Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Last updated October 2026

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens at Heatherbrae, on the Pacific Highway between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace, cover more than 125 hectares, much of it natural bushland. Theme gardens include acacias, banksias, grevilleas, ferns, bushtucker plants, succulents and palms, plus orchid houses. Easy walking trails lead into the bushland, where goannas, wallabies, possums and many birds live, and there are walking tracks up to 6 km long. A brick-paved, wheelchair-accessible path follows the main route and wheelchairs can be borrowed. There are picnic areas, a BBQ and the Kookaburra Cafe (9am to 3pm). Entry is $5 per person or $10 per family (2 adults and 2-3 children under 16); children 3 and under are free. Pets are not permitted. The gardens are run by a non-profit company of volunteers.

Facts checked against the venue's own website on 23 October 2026.