Mayfield Garden
As the Oberon pines whispered us towards my first slow walk through Mayfield Garden, I knew straight away it’s not the kind of place you “pop into”.
You’re entering Australia’s most extensive, fabulous climate garden, on a private family estate in the heart of the Oberon Central Tablelands of New South Wales. With crisp air, long hedged avenues, stone walls that look like they’re from Europe, and water features that shimmer in the high-country light, this place demands time, layers, and a bit of curiosity. Before you stroll past the Water Garden, Mayfield Lake or the Box Hedge Maze, let’s get the basics sorted so your day flows as smoothly as a freshly raked gravel path.
A Quick Look Back
Mayfield started as the Hawkins’ Family Estate, a passion project of investment banker Garrick Hawkins, who wanted to create a large-scale cool climate garden inspired by the great estates of Europe and the Chelsea Flower Show. Over three decades, the property has grown into one of Australia’s most impressive horticultural destinations, combining traditional cool climate plantings with bold landscape architecture and impressive engineering.
As you walk through, you’ll see how the estate mixes European precision with Central Tablelands ruggedness — long Allées of London Plane Trees, stone bridges, sculpted water systems and enough garden features to keep even the toughest “I don’t care about gardens” traveller entertained.
A Quick-Glance Table: Mayfield Garden Essentials
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mayfield Rd, Oberon NSW (about 2hr 45min from Sydney) |
| Altitude | ~1,100m above sea level |
| Year-Round Access | Hawkins’ Family Garden |
| Seasonal Access | Expanded Garden (Autumn, Winter, Spring Festivals) |
| Average Oberon Temp | Winter max: ~7°C, Summer max: ~23°C (BOM data) |
| Walking Time | 2–4 hours, depending on the section |
| Terrain | Mostly level, some gentle hills |
| Wheelchair Access | Partial (Family Garden mostly accessible) |
| Best Season | Depends on your tolerance for frost and crowds |
| Facilities | Café, nursery, toilets, parking |
Before You Wander
Mayfield can look simple on paper, but once you’re in among the hedges, water features and long Georgian lines, you can easily get lost. You’re dealing with a big estate — 65 hectares open seasonally and 15 hectares open year-round.
If you’re a first timer, pace yourself. The paths are wide and well-maintained, but the scale means you’ll easily clock up 10,000 steps without trying. Pack water, wear layers (Oberon can go from sunny to “where’s my jacket?” in 15 minutes), and grab a paper map at the gate. It’s old school, but it works.
You’ll want to know how the garden is split into two parts, what’s open year-round, and which corners open only during festival season. Think of this section as your “don’t get lost and end up eating lunch at 3 pm” guide.
The Hawkins’ Family Garden: The Bit That’s Always Open
This is the year-round heart of Mayfield, and you can wander it any time without waiting for the big seasonal openings.
You’ll find:
- Ornamental lakes
- Birch walks
- Hedge lines
- A few cheeky European design nods that wouldn’t look out of place in a French estate
- That long path where the wind always seems to hit you square in the face
This section is perfect for travellers chasing a quiet wander, a relaxed cuppa at the café or a low-key photography session. I’ve brought groups here on frosty June mornings where the ponds smoke like they’re boiling a billy — it’s magic, but you’ll want gloves.
The Expanded Garden: Open Seasonally, Worth the Wait
When the gates open for the big seasonal festivals, the real scale of Mayfield reveals itself. We’re talking lakes, follies, a maze, stone obelisks, massive avenues and one imposing water garden system.
This part of the garden is only open a handful of times a year, and yes — it gets busy, especially on mild weekends. But the space is big enough that once you’re in the inner blocks, it doesn’t feel packed like sardines.
Seasonal highlights:
- Autumn Festival: Burnt oranges, copper leaves, crisp air
- Winter Festival: Frosty lawns, low-angled light, steaming lakes
- Spring Festival: Bulbs, cherry blossoms, crowds
- Summer (limited access): Not open all the time; check ahead
Travel Paul Tip: If you’re a photographer, go early or go late. Midday sun in Oberon is flat as a pancake.
