Why You Need To Visit The Picture-Perfect Mayfield Garden

A verdant handkerchief of manicured grounds laid out in the NSW Central Tablelands, Mayfield Garden is an exquisite estate of horticultural mastery open to all garden lovers.

Singular in its vision and scale, the privately owned Mayfield Garden in Oberon, is a highlight on any horticulturalist’s hit list. Rambling across 65 hectares, the cool-climate garden is an astonishing example of how a landscape can be tamed and shaped to take new, artful forms.

Once a dry pasture for sheep, this cascade of themed gardenscapes draws multitudes of visitors each year who come to revel in the tranquil scenery and draw inspiration for their own spaces.

Of course, you needn’t be a plant enthusiast to enjoy this curated estate, anyone will enjoy the beauty of the generations-long project and respect the joy it brings. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to the garden.

a drone shot of the Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Admire this curated garden estate in Oberon. (Image: Destination NSW)

The backstory of Mayfield Garden

It’s hard to believe that the 65 hectares of lush, sculptured and manicured lawns that make up Mayfield Garden were little more than a barren, rambling sheep farm when first acquired by the Hawkins family in 1984.

potted plants beside the Mayfield Garden signage — Revel in the tranquil scenery at Mayfield Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Initially, the family never intended to create a sprawling horticulturalist’s nirvana of international note here – they simply set out to build a family retreat. But ‘simple’ evidently wasn’t in patriarch, Garrick Hawkins, wheelhouse. Instead, the word spectacular springs to mind.

sculptured and manicured lawns in Mayfield Garden — Sculptured and manicured lawns are spread across Mayfield Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Beginning with the building of the main lake in 1987, followed by the Chinese pagoda eight years later, then steadily expanding with one beautifully executed landscape feature after another, it became apparent that Mayfield was something to share with the world.

an aerial view of the sculptured gardens in Mayfield — The sculptured gardens are stunning from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

In 2008, the gardens were opened to the public for a charitable event, and once the cat was out of the bag, it was no longer possible to contain it. Eventually, the ever-expanding Mayfield Garden was opened every day of the year (bar two) for people to bask in the splendour of 15 hectares of European-influenced showpiece gardens.

a couple walking along the Chinese Pagoda, Mayfield Garden — The Chinese Pagoda is just one of the garden features. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best things to do at Mayfield Garden

Even if you’re not an avid viewer of Gardening Australia, you’re going to find a profound appreciation for the work and dedication these gardens require. From horticulture and hospitality to marketing and masonry, the estate employs around 50 people to keep the Mayfield in awe-inspiring condition. Keep that in mind as you tour the estate, because you’ll no doubt find yourself exclaiming at the detail of the stonework or the meticulously trimmed hedges.

scenic views across Mayfield Garden, Oberon — The 65-hectare private garden is well-preserved. (Image: Destination NSW)

The gardens are divided into two separate parts. First is the public access to Mayfield Garden, open 363 days a year and rambling across 15 hectares. The second is the 50-hectare Hawkins’ Family Estate, which is only open during the four seasonal festivals each year, each running for around three to four weeks.

a couple rowing a boat during the Spring Festival in Mayfield Garden — Paddle your way around the lake for a charming romantic date. (Image: Destination NSW)

Begin a day at Mayfield Garden with a coffee in the restaurant, from there a leisurely pace will ensure you take in everything, but be sure you don’t miss the Bluestone Bridge, water garden and the grotto – all non-negotiable. To really soak up the magnitude of the achievement here, head to the Sandstone Gallery for the complete Hawkins Family and Mayfield Garden backstory. The Iron and Stone Arbour and Wisteria Walk are ripe for selfie-snapping and the Valley of the Five Ponds is perfect for a tranquil rest.

the red bridge in Mayfield Garden, Oberon — You’ll find a little red bridge over a pond. (Image: Destination NSW)

If your visit coincides with a garden festival that unlocks access to the Hawkins’ Private Family Garden, you’ll need to direct yourself to Australia’s largest private box hedge maze. The croquet court and rose garden will have you feeling like you’ve tripped into a Jane Austen dimension, and the Chinese pagoda and Mayfield Lake make for a romantic spot to linger. The newest feature of the garden and the latest must-see is the Herbaceous Border designed by celebrated garden designer Paul Bangay.

