A garden with a modern twist in a stunning natural setting.
Mount Penang's distinctive 'garden within a garden' design sets it apart from the traditional botanical garden – providing an understated, imperfect landscape with native plants and aquatic gardens that continues to evolve today.
Gardens open daily* 9.30am-4.30pm
*The Gardens are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday and for select events. Dogs are not permitted within the Gardens area.
- Free entry and on-site parking
Just 15-minutes drive from Gosford (3-minutes off the M1 Pacific Motorway), and a 1-hour drive from both Sydney and Newcastle.
- Waterfall Café
Located at the entry to Mount Penang Gardens. Visit waterfallcafe.com.au or phone 02 4340 1660 for opening times and enquiries.
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Twelve unique garden rooms
Designed by Anton James and opening in 2003, Mount Penang Gardens is considered an enduring and radical contribution to public garden design in Australia.
Individual gardens are set on and around a large sculptural plateau with abstract pergolas, fountains, ponds, cascades, a 35-metre cantilevered steel footbridge and summer aquatic gardens.
The modern landscape blended with over 70% Australian native flora produces amazing seasonal displays with something new to experience all year round. You can hug a bulbous Bottle Tree, wonder at the Dragon Garden’s strange cacti and succulents, be fascinated by the historic Wondabyne Stone Sculptures or admire the stunning water lilies and lotus flowers in the aquatic garden.
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Wondabyne Stone Sculptures
A fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibition on permanent display in the Gardens and nearby Mount Penang Parklands.
The massive sandstone sculptures were carved when sculptors from around the world came together for 2 international Sculpture Symposiums. Each sculpture carved from beautiful locally sourced sandstone is a unique piece of art, influenced by the environment, and the cultural heritage of the artists.
- Within the Gardens - The first Symposium features 12 artworks sculpted waterside at Wondabyne. The artworks, created in 1986, formed Australia’s first ever International Sculpture Symposium, and were handed over to the people of Australia as a bicentential gift.
- In the neaby Mount Penang Parklands - A second Symposium showcases another 13 sculptures, carved on site in 1988.
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Bird watching
The Gardens' native flora, tranquil ponds and natural landscapes provide a healthy habitat for diverse mix of bird and wildlife species – and the large dams and cascading waterways are home to a variety of ducks and waterfowl.
The on-site signage shows the variety of birds that you can expect to encounter during your visit. Bring your binoculars for some serious bird-spotting, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll – the Gardens are an ideal spot for both seasoned bird watchers and curious beginners.
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Enjoy a picnic or barbecue
Open grassy spaces and shady trees make the Gardens a beautiful place for a family picnic or barbecue. Bring a blanket, play games, read a book and enjoy nature.
There are 3 picnic tables and 2 barbecues on site. Bookings for these is not required, however availability is on a first-in first-served basis.
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Waterfall Café
Situated at the walkway entrance to the Gardens and overlooking the magnificent water cascades, the Waterfall Café is a beautiful place for a bite to eat or a coffee with friends.
The café provides a family-friendly menu with light meals including gourmet sandwiches, salads, sweet treats and snacks – along with coffee and cool drinks for morning and afternoon tea.
For café opening times and enquiries, visit waterfallcafe.com.au or phone (02) 4340 1660