Secret Garden & Nursery Richmond

If you haven’t taken the kids to the Secret Garden & Nursery in Richmond yet, add it to the list this weekend. It’s 15 acres of gardens, farm animals, a nursery and a cafe, tucked inside the Western Sydney University campus — and it’s one of those places that keeps kids entertained for hours without costing you a cent to get in.

What is the Secret Garden?

The Secret Garden is a not-for-profit community hub run by North West Disability Services (NWDS). It’s staffed by volunteers and offers programs for people of all ages and abilities. Every plant you buy and every coffee you grab helps keep the place running.

Don’t let “nursery” fool you into thinking it’s just plants for the grandparents. This is a proper family outing:

  • A small playground and trampolines to burn off energy
  • Farm animals including goats, rams, guinea fowl, baby chicks and chickens
  • Horses in the stables behind the Op Shop — easy to miss, so make sure you go check them out
  • A cafe with a small food menu and coffee
  • A nursery stacked with plants, way more than you’d expect
  • 15 acres of grounds, perfect for a picnic rug and a wander
  • The Mate’s Shed, Men’s Shed and Tiny Homes Project on site if you’re curious about the bigger picture
Mum tips for visiting
  • Bring a picnic. With 15 acres to explore, pack a rug and lunch and make a real morning of it rather than a quick drive-by visit.
  • Go on a weekday if you can. It’s a working nursery with volunteers on site, so weekdays tend to be quieter and easier for little ones who need space to roam.
  • Take the train if you can. Richmond Station isn’t far, so it’s an easy one to do without the car if you fancy a train adventure with the kids.
  • Combine it with a Richmond outing. It’s a short drive from Richmond town centre, so easy to tack onto a day exploring the Hawkesbury.
  • Support the cause while you’re there. Buying a plant or grabbing a coffee directly funds the programs NWDS runs for people with disabilities — a nice thing to explain to the kids while you’re picking out a herb for the garden.
  • Check ahead for events. The centre runs regular workshops and seasonal events (think plant sales and open days) — worth a quick look at their events page before you go if you want to make it a bigger outing.
  • Free parking, free entry. Budget-friendly outing win.
The details

Address: Clydesdale Lane, Richmond (on the Western Sydney University campus — enter via Londonderry Road)
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–4pm
Cafe hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–2pm

Website: secretgarden.org.au

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