The ultimate gardeners and plant lovers’ event. "It's like Disneyland for plant lovers!"*

We all know gardeners are a funny lot. It’s ok, I’m a gardener, so I can say it. It wasn’t until I first attended this event a few years ago realised I’m actually a plant collector, not just a mere gardener. I know that because no matter how many plants I have I still have to have more, if I don’t have a particular genus of plant chances are I want it, and I go on and on to everyone that will listen about what I’m planning, growing or picking in the garden. My family therefore have to put up with me stopping into garden centres on family holidays, filling the car with plants and repeatedly find me in the garden first thing in the morning in my pyjamas checking on my horticultural kingdom. Sorry. Not sorry.

Therefore I’m very excited the Hawkesbury will once again host the Collectors' Plant Fair 2024 at the Hawkesbury Race Club. And I’m not alone. The annual event occurs over a full weekend each autumn, this year will be held on April Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 2024 . The event always proves to be a fun-filled weekend of all things plants and garden and will attract plant collectors and stall holders from all over country .

The Collectors' Plant Fair was born as a small event in a paddock in Bilpin in 2005 and has since grown to be the largest plant fair in Australia. Boasting in excess of 100 specialist plant growers and garden related stallholders will host (and importantly sell) their stocks to thousands of ‘plant collectors’ within the historic Race Club grounds.

It’s not just your run of the mill plant nursery options on show and up for sale either, the event is filled with specialist growers, advice from plant experts, rare and unusual horticultural treasures, indoor plants, garden art, sculpture, just as importantly plenty of food options and decent coffee (the organisers have guaranteed us!).

Take all the family along for a day out, children under 15 are free and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Check out the video below to get a feel for the event.

Here are our tips to get the most out of attending:

Get in early –The mornings are always the busiest time for the fair as every plant treasure hunter attempts to find the plunder first. If you aren’t local, you can get ahead of the game by staying in the area. By not having to travel for hours to arrive and then having to drive home after a day of discovering, learning and shopping… you will thank yourself. See a full list of Hawkesbury Accommodation options here. It applies to tickets as well - buy either day or a full weekend pass in advance.

Plan your day – Research the list of stall holders and locate them on the event map to ensure you don’t miss them, this is usually released a few weeks out from the event. Checkout the Blog for information about the event and the stories behind the plants and stall holders to get the most out of attending. You get a better deal on admission by booking your tickets in advance and it will also save you time on the day.  Also see the  event's  frequently asked questions.

Trolley it, or use the plant crèche – To save you running back and forth after each purchase consider bringing your own small trolley to reduce transit time and increase browsing time. Even better than dragging a trolley around for the day check all your finds into the plant crèche. The crèche is operated by volunteers (for a gold coin donation) who will safeguard your new babies until it’s time to head for home.

Check out what the rest of The Hawkesbury has to offer – While you are here do yourself a favour, stay longer and take a look around. There’s plenty of other things to see an discover including open gardens, drives, local history, local markets and events or enjoying the local art or food scene, bushwalks and lookouts, picking fruit and food experiences, wineries and cider cellar doors and so much more. Get in early  to book local accommodation.

Call in to the Visitor Information Centre, or get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction to discover what our Hawkesbury has to offer.

We hope you enjoy the fair and wish you a wonderful day (or two!).

In the words of the Plant Fair team*… “Take a treasure home! Talk to the experts. Grow a garden. Be inspired.”

Images sourced from - Collectors' Plant Fair