I have been there a few times. I really enjoyed their displays, sometimes they have a chocolate festival, where they sell a great variety of local produce and a lot of tastings. I also really enjoyed their shopping village, they have a wide variety of boutique shops but their items are quite expensive.
The garden itself is very large, and you may end up walking around for 2-3 hours in the sun. I find spring is the best time to go as it can get really hot in summer. You can spend the whole day there, great place to spend the day with family/friends.

Approximate cost: $25

We have been here twice, while we stayed at the Hunter Valley, I really enjoyed visiting the Gardens. Our girls did too.
So much to see, and great displays.
It does take a while to get around the gardens so comfortable shoes is a must.
We have been twice in summer so lots of sunscreen and sun hats as there is not much shade and not many seats.

We had lunch in the cafe which was okay, food to be standard nothing flash, and really overpriced.

Plenty of parking.

I have to admit I have mixed feelings about Hunter Valley Gardens... on our first trip we arrived planing to spend the day celebrating our first wedding anniversary but we ended up being drenched by rain and didn't get to see the gardens though we had a great time wondering around the shopping village and visiting the country cafe. Little did we know that there was a car park at the garden entrance so we'd walked all that way just to ask for directions to Harrigans... We had pre purchased our tickets online and didn't want to use them if we weren't going to see the gardens so we decided we would have lunch and see how the weather was coming along.. The ladies behind the desk did not greet us... I felt almost as though we had interrupted there "gossip time" when I asked for directions I was told "it's the next block"... Again we had not been here before and had no idea (the map is useless) so we walked out and head in the direction we were pointed... little to say we walked a long way to no where in the rain... what we were NOT told was you'll need to drive OUT and down the road... (I did ask and was told the same directions... a BIG help)

Skip ahead a couple of months and we finally made it to see the gardens... We've not seen rain in what feels like months yet it decided to sprinkle and spit yet again but we were determined to see the gardens. This time we were greeted by a lovely lady who sent us on our way through the gardens.

We had a lovely time wondering about, you really do want to set aside a good 3 hours if not 4 to take your time and see everything. I also recommend going in good weather!! While most of the flowers where coming to the end of their season there was still a lot of beautiful well kept gardens too see.

There was a couple of occasions when one of the gardeners pulled up his cart and trailer in the middle of the walk way blocking the path seemingly just to have a chat with some other gardeners... wasn't so impressed by that!! Since we had to squeeze past since the whole path was blocked off and he seemed to have no thought or care about it...

Though several other workers in the garden where very friendly and greeted us as we walked by.

It makes for a lovely day out (Check the weather first) and I would highly recommend checking out some of the shops in the village specially the chocolate shop and the waiters friend!

Approximate cost: $Adults - $26

We were at the magnificent and picturesque gardens early yesterday afternoon for the " Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacualar 2013" display.The gardens itself feature 10 stunning gardens with an array of different sights, smells, fragrances etc. They had over 1.5 million Christmas lights displayed over all area's of the gardens and once the sun went down about 7.30pm, it was a breath taking view for kids and adults alike. My kids loved the rose garden and the storybook garden filled with lots of displays such as My daughter's fave Cinderella Castle, a beautful marquee set up, train display,sailing boat display, Sydney Harbour bridge with fireworks display, an underwater themed display, the beautiful ( and you can't help but sing) the 12 days of Christmas display in the gorgeous Border Garden , the gorgeous and amazing cactus display, lifesize horse and carriage display, stunning tunnel of lights and lots more. There were visits and photo ops from Santa, entertainment and food and beverage stands to buy from. Also amusement rides for kids, giant jumping castle.

For a family of four it cost us $70 entry. It was a great experience and both my kids enjoyed it, despite the large crowds inside and out, and leaving and entering the designated car park was a worthwhile drive down. Would recommend for others to come and experience!

Approximate cost: $70

Great way to spend a day to relax walking around the picturesque gardens. A variety of theme based areas keeps the brain stimulated. The night lights in November/December is spectacular to see.

Approximate cost: $26

We recently had my best friends wedding at hunter valley gardens and it was amazing. the day before my family and my self took a visit to the gardens and it was spectacular there was so much to look at and it was all amazing, so much time and effort goes in to making this place look great. the wedding can i say was amazing all the staff were so friendly and made sure the day and night went without a hitch. highly recommend

We went up here for snow time in the July holidays. The kids had an absolute ball. Was great to play in the snow and we were lucky it wasn't that crowded as we went up on a Tuesday. probably would have been over-crowded and hectic on the weekend. The free jumping castle and face painting were also a great addition as it gave variety in activities to do. The only disappointment was there wasn't many food options.

We have been to the Christmas Light Spectacular for the past 3 years and have loved it every time. It takes you to a magical land that is always getting bigger and better. This past one we took our 2 year old, he loved it, as did the older children we saw. There are some small rides such as merry-go-rounds and the tea cups for the kids, plenty of food vans to grab some food, entertainment as well as wandering through the lights amazed. A great family night out.

A lovely day out! Bring you picnic rug and hamper and settle in for the day. Hunter Valley Gardens has a great playground for all ages and it is fenced to keep them all contained so you can watch from the sidelines without the fear of any runners. Head over to the shops and grab yourself a coffee and chocolates from the chocolate shop yummo! If you are not the picnic type there are plenty of cafe/restaurants to sit down at and enjoy your meal.

These gardens are fabulous, and perfect for family walks. My grandchildren especially liked the childrens section with 'the Mad Hatter's Teaparty' setting. This is a great place to visit when you are next in the Hunter Valley. Lots of nice places to eat and stay close by.