Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

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Hunter Region Botanic Gardens •Award winning •Accessible Paths •125ha •Themed Gardens •Walking Trails •Tour Guides •Gifts •Events + The Hunter Region's only Botanic Gardens.
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Features more than 30 hectares of tranquil landscaped gardens on a 133 hectare natural bushland site, displaying the beauty and diversity of Australian native and exotic plants. Bring the family and enjoy a picnic lunch. Electric BBQ available or visit the Kookaburra Cafe. A great venue for your Wedding or special function.Wheelchair friendly. Children's Adventure Trail and Cubby House. Note: Guided tours must be pre-booked.

AFRICAN TULIP TREESThe following is an extract from the Website of Port Stephens Council – The Hunter Region Botanic Gar...
17/10/2026

AFRICAN TULIP TREES

The following is an extract from the Website of Port Stephens Council – The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens are located in Port Stephens.

"We've been working with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and Hunter Local Land Services (Hunter LLS) to find out if there have been any local impacts from the “African tulip tree” (Spathodea campanulata).

It's been reported that this species may be causing a significant impact on native bee populations, and other bug and insect species because the nectar and pollen of this tree species cause high mortality rates.

This species is not currently regulated in NSW, but in QLD the tree is listed as a ‘category 3 restricted invasive plant’ under the ‘Biosecurity Act 2014’. The African Tulip Tree is also identified as a major invasive species in South America and is regarded to be among the top 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.

If you think you may know the location of an African tulip tree, please take a photograph and report the location to the PSC Environmental Operations team at:

[email protected] so they can investigate and manage as required."

Enjoy a day of immersing yourself in nature. See the stunning displays by Australasian Native Orchid Society and Newcast...
16/10/2026

Enjoy a day of immersing yourself in nature. See the stunning displays by Australasian Native Orchid Society and Newcastle Bonsai Society as well as the Tropical and Temperate Orchid Houses at the Gardens.

Book onto our 7-seat buggy for specific gardens talks every half hour from 10:15 am - by donation. Grevilleas, Rainforest, Succulents and more.
There will be specialist talks in the Garden Room throughout the day.
Special tours of the Herbarium (only 3 tours, only 5 people per tour).
Book now via Humanitix - https://events.humanitix.com/spring-fair-orchid-and-bonsai-show

REMOVAL OF AFRICAN TULIP TREEThere is now clear, scientific evidence that the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata)...
16/10/2026

REMOVAL OF AFRICAN TULIP TREE

There is now clear, scientific evidence that the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) has caused the catastrophic killing of native stingless bees in Australia including whole-colony wipeouts in regions such as Northern New South Wales and Queensland.

To protect its own population of native bees, the Botanic Gardens has had its last African Tulip Tree removed with grateful thanks to Port Stephens Council and the guys from Hunter River Trees.

Suitable wood from the tree will be used to refurbish our Native Bee Hotels in the Plants of the Hunter Region Garden.

Our native bees are now much safer as they explore our beautiful gardens and grounds.

This is a file photo of the African tulip tree before removal - it's in the background with the red flowers on top.

WE'RE GOING TO MISS YOU HELENIt's sad to report that our Nursery Manager Helen Howard has advised us of her intention to...
15/10/2026

WE'RE GOING TO MISS YOU HELEN

It's sad to report that our Nursery Manager Helen Howard has advised us of her intention to leave the Botanic Gardens early in the new year - Helen will return to Queensland to be closer to her family.

Helen has volunteered at the Gardens for more than four years and in that time has made an amazing contribution in so many ways.

It will be hard to replace Helen’s knowledge and experience. She is currently Deputy Director of Gardens, Manager of our Nursery, Board Member, and a member of several committees.

Thank you Helen!

Paphiopedilum haynaldianum is a species in the Paphiopedilum genus.This species is found in the Philippines (Luzon, Negr...
13/10/2026

Paphiopedilum haynaldianum is a species in the Paphiopedilum genus.
This species is found in the Philippines (Luzon, Negros).

13/10/2026

BOTANIC GARDENS HIT HARD BY LACK OF HIGHWAY SIGNAGE

Like other businesses and attractions in Heatherbrae, the Botanic Gardens is suffering badly because of a lack of highway signage.

Visitation dropped off dramatically during the M1 Construction period and things have not improved since the completion of the project.

Let's hope that Transport for NSW can help to get us back on the road to recovery.

Tisiphone abeona (Swordgrass Brown) was loving our outdoor orchid garden today. The butterfly was also, strangely inter...
13/10/2026

Tisiphone abeona (Swordgrass Brown) was loving our outdoor orchid garden today. The butterfly was also, strangely interested in the orchids painted on our mural.

Don't forget to buy a raffle ticket when you next visit the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.All proceeds go to help keep t...
13/10/2026

Don't forget to buy a raffle ticket when you next visit the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
All proceeds go to help keep the Gardens open.
Many thanks for our sponsors:
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- The Stables Restaurant
- Animal Adventures
Raffle drawn at our Spring Fair on 25th Ocotber.

WHAT A BEAUTYThis magnificent Grevillea was a standout today.
12/10/2026

WHAT A BEAUTY

This magnificent Grevillea was a standout today.

COOLING OFF IN THE KEVIN STOKES FERNERY
12/10/2026

COOLING OFF IN THE KEVIN STOKES FERNERY

Address

2100 Pacific Highway
Heatherbrae, NSW
2324

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61249871655

Website

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