Things to Do in the Hawkesbury With Kids: Visit The Secret Garden Richmond
/Secret Garden Richmond NSW: Things to Do With Kids in the Hawkesbury
Where can kids get up close and feed farm animals in the Hawkesbury? It’s actually one of the questions our Dido’s Place guests ask us quite often and we’ve found somewhere we absolutely love recommending!
Let us introduce you to The Secret Garden & Nursery in Richmond NSW.
If you’re looking for affordable things to do with kids in the Hawkesbury, somewhere to see and feed farm animals close to Sydney, or simply a beautiful place to spend a morning with the family, put this one on your list.
And one of the things we love most? Entry is FREE!
A Beautiful and Affordable Family Day Out in the Hawkesbury
Tucked away within the Western Sydney University Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, The Secret Garden really does live up to its name. There is so much to discover here from beautiful gardens, farm animals, a huge nursery, colourful art, a café and plenty to keep the kids entertained.
For the kids, there are in-ground trampolines and a fantastic gated outdoor play area with a huge sandpit and loads of toys. A huge hit with our kids! And here’s the bit parents and grandparents will appreciate… The café is right beside the gated play area!
So while the kids are happily playing, you can sit back with a coffee and one of their very generous $5 scones with jam and cream. It’s relaxed, easy and, compared with so many family outings, incredibly affordable.
The grounds are also pram and wheelchair accessible.
Where to Feed Farm Animals in the Hawkesbury
The farm animals are always a favourite with the kids.
For just $3 you can grab a bag of feed for the goats, walk amongst the chickens and guinea fowl, visit the guinea pigs and say hello to the horses.
There’s something so lovely about children being able to get up close to the animals in such a relaxed setting.
So if you’ve been searching for farm animals in the Hawkesbury or somewhere the kids can feed animals close to Sydney, this is definitely one to remember.
One of the Hawkesbury’s best Nurseries
If you love plants, you've been warned, leave some room in the car!
The nursery has a huge range to browse through, often at fantastic prices, and Spring of course, is an especially beautiful time to visit.
Many of the plants are propagated and cared for onsite, so there's a lot more happening here than simply selling plants.
More Than a Nursery – Supporting North West Disability Services
This is what makes The Secret Garden particularly special. The Secret Garden is a not-for-profit disability service and community hub run by North West Disability Services (NWDS).
The 15-acre site is powered by an incredible mix of participants, support workers, horticulturalists and wonderful volunteers, providing opportunities for people with disability to learn practical skills, participate and connect with the wider community.
And there is a LOT happening behind the scenes! Programs include gardening and nursery skills, café and hospitality, candle making, woodworking, arts and crafts and animal care.
There's also Thrifty Nifty, their op-shop-style space that's worth having a browse through, we’ve found some treasures there ourselves!
Another interesting initiative is the Hydro-Coop Farming Project, which combines sustainable farming with inclusive training and skills development. Keep an eye out for their beautiful fresh eggs available for purchase. The yolks are incredibly tasty and a vibrant orange, far superior to the regular eggs you’ll find at any supermarket.
So while you’re visiting for the kids, plants or a coffee, you're also supporting a wonderful local organisation doing some pretty special things within our Hawkesbury community. These are the kinds of experiences which mean the most.
The Secret Garden Spring Fair
The Secret Garden hosts events throughout the year and shortly they will be hosting their very popular Spring Fair. There will be train rides, live music and entertainment, market stalls, farm animals and hundreds of plants at bargain prices, along with Devonshire tea and coffee.
When: Saturday 19th September 2026
Time: 9am - 2pm
Entry Fee: $3
Visiting The Secret Garden & Nursery in Richmond NSW
📍 Location: Western Sydney University Hawkesbury Campus, Clydesdale Lane, Richmond NSW 2753
🕘 Nursery: Monday–Saturday, 9am–4pm
☕ Café: Monday–Saturday, 10am–2pm
🎟️ Entry: FREE on regular days
♿ Accessibility: Pram and wheelchair accessible
