Spectacular Festival of Flowers Blooms At Hunter Valley Gardens To Brighten Winter Months

The Hunter Valley Gardens is proud to announce its third annual Festival of Flowers, to be hosted from July 27 to September 2 this year.  Unique to Australia and a highlight on the Hunter Valley Tourism calendar, the Festival will offer fabulous entertainment, attractions and themed festivities, and is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors to the region.  The event is a must do for all ages, promising to be an unforgettable visual and sensory experience.

Will Creedon, General Manager, Hunter Valley Gardens, says, “The Festival of Flowers is an event that we are very proud of and this year it is bigger and better than years past, with something for everyone.  We have floral and photographic exhibitions and competitions, cooking demonstrations, children’s nursery rhymes brought to life with giant displays and everything you can think of to enjoy nature, the wonder of plants and the romance of flowers.”

The Festival spans over five weeks and each of those will have its own special theme.  Throughout the event however, guests will be able to meander through displays such as the Rose Garden, Indian Mosaic Tea Garden, 10-metre Waterfall and Sunken Garden, The Storybook Garden taking children and their families through childhood dreams, memories and fantasies, and many many more.

The opening events will include:

The Garden Party – Saturday July 28 – An afternoon of music, food and wine featuring talented musicians Anthony Callea, Jon Stevens, Paul Greene, Amy  Vee and Benjalu.  Gardens open 9am, show area open 1pm and show time is 2.30pm. Tickets are $69 and may be purchased from Ticketek on 4921 2121.

Hi-Five Concert – Sunday July 29 – Popular children’s entertainers Hi-Five will perform their well known songs and dances for the whole family to enjoy.  Gardens open 9am, show area open 12pm and show time is 1pm. Tickets are $30 from Ticketek on 4921 2121.

Themed weeks are:

Week 1 – July 27 – August 2 - Where oh where is your ARTISTIC flair – a week to bring out the artist in each of us, this time will be filled with exciting photographic competitions for all ages, interactive activities, glass art displays, artistic garden tours, awards luncheon for competition entrants with special guest Ken Duncan.

Week 2 – August 3 – 9 – WATER WORKS – a subject that we all need to know more about, displays will be set up with water wise solutions, expert guest speakers will talk about this important issue, and an information expo will be open to all visitors. On Sunday August 5, celebrity guest speaker Graham Ross, a popular TV Presenter, Horticulturalist and Garden Tour Operator will be presenting.

Week 3 – August 10 – 16 – Stay a while, enjoy the LIFESTYLE  - embracing the great outdoors, guests can come and enjoy food, coffee, craft, and exercise with fabulous cooking and barista demonstrations, tours of the herb and vegetable gardens with inspiring horticultural staff, aqua golf, and listen to speakers on health and well being.  Deb Dejong, Lifestyle Presenter and acclaimed Interior Designer, will be the special guest on Sunday August 12.

Week 4 – August 17 – 23 – Take a peek, it’s CHILDRENS BOOK WEEK – Celebrating the joy of childhood experiences and the wonder of reading and learning, families can pot plants, take part in a treasure hunt, learn the history of their favourite nursery rhymes, and enjoy a musical play performed by children from the Hunter region.

Week 5 – August 24 – September 2 – The HOUR of the FLOWER – This week opens with Daffodil Day on August 24 and will feature a fund raising luncheon for the Cancer Council.  Hosted by celebrity hairdresser Joh Bailey, the event will be packed full of fun, fashion and food.  Tickets are $99 and bookings are essential.  Contact Jess Graham at the Hunter Valley Gardens on 02 4998 4000.

Throughout this week there will be floristry arrangement displays and competitions, with experts talking about annuals and planting.

Hunter Valley Gardens entry prices range from $11 to $19.90, with free entry for children under five.  Discounted family, group, senior and educational rates are also available.

For more information, ticketing and a full program of activities go to

www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000