Treat the family to an action-packed day outdoors enjoying the Spring School Holidays!

Saturday 28 September – Sunday 13 October 2024 Gardens open 9am-5pm (last entry at 4pm), activities from 10am-2pm

Explore the Gardens with our scavenger hunt to win a Spring Prize Pack, take part in our interactive activities throughout the Garden and discover our 10 stunning display Gardens including everybody’s favourite Storybook Garden.
Our amazing amusement rides will be operating throughout the school holidays to add to the excitement.*

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Scavenger Hunt

Gather your team and explore all 10 stunning Gardens searching for items in this interactive activity. Complete the scavenger hunt for your chance to win a Spring Prize Pack. The winning team or individual will be contacted on 14th October 2024. Every day during the Spring School Holidays starting at 9am to 5pm.

Nursery Rhyme Tours – Storybook Garden

Butterfly & Bee's Musical Storybook Adventure

The Storybook Garden is a delight for all ages, featuring timeless nursery rhyme characters taking visitors on a journey through childhood dreams, memories, and fantasies. Enjoy a 15-minute interactive walking tour with songs, dancing, exciting musical games and storytelling based on the features of this beloved Garden and popular nursery rhyme songs. Nursery Rhyme Tours will operate at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm on the following dates:

Saturday 28th September
Sunday 29th September
Saturday 5th October
Sunday 6th October
Monday 7th October
Saturday 12th October
Sunday 13th October

Grassy Head Workshop

Googly eyes, seeds and craft materials combined with your imagination are the tools to participate in this delightful hands-on workshop. Participants will learn about plant growth and responsibility in caring for living things. It’s a fun and interactive way to introduce children to basic gardening concepts and the wonders of nature. Get ready to give your grassy head a unique personality! Every day during the Spring School Holidays from 10am-2pm.

Spring Rocks Workshop

Spring rocks painting is a vibrant and creative activity that combines the beauty of nature with artistic expression. Participants use paint to decorate rocks with colourful spring-themed designs such as flowers, butterflies, ladybugs, and other symbols of the season. This activity encourages creativity and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, appreciating the natural environment while engaging in a relaxing and fulfilling craft. Painted rocks can be used to decorate gardens, walkways, or given as unique, handmade gifts. Every day during the Spring School Holidays from 10am-2pm in the Dome Marquee.

Face Painting

From butterflies and superheroes to flowers and mystical creatures, the possibilities are endless. Children will love getting into the festive spirit of spring by having their face painted in the event area. Enjoy the excitement and joy of their little smiles when they discover their reflection with a beautifully painted design. Every day during the Spring School Holidays from 10am-2pm.

Koi Fish Feeding

Koi fish feeding is a serene and captivating activity enjoyed by both fish enthusiasts and casual observers. Koi, known for their vibrant colours and graceful movements, gather eagerly at the water’s surface when it’s time to eat. Feeding these beautiful fish is a mesmerizing experience with swirling colours and fluid motions offering a moment of tranquillity and connection with nature. The perfect activity at our Oriental Garden. Every day during the Spring School Holidays from at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm.

Clay Impressions Workshop

Visit the Indian Tea House and make your own air-dry clay creation to take home with a special impression from Hunter Valley Gardens. Every day during the Spring School Holidays from 10am-2pm.

Remote Control Boat Racing

See our Lakes Walk being transformed into a fantastic sailing spot! BYO remote control boat and be part of the fun with Newcastle Marine Modellers from 5th to 7th October and Lake Macquarie Radio Yacht Club on 28th September and 12th October. From 10am to 2pm.

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Rose Week Talks

Presented by members of our talented Horticulture Team, these informative talks will give you a deeper understanding of the skills needed to take care of your Roses. Topics covered include ‘Introduction to Roses’, ‘Rose Varieties’, ‘How to Take a Rose Cutting’ and ‘Taking Care of Your Roses’. From 30 September to 6 October at 12pm.

Spring Blossoms

Escape the winter blues and embrace the emergence of spring colours at Hunter Valley Gardens! Wander through 10 stunning gardens across 14 acres, adorned with spring blossoms. It’s a seasonal delight you won’t want to miss!

Hanging Basket Competition

Vote on your favourite hanging basket, decorated by children from local primary schools and childcare centres. The winning school receives a class trip to Hunter Valley Gardens.

Spring Installations

Bird Houses

Enjoy some special spring installations from our Horticulture team, including colourful bird houses in our Storybook Garden.

Wheelbarrow Competition

The HVG team have created a very creative and beautiful wheelbarrow display for you to enjoy.

Spring Bikes

Enjoy special spring installations from our Horticulture team, including colourful bikes located in the Brokenback Brumbies area.

Food & Beverages

The Garden Terrace Café offers a fantastic range of food and beverage options, open daily between 9am-4pm. The HVG food stall will be open from 10am to 2:30pm offering loaded fries, kids’ meals, burgers and more. You can also enjoy a refreshing Snow Cone from Monday 30th September between 10am-2:30pm in the event area.

Enjoy our amazing rides!

Our amazing amusement rides are a permanent addition to the Gardens and add family fun. Operating daily this school holidays from 10am-2:30pm, purchase your ride tickets at the Rides Ticket Booth located in the event area. Single Tickets (per person per ride) are $6, or you can purchase a Bonus 6 Ticket Pass for $30. Height and age restrictions apply.

Tea Cups

Join the tea party at our fantastic Tea Cups ride. Twist, twirl and have fun in giant coloured tea cups. Once won’t be enough!

Swing Chair

Thrill seekers will love our flying Swing Chair. Feel the wind in your hair and get your adrenaline pumping as you fly 11 metres above the ground.

Carousel

Experience our beautiful traditional Venetian Carousel, a firm favourite, this feature was made in Italy to our design.

Ferris Wheel

Relax and take in the view of the Gardens and surrounding countryside from 25 metres high in our spectacular Ferris Wheel. Suitable for all ages.

Superslide

Grab one of our mats enjoy the excitement of speeding down this thrilling ride. Standing 12 metres high and a massive 35 metres long, our Superslide is a whole lot of fun.

Accommodation Packages

Plan your Spring School Holidays getaway!

Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley are located only minutes away from Hunter Valley Gardens.
Take advantage of their accommodation packages today.

Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Spring Package Harrigan's Hunter Valley Spring Package

Don’t delay, book now to avoid disappointment.

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Group Rates

Visiting Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens with a group? We offer excellent rates for social groups of 12 or more adults, schools, after-school care and more. To be eligible for these rates you must book in advance with our Groups Sales Department.

Tickets are only available through our website and garden entry. Guest are advised not to purchase tickets from Third Party Sellers, as fraudulent tickets will not be honoured.

Admission charges apply. Hunter Valley Gardens recommends guests purchase tickets on our website prior to arrival. Program subject to change. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and for unscheduled maintenance. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Rides are user pay, height and age restrictions apply.