28 March-26 April 2026
Open 9am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) Rides from 10am – 3:30pm. Ride Ticket Booth from 10am – 3pm.
Last ride at 3:15pm.

Where Dinosaurs, Dragons & Mythical Legends come to life!

Enter a captivating realm where fantasy comes to life, now expanded with breathtaking new creature installations. Marvel at powerful dragons perched atop crumbling castle ruins, expanding the Land of Legends, while graceful unicorns invite you to pause and relax on whimsical toadstool seats, and towering dinosaurs take over the landscape.

Alongside returning favourites, such as prehistoric giants and colossal insects, the Gardens are transformed into an immersive world blending ancient prehistory with myth and magic. With thrilling amusement rides* and plenty more to explore and discover, Mega Creatures is an unforgettable experience for curious minds and adventurous spirits of all ages.

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Gift Cards FAQS

Weekends and School Holidays. 28-29 March, 3-19 April and 24-26 April.
Open 5pm – 9:30pm (last entry 8:30pm) Rides from 5:30pm – 9pm
Rides from 5:30pm – 9pm. Ride Ticket Booth from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
Last ride 8:45pm.

Embark on a dazzling journey into the night where Mega Creatures come to life!
As the sun sets, wander through the Gardens and step into a world of wonder and fantasy, filled with towering dinosaurs, majestic dragons, enchanting unicorns and more mythical creatures under the night sky. With lit-up immersive displays and thrilling amusement rides*, this unforgettable and magical experience invites families and brave explorers to discover a world where imagination truly comes alive.

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Available from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Delight in a variety of delicious food and beverage options available throughout the event. Plenty of treats to keep the whole family fuelled. Visit our event program for more details.

3 April – 6 April 2026

Join us for a long weekend of fun, including Easter activities during Mega Creatures.

 

Purchase your tickets for Mega Creatures Day session and add on your Hoppity Hollow Hunt ticket.

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Accommodation Packages

STAY CLOSE TO THE ACTION WITH MEGA CREATURES ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES!

Planning a visit to Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari? Make it even more magical by staying just minutes away at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens or Harrigan’s Hunter Valley. Both are perfect for families, offering comfort, convenience and easy access to the fantastic displays. With exclusive Mega Creatures Accommodation Packages, it’s never been easier to turn an adventurous Mega Creatures exploration into a relaxing mini holiday.

Stay close to the action, enjoy delicious meals and cosy rooms, and make the most of your Mega adventure in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.
Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley are located only minutes away from Hunter Valley Gardens.

Take advantage of their Mega Creatures accommodation packages today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the event dates?

    Mega Creatures Day session – From 28 March to 26 April 2026.
    Mega Creatures Night Safari – Weekends and School Holidays: 28-29 March, 3-19 April and 24-26 April 2026.

  • What are the trading hours?

    Mega Creatures Day session. From 9am to 4pm. Last entry 3pm.
    Rides operate from 10am to 3:30pm. Ticket Booth open from 10am to 3pm. Last ride 3:15pm.

    Mega Creatures Night Safari. From 5pm to 9:30pm. Last entry 8:30pm.
    Rides operate from 5:30pm to 9pm. Ticket Booth open from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Last ride 8:45pm.

    Please note Mega Creatures Day session (Gardens) close at 4pm and Mega Creatures Night Safari opens at 5pm, all visitors must exit the gardens during this time, including combo day/night ticket holders.

    Hunter Valley Gardens reserves the right to adjust operating hours without prior notice.

    Tickets for Mega Creatures Day session and Mega Creatures Night Safari can be purchased separately. For guests wishing to attend both events, combo day/night tickets are available. Tickets are valid for the nominated session only.

  • What additional free activities are available?

    Mega Creature tickets give access to all the event activities and installations, including Land of Legends, Dragon Den, Butterfly Ballet, Dinosaur Diggins, Unicorn Meadow, Bug Hunt, Spider Den, Dragon Floresta, Carnivore Concourse and Herbivore Hectares. Plus, weekends and school holidays activities:

    Dragon’s Quest - 28-29 March, 3-19 April and 24-26 April at 12pm and 2pm in the Formal Garden.
    Step into a thrilling display of courage and legend as families gather to watch our brave knight face off against a fearsome flight of dragons. Set within the Formal Garden, Dragon’s Quest brings medieval adventure to life with action, live storytelling and plenty of excitement to capture young imaginations. Kids will love cheering on the knight as she battles to protect the realm, making this a must-see experience for little adventurers who dream of castles, dragons and heroic quests.

    Potion Play with the Wizard - 28-29 March, 3-19 April and 24-26 April at 6pm and 7:30pm in the Amphitheatre.
    As dusk settles over the Gardens, children are invited into the magical world of a mysterious wizard and her bubbling wonder-lab. Potion Play is an enchanting, interactive experience where curious minds can learn the secrets behind colourful brews, smoky potions and magical mixtures. Set in the Amphitheatre, this playful experience blends fantasy and fun, sparking imagination and delighting families looking for something a little magical after dark.