Planning Your Visit Like a Local
Don’t rush, Mayfield – You’ve got time to kill before heading to Lithgow. Give yourself room to mess around with:
- Grabbing a coffee at the café and taking a few minutes to sit back and relax.
- Wandering the Family Garden and taking in the sights.
- Checking out the seasonal expansion – assuming it’s even open.
- Ducking into the produce store to see what they’ve got.
- Finding a quiet spot by the lake and actually taking a deep breath.
Here are a few things you should bring:
- Some decent layers – you’d be surprised how cold it can get even in January.
- Good walking shoes – you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking here.
- A water bottle to keep you hydrated.
- A camera or phone with a bit of battery life left in the tank – you don’t want to miss out on any good photos.
- A hat – the sun up at this altitude can still knock you around a bit.
- And a proper map – don’t even think about relying on your phone’s GPS – you’ll need the real thing.
If you’re coming from Sydney, try to arrive at the garden around 10 am. Anything later and you’re already running behind.
Seasonal Highlights Around the Estate
The seasons at Mayfield aren’t subtle — they’re full-throttle, colour-soaked, high-country transformations.
Autumn: Colour your World Red
Autumn’s what most people come to see – the Japanese maples, the beech trees and the birches all put on a real show.
The Upsides:
- The weather’s usually pretty settled – the air’s crisp and there’re not too many mozzies around
The Downside: It’s bloody chaos on the weekends – parking can be a nightmare
Winter: The Garden in all its Moody Glory
I’m a big fan of winter here. The crowds thin out, and the frost makes everything look all dramatic and frosty.
The Upsides: The light’s fantastic – there are fewer people around to get in the way – and hot drinks just taste better when it’s cold outside.
The Downside: It’s freezing – bring gloves and a decent coat.
Spring: Time to Bloom
It’s festival time in the spring. That means it’s also the busiest time.
The Upsides: The garden’s in full flower – and daylight hours are getting longer
The Downside: It’s a real zoo – paths are crowded – and the weather can be a bit hit and miss – add in pushchairs and it’s a nightmare.
Summer: Warmer Days, Less to See
Summer’s okay – the Family Garden looks pretty good, but the expanded bit is usually closed.
The Upsides: It’s warm – Oberon’s summer’s pretty mild
The Downside: There’s not as much to see – also, if you’re allergic to grass pollen, it might not be the best time for you to visit.
Don't Get Turned Around
Mayfield’s paths can be a bit of a maze. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a beautiful place – but it can be bloody confusing. Here’s how I keep myself sorted – and how I keep my mates straight when I’m leading a group.
My top navigation tips:
- Treat the Water Garden as your north – that way you’ll always know which way you’re heading.
- Stick to the stone avenues – they’re like highways through the garden – and they’ll keep you on track.
- Don’t try to walk every path – choose three main routes and stick to them.
- If you get lost – go uphill – most of the important bits are perched on gentle rises.
- And if you’re one of those people who can never trust GPS (and let’s be honest, Oberon’s not the best place to rely on it), grab a map at the entrance – it’s a lifesaver.
Little Local Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Check the wind forecast.
- Avoid peak carpark times (11 am–1 pm).
- Café gets busy — eat early.
- Bring a proper jacket.
- Watch for wet grass.
- Follow festival maps carefully.
And if you’re joining a Blue Mountains Tour before or after your visit, Mayfield fits beautifully into a broader high-country circuit.
FAQ
Is Mayfield Garden suitable for families?
Yes — kids love the maze, ponds and bridges, though keep an eye on them around water.
How long should I allow?
2 hours for the Family Garden.
4–5 hours for the full seasonal expansion.
Is the garden accessible?
Partially. Some paths are uneven. Ask at the desk for the accessible route map.
Do I need to book ahead?
For festivals, yes. For regular days, usually no, but always check.
Which café is open?
Either the Mayfield Café or the Kitchen Café, depending on the day. Menus use regional produce with a mix of local and international influences.
