Time tickets are for single use only and are only valid for the date booked.

Child 3yrs and under: FREE (must still have a ticket for entry)
Child 4-15 years: $31
Adult 16+: $42
Family 1 adult 2 children: $97
Family 2 adults 1 child: $104
Family 2 adults 2 children: $128
Extra child (4-15yrs): $28

Ride tickets can be purchased for $6 per ride OR 6 rides for $30. All rides cost are in addition to entry and can be purchased at the ride ticket booth located in the event area.

What happens to my tickets if the event closes due to adverse weather conditions?

Tickets to Snow Time in the Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens are date specific and can only be used for the day purchased. If Hunter Valley Gardens needs to close due to a severe weather event as determined by management, ticket holders will be offered a change of date (subject to availability) or a gift card.

What method of payment is accepted?

Tickets may be purchased online via credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at Garden entry using cash or credit card. Tickets cannot be purchased over the phone.

Do I need to purchase my tickets online?

Tickets are available online and from Garden entry. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Online sales close an hour before the event finishes for the session on the day.

Do I need to print my tickets?

We recommend printing tickets, but mobile tickets are also accepted. Tickets can be retrieved at entry upon presentation of identification. If tickets cannot be presented/retrieved at the gate, entry cannot be granted.

What if I cannot attend the date I have booked?

If you need to change the date of your booking, visit huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings and request your change a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Can you purchase tickets from entry on the day of your visit?

Subject to availability, you may be able to purchase tickets at entry during the day of your visit. However, we strongly recommend purchasing all your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

I have purchased an online ticket but it didn’t arrive. What is the next step?

Most tickets that have not been received are either caught by your email spam filters or the email address was incorrectly entered. If your tickets have not arrived, please use this form http://bit.ly/Booking_update before your date of arrival. The team will get back to you as soon as possible during business hours Monday to Friday. If you have lost your ticket, please proceed to Garden entry with your valid identification where a staff member will be able to look up your order at entry.

What is HVG’s activities refund policy?

Refunds are only available if the Gardens do not open on the date of your booking. Tickets may be exchanged for another day, depending on availability or the value transferred to a Hunter Valley Gardens Gift Card. Changes to tickets must be requested 24 hours prior to the booked date by visiting http://bit.ly/Booking_update

How do you receive the online tickets?

Online tickets are emailed to the email address you provided. If you have not received your tickets, please check your spam/junk mail. If your tickets cannot be located, you may have entered the wrong email address. Please go to www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings for further assistance.

Lost tickets

If you lose your ticket, new tickets can be issued by visiting huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings and requesting an update to your order.

What are the rides?

Our amusement rides (Superslide, Swing Chair, Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Tea Cups) bring an added element of fun to the Gardens for both the young and young at heart. Children must be supervised at all times whilst on the rides. Rides will not operate during adverse weather conditions, as determined by the manager on site.

Who can go on the rides?

Guests can purchase a ticket to participate on our amusement rides provided they meet all the following safety requirements for the ride they wish to participate on.

Our rides are subject to safety requirements that a user must meet to participate. Key height restrictions are listed below, but other conditions can be found on the safety requirements signage at each of the rides.

Ferris Wheel: Children below 120cm must ride with an adult. A specially designed wheelchair accessible gondola is available on our Ferris Wheel, accommodating one wheelchair user and a carer.

Carousel: Children below 105cm must ride with an adult (adult must stand next to child), children 106cm and under 16yrs may ride alone.

Tea Cups: Children between 95cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.

Swing Chair: Children between 110cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.

Superslide: Children between 110cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.

PLEASE NOTE: Heights are checked at each individual ride and access will be approved by the operator. Children must be supervised at all times.

How much are the rides?

Rides are $6 per ride, or you can purchase a Bonus 6 Ticket Pass for $30.

What can I use the tickets on?

One ticket per ride applies on the Ferris Wheel, Tea Cups, Swing Chair and Carousel. An accompanying adult may stand with a small child on the carousel only without the use of a ride ticket.

The Superslide is two rides per ticket. As children between 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, the accompanying adult rides without the use of a ride ticket.

Is one ticket all I need for the Ferris Wheel for my family?

Tickets are per person, not per Gondola.

Do I need to purchase an additional ticket to ride with my child?

All rides operate on a one ticket per seat basis. A parent may stand with a small child on the Carousel or ride the Superslide with children between 110-120cm at no additional cost.

What if I have a baby – do they need a ride ticket?

Babies 18 months and below are permitted to ride with adults on the Ferris Wheel for free. They must have a ticket for the Carousel.

Do carers with companion cards have to pay to ride?

No, carers who present a companion card at the rides ticket booth are able to get the same pass as their client or child for free.

Rides closures

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. Due to weather and maintenance, we may temporarily close the rides at times

Can I buy food and drinks at Hunter Valley Gardens?

Yes, our Garden Terrace Café will be open with take away options and limited seating. There will be food stalls in the event area.

Can I bring my own drinks into Hunter Valley Gardens?

You may bring bottled water into Hunter Valley Gardens. Alcohol and soft drinks are not permitted.

Can I bring my own food into Hunter Valley Gardens?

No food or picnics can be brought into the Gardens. Food is available in the Garden Terrace Café located at the entry to the Gardens and in the food stalls located in the event area. However, you can bring sealed bottled water.

I want to bring my own food.

If you do not wish to purchase food in the Gardens, there is the option to purchase food from one of the shops in Hunter Valley Shopping Village or enjoy a packed meal or BBQ in the park near the HVG Shopping Village. We offer re-entry passes if you’re coming back on the same day. For this option, please see staff at the entry gate.

What food options are available from the food stalls within the Gardens?

The Garden Terrace Café is open daily from 9:30am to 4pm and will offer a range of winter treats to keep the whole family warm. The food stalls located in the event area will be open from 9:30am to 4:30pm and will offer meals and snacks such as loaded fries, nuggets, ice creams, assorted soft drinks, juice, coffee and water. Plus, dumplings, Mexican dishes, Greek dishes, German sausages, hot dogs, pancakes, waffles, gelato, fairy floss, slushies and more.

Prohibited items

Prohibited items include drones, ride-on toys, scooters, roller skates, eskies, skateboards and items deemed to be unsafe by management. Smoking and vaping are not permitted.

What happens to lost property?

Lost property can be collected from Garden entry, or call (02) 4998 4000. Items that are not claimed within 7 days will be discarded or donated to local charities.

Is HVG accessible to everyone?

Hunter Valley Gardens is located on a 14-hectare site. The garden paths are over 8km of crushed granite pathways throughout the Gardens, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs. Please note, while the majority of our pathways are wheelchair-friendly, some lookouts and specific areas like the Italian Grotto have stairs, limiting accessibility to those parts. Additionally, as an outdoor space, our paths can be affected by weather and the natural landscape, which may result in uneven surfaces and steep inclines. A specially designed wheelchair accessible gondola is available on our Ferris Wheel, accommodating one wheelchair user and a carer.

Are there wheelchairs for hire?

No, we do not have any wheelchairs for hire. You are welcome to bring your own.

Parking

There is free parking available and limited disabled parking. Displaying of a disability parking permit is required.

Can I bring my pet?

No pets are allowed into the Gardens. Registered guide dogs and companion dogs are allowed into the Gardens with their owners. Documentation for these animals is required upon entry.

Do you accept pensioners card, or do you have pensioners discount?

We do not accept pensioner cards for these activities.