    Dinosaur Diggings - 28 March to 26 April, Saturdays only at 11am in the Brumbies and Frog Ponds areas.
    Calling all young explorers and future palaeontologists. Dinosaur Diggings gives kids the chance to roll up their sleeves and dig for real fossils under the guidance of our Mega Creatures Explorer. Set near the Brumbies and Frog Ponds, this hands-on activity brings prehistoric history to life as children uncover ancient treasures. It’s an exciting experience that turns curiosity into discovery.

    Magical Unicorn Meetings – 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 April at 10am to 2pm in the Sunken Garden.
    Step into a storybook moment with our Magical Unicorn Meetings, where fantasy becomes reality in the enchanting Sunken Garden. Families can meet a graceful unicorn up close, take photos, and enjoy a gentle, magical encounter that will leave little ones wide-eyed with wonder. Perfect for younger children and unicorn enthusiasts of all ages, this serene and charming experience provides a beautiful pause amidst a day filled with adventure.

    Fairy Face Painting – 3-19 April at 10am to 2pm in the Sunken Garden.
    Add an extra touch of magic to your visit with Fairy Face Painting, hosted by our resident fairy among whimsical toadstools in the Sunken Garden. Children can transform into their favourite magical characters, from fairies and creatures to colourful fantasy designs, creating a keepsake they’ll remember long after the day ends. It’s a joyful, creative experience that adds sparkle to family photos and makes every child feel part of the magical world of Mega Creatures.

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

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

    Easter at Hunter Valley Gardens takes place on the Easter long weekend (Friday 3 to Monday 6 April) during Mega Creatures Day session. Tickets for the Hoppity Hollow Hunt are $2 per child. You can purchase your tickets as an add-on to your Mega Creatures Day session tickets on the Easter long weekend dates and must be added to the online checkout basket or you can present a ride ticket at the entry of the event marquee.

  • Is the event suitable for wheelchairs?

    At Hunter Valley Gardens, we strive to ensure accessibility for all our visitors. We have over 8km of crushed granite pathways, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs. Paths and ramps are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers.

    Please note, while the majority of our pathways are wheelchair-friendly, some lookouts and specific areas like the Italian Grotto and Waterfall Lookout 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.

  • Are there any guided tours of the Gardens?

    No, there are no guided tours through the Gardens.

  • Event Updates

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

  • What new attractions are there this year?

    For 2026 Hunter Valley Gardens are pleased to introduce NEW additions to Land of Legends, an awe-inspiring experience where imagination knows no bounds with fantastical mythical beasts. Plus, new 4 dragons, a unicorn family of 9, fantastic 9 basilisks, a chimera, floral dragons, 9 amazing dinosaurs and more!

  • What happens if it rains?

    Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari at Hunter Valley Gardens are outdoor activities and are subject to changing weather conditions. We do our very best to make sure the activities remain open, which means activities will continue in the case of rain and will only be cancelled if weather conditions are considered dangerous by event management.
    Changes to tickets must be requested 24 hours prior to the booked date by visiting http://bit.ly/Booking_update
    The team will get back to you as soon as possible during business hours, Monday to Friday.
    We strongly recommend you bring your own wet-weather gear. The use of umbrellas is accepted.
    If the activity is cancelled for any reason, the information will be posted on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/huntervalleygardens, and an SMS will be sent to all ticket holders using the phone number attached to the booking.
    Hunter Valley Gardens will take all reasonable efforts to notify you of a cancellation ASAP; however, due to the unpredictability of a change in weather conditions, cancellations may be at short notice.

  • Why does the event close in inclement weather?

    We do our best to open Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari every day, however sometimes due to adverse weather conditions that are occurring, or have occurred during the day, we may have to close the event due to health and safety concerns.
    PLEASE NOTE: We work very hard to open each day and night and will do everything in our power to open the event.

Gift Cards FAQS

Mega Creatures Group Rates & Functions

Discounted group rates are available for groups of 12 or more adults visiting Mega Creatures or Mega Creatures Night Safari. These rates are ONLY available via our Group Sales Team and must be purchased in advance. No group discounts are available at entry. For any function enquiries please contact our Group Sales Team.

Admission charges apply. Hunter Valley Gardens recommends guests purchase tickets on our website prior to arrival.

Tickets (except Group tickets) are available through our website or at the Gardens entry.
Fraudulent tickets will not be honoured. Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari activities are open during event hours only. Program subject to change. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Rides are user pay; height and age restrictions apply. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance.

Entry to the Gardens closes one hour before the completion of the session. Access to the entire Garden is available during the day session only, some areas are closed during Mega Creatures Night Safari for the safety of our guests. Individual tickets required for each session or purchase a day/night combo ticket to experience the best of both worlds. Tickets not valid for the date of arrival may be refused entry.