Mount Penang Gardens

Opened in November 2003, Mount Penang Gardens is considered an enduring and radical contribution to public garden design in Australia.

The gardens
Things to do
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Location

Mount Penang is located at Kariong, just 80km from both Newcastle and Sydney. The parklands are 1 hour north of Sydney, and two minutes from the Gosford exit off the M1.

  • Google Map
    Mount Penang Gardens
    Parklands Road
    Kariong NSW 2250

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Phone: (02) 4345 4450

  • Free admission
    There is no charge for admission to the Gardens but please note that fees and advance bookings are required for the Guided Tours and commercial hire.

  • Free on site parking
    Convenient free parking is avaible on site in front of the Gardens entryway

 

Directions by car

  • From Sydney
    Driving on the M1 Pacific Motorway, take the first Gosford exit - this will bring you onto the Central Coast Highway. Turn left at the third set of traffic lights onto The Avenue, left onto Festival Drive, then right onto Parklands Road.
     
  • From Newcastle
    Driving on the M1 Pacific Motorway, take the second Gosford exit (at the Kariong Interchange sign), and turn left into Wiseman's Ferry Road. Then turn left again onto the Central Coast Highway. Turn left at the third set of traffic lights onto The Avenue, left onto Festival Drive, then right onto Parklands Road

 

Getting there by public transport

  • Take the train to Gosford Station
    Outside the station, go to the bus exchange. Take bus 34 (Gosford - Kariong - Gosford). Ask the bus driver to drop you off near the Shell service station. The walk to the Mount Penang Gardens’ entry is about eight minutes, with level footpaths and pedestrian crossings along the way.

    To view the bus timetable, visit the Busways website, or call (02) 4368 2277.

Can I bring my dog to Mount Penang Parklands?

Dogs are welcome in Mount Penang if they are kept on-leash and under the control of their owner. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the formal gardens, with the exception of registered assistance animals. 

Supervised dogs can run free in the temporary off-leash area at the northern end of Parklands Road. 

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all Parklands visitors, please ensure that you are responsible for the wellbeing and behaviour of your dogs at all times. 

Do: 

  • pick up after your dog
  • respect other park users 
  • ensure your dog obeys voice or sight commands
  • ensure your dog is at least 4 months old and vaccinated
  • ensure your dog is on a lead while entering and exiting the off-leash area
  • stay with your dog and always carry a lead. 

Don’t:

  • allow your dog to swim in or drink from the dam
  • allow excessive/nuisance barking or howling
  • disturb another person or animal
  • let your dog dig or cause damage
  • bring dogs that have been declared dangerous
  • bring dogs that have been declared dangerous by a court order, or female dogs in heat, into the parklands.

Over eight hectares of native beauty

A stunning community space

Mount Penang Gardens' distinctive design by Anton James sets it apart from the traditional botanical garden. His 'garden within a garden' produces an understated landscape that is less manicured and in a constant state of being. It continues to evolve today.


12 unique garden rooms

Individual ‘gardens’ are set on and around a large sculptural plateau and walled spaces, abstract pergolas, fountains, ponds, cascades and a 35 metre cantilevered steel footbridge.

Along with waterways and stunning summer aquatic gardens, you’ll find that over 70% of the plants are native to Australia. Marvel at the creative ways in which modern landscapes and Australian native flora blend together to produce amazing seasonal displays.

There is something new to experience all year round as you meander through the Gardens. You can hug a bulbous Bottle Tree, wonder at the Dragon Garden’s strange cacti and succulents, be fascinated by the Wondabyne Stone Sculptures or admire the stunning water lilies and lotus flowers in our Aquatic Garden.

Every pathway opens up a new world of discovery at Mount Penang Gardens!

Historic Wondabyne Sculptures

Within the Gardens you will find a fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibition on perpetual display.

Created in 1987 by a group of international sculptors at waterside Wondabyne, these massive artworks carved from Gosford sandstone were handed over to the people of Australia as a bicentennial gift from the artists.

It was Australia’s first ever International Sculpture Symposium and following its success a second symposium was held. You will find this group of sculptures in the nearby Mt Penang Parklands.

Things to do


With over eight hectares of natural, outdoor space, it is perfect for enthusiasts, family outings, social groups, guided tours parties and business functions. Or maybe just take time out for a stroll in the fresh air. There is no charge for admission to the Gardens but please note that fees and advance bookings are required for the Guided Tours and commercial hire. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the Gardens. We offer an off-leash dog park just off Parklands Road.

Situated at the entryway to Mount Penang Gardens, the Waterfall Café overlooks the magnificent water cascade gardens and provides light meals and morning or afternoon tea.

Enjoy a family-friendly menu ranging from gourmet sandwiches and salads to sweet treats and snacks. 

The Waterfall Cafe is open daily from 8:30am-4:30pm. For more information visit waterfallcafe.com.au or call (02) 4340 1660.

This amazing venue is a photographer’s dream! From romantic shots, to contemporary or playful images in the Gardens, we welcome enquiries for commercial and media photography or filming.

Booking fee

For all specialty photography, commercial photography and commercial video shoots, we require a $90 booking and fee. The fee allows for two hours of commercial filming/photography access in the Mount Penang Gardens & Event Park as well as the Mount Penang Parklands.  

Please contact the Corporation's Marketing and Communications Manager by email [email protected] to make these arrangements.


Media Photos

Media representatives wishing to take pictures should contact the Marketing & Communications Manager on (02) 4345 4450 or via email on [email protected] and provide appropriate details to help facilitate the assignment.

Open grassy spaces and shady trees make Mount Penang Gardens a lovely place for a free family picnic. Bring a blanket, play games, read a book and enjoy nature.

There are three picnic tables on site, in addition to two free barbecues.

Large dams and cascading waterways make Mount Penang Gardens home to a variety of ducks and waterfowl. If you are a bird watcher, bring your binoculars as the different garden spaces provide a variety of habitats. Check out the signage on-site that shows the species that you can expect to encounter during your visit!