Gardens At Very Best In Long Hours

Newcastle Herald

Saturday December 31, 2005

GR

VISITORS to Hunter Valley Gardens will be able to make the most of every last ray of sunlight during a day trip to the 25-hectare site.

General manager Will Creedon said the gardens had extended the opening hours for the first time since opening about five years ago.

"The gardens will now be opened until 8pm every day," he said.

"This is because we wanted people to be able to enjoy the full splendour of them during the twilight hours of summer."

The extended hours of 9am to 8pm will operate throughout January and February, allowing visitors to see the gardens at one of the most tranquil times of the day sunset.

Mr Creedon said visitors could now make the most of their trip to the gardens, which are at Pokolbin, by spending the day there as well as the early evening hours.

There are 12 themed gardens to take in and more than eight kilometres of walking paths to trek.

These include the Oriental Garden, the Rose Garden with more than 8000 roses in bloom, the Formal Garden and the popular Story Book Garden.

"It is always a big hit with families, as nursery rhymes like Alice in Wonderland and Jack and Jill are brought to life with the garden sculptures," Mr Creedon said.

"Our Indian Mosaic Garden also currently smells like curry. The air is spiced with the scent, it's quite amazing to take in."

At the end of their ramble, visitors will be greeted with a glass of champagne, which is served complimentary after 4pm during January and February.

On Friday and Saturday evenings visitors can also listen to live music performances by artists including Phil Tweed in the Oriental Garden's Japanese pergola.

Drinks and a light supper selection will be available for purchase.

Earlier in the day children can enjoy an Animal Encounter display, which will be set up in the gardens' large ampitheatre.

Instructors from the Hunter Valley Zoo will show off some of the zoo's crocodiles, snakes, lizards and turtles at 11am each weekday.

Any day visitors to Hunter Valley Gardens will be able to return again during the Twilight hours of 4pm to 8pm, on the same day of their visit. There is no additional cost for the twilight visits or the Animal Encounter above the regular admission charge.

Entry costs $18 for adults, $14 for pensioners and concessions, and $9 for children under 15 years. A family pass costs $46.

For more information visit the gardens website hvg.com.au or phone 4998 4000.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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