Prehistoric Playground | Mega Creatures Return to Hunter Valley Gardens
- intouch Magazine
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Hunter Valley Gardens' annual Mega Creatures event returns this April, transforming the gardens into a prehistoric wonderland. From 5 April to 4 May, visitors can explore life-sized dinosaur displays and the brand-new Land of Legends featuring mythical creatures.
Now in its tenth year, the event spans 13 different themed areas across the meticulously maintained gardens, which boast over 6,000 trees and a million ground cover plants. Each year brings new displays, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors.
"We work all year round to ensure that the best ideas come to fruition," says Kim Jacobs, Marketing Manager.
"We are so excited for this year's event, with amazing new creatures, including the brand new mythical beasts in our Land of Legends."
The 2025 lineup features returning favourites like T-Rex, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus, alongside newcomers such as the Maiasaura (duck-billed dinosaur) and Caudipteryx (feathered, bird-like dinosaur). The brand-new Land of Legends brings together fantastic creatures from myth and legend, including Cerberus (a three-headed dog), Pegasus (the flying horse from Greek mythology), and Griffin.
The event offers both day (9am-4pm) and night safari (5pm-9pm) sessions. As darkness falls, the prehistoric and mythical creatures come alive with special lighting effects. Amusement rides, including a Superslide, Ferris Wheel, and Venetian Carousel, are available for $6 per or grab a bonus ride pack – six tickets for the price of five ($30).
Keep your eyes peeled for a large dinosaur egg to win a family pass to Snow Time in the Garden. If you find the egg, return it to Mumma Dinosaur in the Garden Entry to win. There’s one family pass to be won daily!
Special entertainment includes puppetry by Erth's Roving Baby Dinosaurs (11-27 April) and a School Stamp Hunt featuring riddles and challenges. During the Easter long weekend (18- 21 April), visitors can participate in Giant Easter Egg Hunts, with every child receiving chocolate. Tickets for the Easter Egg Hunt are $2 per hunt/per child and must be purchased online with any family pass (as an add on at checkout).
Food options abound, from loaded fries and woodfired pizza to Indian food and fairy floss. Tickets start at $31 for children and $41 for adults, with family passes and day/night combo tickets available. For more details, visit www.hvg.com.au
