Southern Highlands Autumn Gardens Weekend + Plant Fair

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Posted 2026-02-13 by Vanessa ⇒ follow

Sat 18 Apr 2026 - Mon 20 Apr 2026

• Exclusive Open Gardens & Plant Fair - Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2026 - 9am to 4pm

• Plus, Immersive Experiences - Monday 20th April 2026

Five exquisite private estate gardens. One extraordinary autumn weekend.

Step behind the gates of rarely opened Southern Highlands estates, wander through breathtaking seasonal colour, and indulge in the very best of Highlands-grown plants and produce.

Book now to secure your ticket – numbers are strictly limited.

Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 April: Exclusive Open Gardens - Discover Hidden Gems

For one special weekend, five fabulous private estate gardens – usually closed to the public – will open their gates.
Enjoy a variety of garden features including:
• Horticultural beauty - sweeping lawns, mature trees, rare and unusual plantings.
• Creative landscaping - thoughtfully designed spaces, vistas and water features.
• Inspiration for your own garden – planting ideas, design concepts and combinations to try at home.

Stroll at your own pace, take in the autumn light and colour, and enjoy a rare glimpse into some of the Southern Highlands' most remarkable private gardens.

Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity - purchase your ticket today.
Full Monday Immersive Experience tickets can be purchased here.

Saturday 18 to Monday 20 April: Southern Highlands Plant Fair Featuring the Highlands Harvest

Collectable plants, gourmet delights, and live music – all in one remarkable weekend.

Now in its 15th year, the Southern Highlands Plant Fair 2026 is back and bigger than ever. For one special weekend, the event will welcome stallholders from across NSW and Victoria, alongside favourite local nurseries and, of course, the much-loved plants grown by the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.

Plant lovers will be spoiled for choice with:
• Collectable and rare plants from specialist growers
• Local and interstate nurseries offering top-quality plants and expert advice
• A wide selection of garden art, décor and structures to enhance outdoor spaces
• Garden tools and supplies to support every stage of the gardening journey

Whether an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, every visitor will find new ideas, new plants, and new favourites to take home.

New for 2026: Highlands Harvest
Highlands Harvest debuts in 2026 as an exciting new feature of the Plant Fair, running Saturday and Sunday.
Ideal for foodies and music lovers, Highlands Harvest will feature:
• Local providores showcasing the best of the region
• Gin and wine from boutique producers
• Gourmet food stalls offering delicious treats and snacks to enjoy on-site or take home

Guests can refuel between exploring the plant stalls, relax with a drink, and soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere.

Weekend Highlights
Saturday 18 April
• A special guest appearance by Clarence Slockee, from Gardening Australia
Sunday 19 April
• Jazz in the Gardens with Short & Horny performing live from 11am – 3pm

Across the weekend, visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy live music, and experience the gardens at their autumn best. Book your ticket here.

Monday 20 April - Immersive Experiences

Visitors are invited to extend their Southern Highlands escape with a day of unique, immersive local experiences, curated to complement the Autumn Gardens Weekend and Plant Fair.

Optional experiences include:
• Bowral Honey Farm Tour & Lunch Experience – Discover the world of beekeeping, see a honey harvesting demonstration, taste local honey, and enjoy a relaxed lunch showcasing regional flavours.
• Oxley Hill Farm Flowers Tour and Flower Arranging Workshop – Visit the flower farm designed by world-renowned Paul Bangay OAM. Owner Candice guides a tour and hands-on workshop to create your own take-home floral masterpiece. All materials included.
• High Tea at the stunning Peppers Craigieburn – Savour the timeless charm of the Highlands with an indulgent High Tea at the iconic Peppers Craigieburn. Then explore the expansive grounds and enjoy stunning photo opportunities.
• Retford Park Historic House Tour and Garden Visit - Explore one of the region’s most iconic historic homes and its magnificent gardens.

These experiences offer the perfect way to deepen a visit, combining gardens, history, food, and local stories in one memorable stay. Numbers are limited to these specially curated highlands experiences – book now to avoid disappointment. Click here to find out more and to make a reservation.

Ben Huon Manor Open Garden & Prize Draw
The organisers are delighted to announce Ben Huon Manor as one of the featured 2026 Open Gardens. To celebrate, an exclusive prize is on offer. Visitors who purchase two weekend tickets to the Southern Highlands Autumn Gardens Weekend and Plant Fair will go into the draw to win a weekend stay for six at Ben Huon Manor.

With inspiring gardens, a vibrant plant fair, gourmet local experiences, and the chance to win an indulgent weekend at Ben Huon Manor, the Southern Highlands Autumn Gardens Weekend and Plant Fair promises an unforgettable autumn escape. Visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets early to make the most of this much-loved event and be part of a truly special Highlands celebration.