© irene waters 2014
Situated in amongst the wineries that the area is renown for the Hunter Valley Gardens cover an area of 60 acres and has over eight kilometres of walking tracks with delights around every corner. It is wheelchair friendly with only the odd path not accessible.
© irene waters 2014
Another equally as scenic route was soon found. There are ten themed gardens in all starting with the oriental garden (above). Others include the sunken garden, the rose garden, the formal garden, the border garden, the Indian mosaic garden, the lakes walk, the Chinese moongate garden and the Italian Grotto.
© irene waters 2014
One of my favourites though was the storybook garden. Here tales from my childhood came alive as we visited the ginger bread house, rolled down the hill with Jack and Jill, saw the cow that jumped over the moon and of course the mad hatters tea party.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
These gardens are the largest gardens in the southern hemisphere and are privately owned by Bill and Imelda Roche. Their collectibles are scattered throughout the garden. The rose garden has thirteen bronze statues of Imelda and her twelve grandchildren.
© irene waters 2014
And as a tribute to the Brokenback ranges at which it sits in the foothills the Brokenback brumbies roam.
© irene waters 2014
We spent a lovely day and stayed overnight in a winery motel. It was an absolutely superb day and I could easily have spent much longer, taking my time, sitting under the magic mushrooms like Ferdinand, just smelling the flowers.
© irene waters 2014
http://wheresmybackpack.com/2014/03/14/travel-theme-gardens-2/
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Isn’t the first time you’ve made me ashamed of knowing so little of my own country. DON’T ASK ME WHAT OTHER TIME, OK??? – I can’t remember. I just know. [grin]
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I bet you know about a lot of places I don’t too. You are so close to the Hunter Valley if you like gardens you should make a weekend of it. 🙂
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Can’t travel. Have to sleep in my adjustable bed. My cactus lower back tells me do. Osteoarthritis. WHINGE …
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Ouch…. I feel for you. Backs are just the worst thing to have go wrong. In that case I’ll keep posting photos and you can visit with me. 🙂
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You’re indisputably correct, Irene, alas ! :-\
Sounds like a good idea to me.
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🙂
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I never knew they were here – can’t wait to take some time to look – I bet mum would love it too – fond of a garden is mum.
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Well worth a trip. I took my Mum and she loved it. A great birthday present. 🙂
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What a lovely post with great pictures! The Hunter Valley region is truly amazing, just kicking myself I didn’t get the chance to check out the gardens when I was there. Will have to definitely do it next time I’m there. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you liked them. They are the type of garden that is only going to get better with time so definitely put it on your list for next time. Thanks for commenting.
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The woman in the wheelchair is your mom?
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Yes.Without it she wouldn’t have seen anything but now we have a foldaway mobility scooter so that I don’t have to push anymore. It was great to have somewhere so beautiful to take her that was suitable for her.
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What a wonderful place to visit! I really enjoyed our walk here today Irene, thank you 😉
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Thanks Sherri. A lovely wlak indeed.:)
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🙂
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Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos Irene. If ever I am in the Hunter Valley I will definitely visit these beautiful gardens.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed visiting the gardens. They truly are spectacular and if you have the chance take it. Thanks for visiting. Cheers Irene
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Loved the walk with you around the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens Irene. I visited them so long ago it is definitely time to visit them again. Maybe on our way home from Canberra later this year.
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I think it is the kind of garden that will get better each time you visit. If you have time it would be a nice sidetrip. Cheers Irene
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It will be October when we pass by great time for garden viewing
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Perfect timing.
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Looks like lots of fun IW.
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Dysu it is definitely the place for everyone. You can even sit down by the lake a couple of times a day and a rousing orchestral piece will burst forth and the fountains dance to it or you can just be a kid again. Imagine having a grandma with a garden like this. … I dream on 🙂 IW
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