General Event Information

  • What are the event dates?

    Saturday 6th April to Sunday 5th May 2024.

  • What are the trading hours?

    Mega Creatures – Day session. From 9am to 4pm. Last entry 3pm.
    Mega Creatures Night Safari – Night session. From 5pm to 9pm. Last entry 8pm.

    Rides operate from 10am to 3:30pm and from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
    Ride Ticket Booth open from 10am to 3pm and from 5:30pm to 8pm.

    All guests must exit the gardens between 4pm to 5pm.

    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 nominated session only.

  • What additional free activities are available?

    Mega Creature tickets give access to all the event activities and installations including Dragons Den, Butterfly Garden, Water Creatures, Baby Creatures, Night at the Museum, Reptile Road, Walk with the Dinosaurs, Fossil Find, Webbed Wonders and Dino Land. Plus, Dinosaur Egg Hunt, Roving Dinosaurs, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Show, Erth’s Roving Exoskeletons and Erth’s Roving Baby Dinosaurs.

  • 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.
    Rides will be available from 10am to 3:30pm during day session and from 5:30pm to 8:30pm during the night session.

  • Is the event suitable for wheelchairs?

    All the paths within Hunter Valley Gardens are wheelchair friendly.

  • 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 2024 we will have:
    New dragons, new dinosaurs, new giant insects and entertainment with Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Show, Erth’s Roving Exoskeletons and Erth’s Roving Baby Dinosaurs.

  • 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 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 run Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari at all times; 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.

Ticketing

  • Where can I buy tickets to Mega Creatures?

    Tickets can be purchased online at hvg.com.au and at entry, choose your day and session subject to availability. Mega Creatures tickets are for single use only, tickets are valid for the date and session booked.

    MC Day Session 9am to 4pm
    Adult 16+ $40
    Children 4-15yrs $30
    Children 3yrs and under FREE (must still have a ticket for entry)
    Family 2 adults 2 children $122
    Family 2 adults 1 child $99
    Family 1 adult 2 children $93
    Extra Child (4-15yrs with Family Pass) $27

    MC Night Session 5pm to 9pm
    Adult 16+ $40
    Children 4-15yrs $30
    Children 3yrs and under FREE (must still have a ticket for entry)
    Family 2 adults 2 children $122
    Family 2 adults 1 child $99
    Family 1 adult 2 children $93
    Extra Child (4-15yrs with Family Pass) $27

    MC Day / Night combination tickets* 9am to 4pm and 5pm to 9pm
    (ALL VISITORS MUST VACATE BETWEEN 4PM – 5PM)
    Adult 16+ $58
    Children 4-15yrs $47
    Children 3yrs and under FREE (must still have a ticket for entry)
    Family 2 adults 2 children $187
    Family 2 adults 1 child $154
    Family 1 adult 2 children $136
    Extra Child (4-15yrs with Family Pass) $45

    *Day/night combination tickets may be redeemed on separate days.
    Rides are $6 per ride, or you can purchase a bonus 6 ticket pass for $30. All rides are an addition cost to entry and can be purchased at the ticket booth located in the event area.

  • Can I leave Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens and come back?

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

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

    Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari 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, 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 however, 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.
    We do not sell any tickets through third-party sellers, only purchase your online tickets from huntervalleygardens.com.au

  • 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.

  • Do I need to print my tickets?

    We recommend printing tickets. However mobile tickets are also accepted. Tickets are able to be retrieved at entry upon presentation of identification. If tickets cannot be presented/retrieved at the gate, this will result in non-entry.

  • 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, and 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 contact us at https://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.

  • Can you purchase night 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.

  • Can I use the day/night ticket pass to visit on a different night or day from the date I booked?

    Yes. Subject to availability you can use your day and night pass on different night. This applies to the combo tickets only.

Annual Pass

  • Can I purchase an annual pass?

    Annual passes are great value and offer entry to Hunter Valley Gardens for 12 months from the purchase date. Annual pass ticket holders are not required to book tickets prior to arrival.
    ANNUAL PASS Entry to HVG for 12 months from date of issue
    Adult 16+ $126
    Children 4-15yrs $88
    Children 3yrs and under FREE (must still have a ticket for entry)
    Family 2 adults 2 children $309
    Family 2 adults 1 child $261
    Family 1 adult 2 children $240
    Extra Child (4-15yrs with Family Pass) $81

Rides

  • What are the rides?

    Our amusement rides bring an added element of fun to the Gardens for both the young and young at heart. Rides include:

    • Superslide
    • Swing Chair
    • Carousel
    • Ferris Wheel
    • Tea Cups

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

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

  • How much are the rides?

    Ride tickets can be purchased for $6 per ride or 6 rides for $30.

  • What can I use the ticket on?

    1 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 2 rides per ticket – as children between 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, the accompanying adult rides without the use of a ride ticket.

  • Where can I purchase a ticket?

    Ride tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth. See individual event programs for opening times.

  • 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 1 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 ride 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 for customer safety, however we do endeavour to have them open again as soon as possible.

Food and Beverages in the Gardens

  • 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 from 9:30am to 3:30pm. There will be the Gardens food stall and additional stalls in the event area from 9:30am to 3:30pm and from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

  • 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?

    Food or Picnics cannot be brought into the Gardens; food is available in the Garden Terrace Café from 9:30am to 3:30pm located at the entry to the Gardens and in the food stalls located in the event area from 9:30am to 3:30pm and from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. 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 from 9:30am to 3:30pm and the event food stalls are open from from 9:30am to 3:30pm and from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The food stalls offer meals and snacks such loaded fries, burgers, kids meals: burgers, nuggets and chips, fish and chips, ice creams, assorted soft drinks, juice and water. Plus, woodfire pizza, Greek Souvlaki, nachos, burrito bowls and so much more.

Conditions of Entry

  • Prohibited Items

    Prohibited items include drones, ride-on toys, scooters, roller skates, eskies, skateboards and items deemed to be unsafe by management.

  • Can I bring my own food or drinks?

    No food, drinks, alcohol or picnics can be brought into the Gardens, food is available in the Garden Terrace Café (9:30am - 3:30pm) located at the entry to the Gardens.

    However, you can bring sealed bottled water.

    If you do not wish to purchase food in the Gardens, there is the option to enjoy a packed meal or BBQ in the park near the HVG Shopping Village prior to entering the Gardens. Re-entry passes are available if you’re coming back in the same session.

  • 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 approximately 8km and contain loose granite which can be navigated by wheelchairs. Please wear sensible footwear and take all necessary precautions to prevent injury to yourself.

  • 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.

  • Is HVG accessible to prams and strollers?

    Paths and ramps are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Do you accept the Companion Card for HVG?

    Yes. The Companion Card is a credit-card sized photo ID card issued to people with a disability who require lifelong attendant care.

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

    We do not accept pensioner cards or have a Seniors price for events.

  • Am I able to hire a wheelchair?

    We do not have wheelchairs available to hire, you are welcome to bring your own.