a couple walking along the colourful blooms in Mayfield Garden — Stroll around the colourful blooms in Mayfield Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Mayfield Garden restaurant

It makes good sense to make proper use of produce from the surrounding regions, thus most dishes at the onsite restaurant are beautifully fresh, seasonally inspired and made with local harvests. Garden-goers can pre-load with breakfast calories for a day roaming the property, pause their tour of the grounds for lunch, or finish the day with a sweet treat.

a close-up shot of a dish at Mayfield Garden's Cafe — The garden meals are made with local harvests. (Image: Destination NSW)

Depending on the season, you might be tucking into a warm winter salad, house-made granola or a Rueben sandwich. But with idyllic spots ripe for unfurling a rug under a verdant canopy, you could bypass dining in and, instead, order a picnic box from the restaurant. You can even add a bottle of wine or Champagne if things are headed in a celebratory direction.

a close-up shot of a dish at Mayfield Garden's Cafe, Oberon — Pop by the Mayfield Garden’s Cafe for healthy greens. (Image: Destination NSW)

The best time to visit Mayfield Garden

A cool-climate garden ensures each season delivers a sensationally different experience, so given the garden is open most days of the year (it’s only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day), when you go depends largely on your preference for foliage and blooms.

waterlilies in the pond of Mayfield Garden — Marvel at the waterlilies in the pond. (Image: Destination NSW)

In summer, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic under a shady tree and the waterlilies are flowering in the ponds; spring brings a chorus of colourful blooms and tender new leaves; autumn is cool and crisp with deciduous trees providing sunset-coloured canopies; and come winter, the garden is iced in frost and bareboned, but still lovely in its quietude.

However, if you’re keen to free-range through 50 hectares of the Hawkins’ Family Private Garden, you’ll need to coincide your visit with one of the four seasonal festivals.

the entrance decorated with flowers at Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Every corner is festooned with flowers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Tickets and entry fees

Keen garden lovers can sprig for an annual membership that includes two-hour garden access, every day for a year (should you wish), for only $40. Otherwise, casual visits that take in 15 hectares of the garden cost $15.

the lush garden setting in Mayfield, Oberon — A visit to the Mayfield Garden is a must for garden lovers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Come the seasonal festivals, for the same price, entry includes access to the 50-hectare Hawkins’ Family Private Garden and extends to five-hour sessions.

Got a gang of flower fanatics? Group tours also cost $15 per person, but come with access to the entire 65 hectares over four hours.

a lush and flower-filled landscape in Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Enjoy a two-hour access to the flower-filled garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Getting to Mayfield Garden

You’ll find Mayfield Garden just 10 minutes out of town from beautiful Oberon, which is a relatively easy stretch from Sydney, accessed in under three hours along the Great Western Highway.

From Katoomba, it’s a 75-minute drive and it’s 40 minutes from Bathurst. Both Mudgee (north) and Cowra (south west) are two hours’ drive away, while Lithgow is less than an hour away.

driving along the scenic grounds of Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Mayfield Garden is just a short drive away. (Image: Destination NSW)

Mayfield Garden accommodation

There’s no permanent accommodation at Mayfield Garden, however, the onsite glampsite is open a few times a year to coincide with seasonal festivals in spring, summer and autumn. Glamping packages include garden access, luxe tent interiors, a pamper pack and a three-course dinner for two. You can also opt-in for breakfast delivered to your tent, which is pitched by the Obelisk Pond. One night costs $475.

a couple enjoying their coffee outside the glamping tent at Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Settle into a glamping tent and enjoy a three-course dinner for two. (Image: Destination NSW)

Should you miss out on a garden-side glamp, your next closest option for consecutive days roaming Mayfield is to book into accommodation at Oberon. From cosy Beaconsfield Cottage or country chic Little Brundah to the more rustic Abercrombie Caves Campground or the luxe Lake Oberon Estate , there’s something to suit every budding horticulturalist’s budget.

a building surrounded by manicured gardens in Mayfield — Stay amidst well-landscaped gardens in Mayfield. (Image: Destination NSW)

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Here’s why you need to visit the picture-perfect Mayfield Garden