Heronswood Gardens & Nursery

I don't know what's going on at Heronswood, but these photos I took say it all. It's fairly unkept, overgrown and there is no explanation as to why. We were told the restaurant in the garden was being renovated. Yet if you peek through the window, there is no evidence of that. The chairs are stacked up, but that's it. We were told the garden was being rested before Autumn, but there was no evidence of any work. Not even any clearing out of dead foliage. Even the walkway on the viewing platform was overgrown and in need of clearing given people were using it - and the little lake now just a bed for algae. Maybe they can't find or afford the staff they need. Or maybe the Autumn thing is correct - but if it is, they're going to have to put in a massive effort. I am trying to be kind here and suggest that maybe we simply saw the garden at its worst. I hope they bounce back. Some of the earlier photos of the garden look fantastic - but if you are going to take group to see Heronswood, then it might be an idea to put it off for a few months. Especially as they are still charging the full entry fee ($15). The shop, by contrast, was hard to fault. The plants were well kept - which makes the state of the garden even more curious. I was going to give Heronswood one star - but agree with an earlier comment that the ocean view is wonderful and the shop was good - so that's why I bumped it to two.

💗Really lovely Sunday arvo, a rustic garden, if you walk around there’s great views of the bay, prob even better than from the little look out they have. And lovely spots to sit and chill. Costs $15 for entry. Nursery is also good, a bit on the pricey side but I guess what’s expected down there.. 🤷🏼‍♀️ FYI Coffee machine is turned off by 3.

Don't get me wrong, the place is nice, however it needs more attention and care. And 15 aud for entry? Even though they have a cafe, souvenir shop and selling plants and pots? Again don't get me wrong, its nice to walk around this small garden, I just think its not worth the price if you a casual visitor. Unless you decide to have a membership.

Stunning views abound, the cafe which is housed in an old house has a small menu but made with quality ingredients (some from the gardens) we had the scones with jam and double cream and a pot of tea each then spent some time wandering the gardens then sitting on a bench under an arch for an hour admiring the view and enjoying the winter sun and peacefulness of the place. Worth the $10 entry fee for the whole family. We will definitely return.

Was very surprised you had to pay to go in here, but ok, it must be fantastic inside? But now not sure what the entry fee is for as it's clearly not cleaning or maintenance. $15 to see a dead veggie patch, a neglected old house and unmaintained gardens? Potential to be stunning but essentially a waste of money. If it's an off time of year? Fair enough but you shouldn't be charging entry then.