Mount Penang Gardens
Discover a hidden gem with unique bottle trees, stunning sculptures, and serene waterways. A peaceful escape perfect for walks and photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Mount Penang Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem with unique bottle trees, stunning sculptures, and serene waterways. A peaceful escape perfect for walks and photos.
"These are such beautiful Gardens. My absolute favourite part was the Bottle Trees."
📸 Bring your camera!
Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the gardens, especially with the unique bottle trees and waterways.
🚶♀️ Explore every path
Don't rush! Take your time to discover hidden alcoves and side paths for the full experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bottle Trees
Unique and striking bottle trees that visitors are encouraged to hug. A truly memorable and quirky photo opportunity.
Sculptures
Intricately carved sculptures showcasing immense patience and skill. Adds an artistic dimension to the natural beauty.
Waterways and Ponds
Beautifully integrated waterways and ponds teeming with ducks. Offers a peaceful ambiance and lovely reflections for photos.
Japanese Gardens
A serene and meticulously designed Japanese garden offering a tranquil escape and a different aesthetic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Bring your camera!
Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the gardens, especially with the unique bottle trees and waterways.
🚶♀️ Explore every path
Don't rush! Take your time to discover hidden alcoves and side paths for the full experience.
🧺 Picnic perfect spot
Ideal place to bring your own picnic basket and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
🚗 Follow signs carefully
The location can be a bit tricky to find, so pay close attention to signage when exiting the freeway.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bring your camera!
Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the gardens, especially with the unique bottle trees and waterways.
🚶♀️ Explore every path
Don't rush! Take your time to discover hidden alcoves and side paths for the full experience.
🧺 Picnic perfect spot
Ideal place to bring your own picnic basket and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
🚗 Follow signs carefully
The location can be a bit tricky to find, so pay close attention to signage when exiting the freeway.
♿️ Accessible paths
The gardens are very accessible with well-maintained paths, great for strollers and wheelchairs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Penang Gardens for its unique beauty, particularly the striking bottle trees and intricate sculptures. The accessible paths and peaceful atmosphere make it a relaxing escape, ideal for picnics and photography. While the location can be a bit tricky to find and the cafe's coffee receives mixed reviews, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural charm and artistic elements.
"Located at Parklands Road, Mount Penang Parklands, Kariong, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺
These are such beautiful Gardens. My absolute favourite part was the Bottle Trees. They were fantastic and if you get a chance, absolutely go and hug them. The sculptures were wonderful also. So much patience and skill went into the carving of the sculptures. The waterways throughout the garden is so beautiful and the paths are very easy to follow and very accessible for people with mobility issues. Plenty of photo opportunities so be sure to bring your camera 📷. There’s toilet 🚻 facilities located next to the Waterfall Cafe at the entrance of the gardens. It took us about an hour to make our way around the garden but I think if you properly take everything in, you could double that time. Be sure to include the alcoves and side paths to ensure you get the full experience. There’s also plenty of signage located throughout the gardens giving you a lot of information about the different sections. The flora is so beautiful and it was lovely to just wander. I would definitely recommending a visit. Thumbs up! 👍👍👍"
Nerine Cummins
"Peaceful and quiet park with a great cafe. Coffee didn’t quite hit the mark but our food was delicious. We enjoyed the walk and the bird spotting."
Shyama
"After exiting the freeway we wanted somewhere to stretch our legs. The garden is such a beautiful place. The big pond with cafe, frequented by ducks. There's some ponds and treescape for lovely photos. Ideal place to bring your own picnic basket. Not crowded lots of privacy too."
Stephen Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Penang Gardens is located at Parklands Road, Mount Penang Parklands, Kariong, New South Wales. It's conveniently situated just off the main freeway, making it an easy stop. However, some visitors note that signage can be a bit tricky to spot initially, so keep an eye out.
Yes, Mount Penang Gardens is considered very close to Sydney, making it an excellent day-trip destination for those looking for a peaceful escape from the city.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Mount Penang Gardens, offering flexibility to explore the Central Coast. Public transport options might be limited, so check local schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Mount Penang Gardens, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Mount Penang Gardens is a highly recommended chill activity to combine with a Gosford visit, especially for a relaxed afternoon after lunch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Mount Penang Gardens is generally free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction.
