Skip the Ski Fields! Snow Time Brings Frosty Fun to the Hunter
- Liane Morris
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Pure winter magic, right here in the heart of the Hunter! From 28 June to 27 July, Snow Time in the Garden returns to the Hunter Valley Gardens — delivering all the frosty fun of a snow adventure without the hefty price tag or the long-haul logistics.
No snow chains. No eight-hour drive. No icy mountain roads. Whether you’re a local looking for an easy school holiday escape or a visitor ready to swap the ski fields for a more family-friendly option in a region known for its world-class wines, Snow Time offers a cool change that's high on wonder and low on stress.
Here, you can build snowmen, race down a 45-metre ice toboggan, glide across the skating rink, and explore a magical garden transformed into a snowy playground. With carnival rides, roving performers, and even a quest to free a trapped Yeti, this year’s event is packed with fun for kids, big kids, and those just young at heart.
Established in 2011, Snow Time in the Garden has become an annual family treat for many families, according to Kim Jacobs, Marketing Manager for Hunter Valley Gardens.
“Snow Time in the Garden is one of our favourite annual events and has become a family tradition for many, a place to form magical memories that last a lifetime,” said Kim.
“We always look forward to Snow Time, and the winter magic it creates. Snow Time is just as much fun for adults as it is for kids. When was the last time you went ice skating or slid down an ice toboggan?"
"We encourage everyone to embrace their inner child this winter!”
Hunter Valley Gardens is located right in the middle of Hunter Valley Wine Country, less than an hour from Newcastle. Easy to get to with a plethora of accommodation options and fine dining establishments, cellar doors, and family-friendly activities to choose from, it’s a holiday that won’t break the bank or cause more stress than it’s worth. What it does deliver is pure wintery magic that truly delights all ages.
A traditional family pass, which includes two adults and two children, is just $126 and includes all snow activities, entry to the Gardens, roving entertainment, and the new Abominable Adventure activity for the kids. This fun new activity encourages little ones to explore the gardens in a scavenger hunt, using their adventure map to guide them through the enchanting winter wonderland. They collect stamps at each checkpoint, with the goal of freeing the Frozen Yeti from his icy chamber at the end.
A wonderful way to experience snow for the first time and to hone your snow sports skills, Hunter Valley Gardens utilises state-of-the-art snow and ice-making equipment to ensure the best possible conditions every day. There are two ice rinks, with one dedicated to juniors under the age of 6, providing a safe environment in which to enjoy their first taste of the ice. You can hire a Bobby Seal to help them get their ice legs at just $6.
Adults must accompany all children under the age of five on the ice. The main ice rink can accommodate up to 200 skaters at a time, and this year it will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The hot tip is to pick up your free skating session passes from 9.30am at the skating ticket booth near the top of the waterfall. Your ticket includes the hire of skates and a helmet. Skating sessions run for 20 minutes, starting at 10am. Arrive 15 minutes before to organise your skates.
Perhaps the super-fast and crazy fun Giant Ice Toboggan is more your style. Grab a tube and glide down the 45-metre ice slide; it’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping, but be warned – once won’t be enough! This is a firm family favourite that will have everyone gasping with excitement and laughter all at once. Children under the age of four must be accompanied by an adult.
Building a snowman or making snow angels are magical memories in the making. The Snow Play Zone is filled with freshly pumped man-made snow every day to ensure you get the most authentic snow experience possible. It's a very good idea to wear weatherproof and waterproof clothing, including gloves, jackets, pants, and shoes, especially for smaller children who will be sitting in the Snow Play Zone. It's also advisable to bring along an extra set of clothing and a towel.
All this play is bound to make everyone hungry for yummy warm food to go with the wintery vibe, and the Gardens don’t disappoint. Replenish your energy with a selection of hearty food and warming beverages to choose from, including Woodfired Pizza, Nachos, loaded potatoes, Gozleme, hot dogs, burgers and loaded fries. If you crave a sweet treat, you can grab waffles, fruit cups, fairy floss, or risk a brain freeze with the delicious slushies.
Adding to the carnival atmosphere is the roving entertainment that this year includes Little Scallywagz and The Pretty Amazing Jono between 10am and 2pm, and of course, everyone’s favourite fun thing to do – the amusement rides. Experience a bird’s eye view on the 25 metre Ferris Wheel that overlooks the snow-filled activities, create magic moments on the traditional Venetian Carousel, or take a thrilling spin on the Swing Chairs or the Teacups. Tickets for the rides can be purchased at the ticket booths for $6 per ride or $30 for a book of six.
In addition to Snow Time, amusement rides and delicious food options, there are also 14 hectares of gardens with ten individually themed gardens to explore. Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf and Putt Putt is located just outside the Gardens, and the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village is full of bespoke shops offering everything from collectables, jewellery, glassware, clothing, deli and gourmet foods to crystals and Christmas decorations.
If you’re coming from out of town, explore the accommodation packages on the website offered by the Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley. Both are perfect for families, offering comfort, convenience and easy access to all the frosty fun! Stay close to the action, enjoy warm meals and cosy rooms, and make the most of your winter adventure in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country. Packages start at $379 midweek for a family of four at the Mercure or $309 midweek for a family of 3 at Harrigans.
If this is your first time heading to Snow Time in the Garden, we’ve compiled a few tips to make sure your frosty day out is as smooth as an ice-skating spin:
1. Arrive early.
Snow Time activities open at 9:30am, but the gates open at 9am — arriving early helps you beat the queues, make the most of your time on the ice, and grab a great parking spot.
2. Dress for winter fun.
It may not be Perisher, but you'll still want to rug up. Waterproof gloves and sturdy shoes (ideally waterproof) are essential, especially for kids who will spend most of their time diving into snow piles or tobogganing repeatedly. Layer up — you can always peel them off once you’ve warmed up.
3. Bring a change of clothes for little ones.
Between snow play, ice skating and inevitable tumbles, kids are bound to get soggy. A dry change of clothes and even spare socks can make a big difference by mid-afternoon.
4. Plan your must-dos.
The Ice Toboggan, Snow Play Zone and Skating Rink are all included in your entry ticket — and they’re often the most popular! Hit these first before the midday rush, then enjoy the rides, food and gardens at a more relaxed pace.
5. Consider the bonus pack.
Ride tickets aren’t included in general entry, so if your crew is keen to jump on the Ferris Wheel, Carousel or Swing Chairs, grab a Bonus Pack at the ride ticket booth to save a few dollars.
6. Don’t miss the new adventure!
New this year is the Abominable Adventure — a garden-wide scavenger hunt that’s great fun for kids and gets the whole family exploring the grounds. Pick up a map on entry and collect stamps as you go.
7. Stay for lunch.
There’s a wide selection of hearty, hot food stalls on-site — from woodfired pizzas and loaded fries to sweet treats like waffles and fairy floss. It’s all part of the experience (and a great excuse to treat yourself after braving the ice).
8. Book your tickets online.
To avoid disappointment (especially during peak school holiday days), pre-purchase your tickets via the Hunter Valley Gardens website. You'll skip the ticket queue and head straight to the fun.
Snow Time in the Garden will be open every day from 9am – 5pm from Saturday, 28 June to Sunday, 27 July. The last entry for Snow Time only is 3pm. General Garden entry is permitted until 4pm. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