While specific hours can vary, the gardens are typically open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special event closures.
No, there is no entrance fee for Mount Penang Gardens, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty without cost.
Information regarding pets is not explicitly stated, but typically public gardens have restrictions. It's best to check the official guidelines or contact the park management directly if you plan to bring a pet.
While not explicitly mentioned, the gardens have good signage providing information about different sections. For specific guided tours, it's advisable to inquire with the park management.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mount Penang Gardens offers a variety of attractions including unique bottle trees, intricate sculptures, serene Japanese gardens, and beautiful waterways with ponds. It's perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and picnics.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for photography! The unique flora, sculptures, and water features provide diverse and beautiful backdrops. Don't forget your camera!
You can spend about an hour to fully explore the gardens, but if you want to take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and explore all the nooks and crannies, you could easily double that time.
The gardens are known for their accessibility, featuring well-maintained and easy-to-follow paths that are suitable for people with mobility issues, strollers, and wheelchairs.
You'll find a beautiful array of flora, including the iconic bottle trees, native plants, and diverse species within the Japanese gardens. The waterways also support aquatic plants.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the entrance of the gardens, near the waterfall. It's a popular spot for visitors to grab a coffee or a meal.
Reviews are mixed. While some find the food delicious and the cafe a great spot, others mention the coffee didn't quite hit the mark. It's a convenient option for a bite.
Absolutely! Mount Penang Gardens is an ideal place to bring your own picnic basket and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful scenery. There are plenty of private spots.
While specific picnic tables aren't always mentioned, the parkland offers ample space for picnicking on blankets.
Besides the onsite cafe, the surrounding Kariong and Gosford areas offer various cafes and restaurants if you're looking for more dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique bottle trees, the serene Japanese gardens, the picturesque waterways with ducks, and the intricate sculptures are all prime photo locations.
Morning light is often ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. However, the gardens are beautiful throughout the day, with golden hour in the late afternoon also providing lovely shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Definitely don't miss the chance to photograph the distinctive bottle trees – many visitors feel compelled to hug them! The reflections in the water are also a must-capture.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the gardens, and a macro lens can highlight the details of the flora.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing some bread for the ducks (check if feeding is permitted) and encourage your children to explore the different garden sections. The sculptures can also spark imagination. It's an ideal place for a chill afternoon outing that combines nature, art, and a bit of fun without breaking the bank.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for photography, whether you're capturing personal memories or simply enjoying the aesthetic. The blend of natural beauty and artistic elements ensures a stimulating yet relaxing experience.
📸 Photographers
Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The diverse planting, including the Japanese garden, provides varied scenes throughout the year. Remember to explore the less-trodden paths to find hidden gems and unique compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Bottle Trees
These trees are not just visually striking; they contribute to the overall unique character of the gardens. Their unusual form stands out against the more traditional greenery, offering a delightful surprise for visitors. Many reviewers highlight them as an absolute favorite part of their visit, emphasizing their fantastic and unforgettable nature.
When visiting, take the time to appreciate the scale and form of these bottle trees. They are scattered throughout the gardens, so keep an eye out for them as you wander. Their presence is a testament to the diverse and interesting plant life that Mount Penang Gardens cultivates.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
Beyond the physical accessibility, the gardens offer a peaceful and quiet environment, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Reviewers frequently mention the serene atmosphere, the opportunity for bird spotting, and the general sense of tranquility.
For those seeking a break, the Waterfall Cafe at the entrance provides a convenient spot to rest, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal. Toilet facilities are also located here.
Artistic Sculptures and Natural Beauty
The gardens themselves are a showcase of beautiful flora and waterways. From the unique bottle trees to the native plants and the meticulously designed Japanese garden, there's a diverse range of botanical beauty to admire.
The waterways and ponds are particularly picturesque, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky, and often visited by local birdlife. Together, the artistic sculptures and the natural beauty create a rich and engaging environment. Visitors can spend hours simply strolling, appreciating the details, and capturing the beauty through photography.
The signage throughout the gardens also provides valuable information about the different sections and plant species, enriching the visitor's understanding and appreciation. 
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