Question 1

Can I get the train there?

Accepted Answer

Trains are running during the weekend from the Newcastle Interchange to High Street Station, South Maitland, on the Hunter Train Line. Trip takes 35 minutes. There is also a daily train service from Scone to Maitland, and one from Dungog to Maitland, where you can change trains for High Street Station (the next station east), or walk east on the New England Highway to the Maitland Showground.

High Street Station is right next to the Maitland Showground - it's a very short, level 400m walk to the Anzac St gate of the Showground, and a further 300m to the Plant Fair Entry gate.

High Street Station, South Maitland is on the Hunter Line. Trains run regularly to and from High Street Station all weekend, and there is one return service to Scone, and to Dungog in the evening.

Plan your trip here>>
https://transportnsw.info

Question 2

Can I buy a ticket at the gate? What's the deal with online tickets?

Accepted Answer

We absolutely recommend buying an online ticket - they are cheaper and it's quicker to scan your phone at the entry points.

Gate Ticket Sales will open from 8AM both days. If you need to buy a ticket at the gate, you'll still need to join the admission queue after purchasing the ticket.

A few things to remember about online tickets:
1. Tickets sold at the gate box office will attract a fee in addition to the purchase price. It is cheaper to buy an online ticket.
2. Online tickets are purchased through the tickets tab on the Collectors' website, and are processed and emailed to you by our ticketing service provider, Trybooking.
2. If you do not see your online ticket in your email inbox, check your JUNK folder! It will be there. 
3. We can scan the QR code directly from your phone, or print out your ticket and have that scanned.
5. The QR code can only be scanned once (unless it's a Weekend Ticket).

Question 3

How do I book a Group or Coach Ticket?

Accepted Answer

Coach & Group Bookings! Group discounts are available for groups of 10+.
1. Decide how many are coming in your group!
2. Click our tickets link. 
3. Select your preferred time slot (either Sat 11am, Sun 9am or Weekend Pass). Coaches can arrive from 10am Sat. 
4. Select 'Coach Group'. Add the number in your group. Pay and automatically receive 10% discount. 
5. Save your tickets.

Please note: We automatically know the groups who have paid and have a copy in our manifest. 
Our CPF Groups Manager will meet you at the coach entrance for VIP entry, will count you in and organise your pick-up time and location.

A sign with 'Coach Drop-Off' is clearly marked on Evans Street at the Showground.

Question 4

How do I get there by car?

Accepted Answer

Maitland Showground is in South Maitland, 33km northwest of Newcastle.

From Sydney or Southern Highlands take the M1 to the Hunter Expressway (M15) exit. Head Northwest and take the George Booth Drive exit. Turn right and head along George Booth Drive and take a left at Louth Park Road. Continue to South Maitland, then turn right at New England Highway, then right at Anzac Street to the Fairground Entry.

From Newcastle and the Mid North Coast, head west on the New England Highway to South Maitland, and turn left on Anzac Street to the Fairground Entry. From the Upper Hunter, head southeast on the New England Highway to South Maitland, and turn right on Anzac Street to the Fairground Entry.

Question 5

Is there an ATM?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There is an ATM at the ticket booth just outside the Fairground Entry gate beside the Ticket Box Office. Also, most nurseries these days have EFTPOS facilities available.

Question 6

Is there an area for disabled parking?

Accepted Answer

Disabled Parking is available near our front entrance. Please make our friendly parking attendants aware of your Disabled Sticker and they will get you parked safely and quickly.

Please note: Disabled parking spaces are available on a first-in-first-served basis. While we endeavour to provide ample disability-accessible services, such as parking, it is impossible to accurately assess demand. We promise to do our best!

Find disabled toilet facilities located beside the Fairground Entry and Ticket Box Office.

Question 7

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. You will need to take care of your dogs' needs (i.e. food, water, and doggy-dodo too!). Please note that unsocial dogs or dog owners will be asked to leave.

Question 8

What are the opening hours of the Plant Fair?

Accepted Answer

Hours are:
Saturday gates open at 8am, close at 4pm.
Sunday gates open at 9am, close at 3pm.

Question 9

Can my child come in free?

Accepted Answer

Children under 15 years old are welcome free of charge.

Question 10

Can we leave the Fairgrounds, and come back in?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Plus, you can drive up to the Fairground Entry and load plants directly into your car on the way out. Just look out for the Plant Pick-up signs.

Question 11

What time does the Ticket Box Office open?

Accepted Answer

Both the Ticket Box Office, ATM and Entry Gates will open from 8am Sat and 9am Sun. Tickets can be purchased online anytime, and scanned from your phone.

You can use cash to buy a ticket at the Ticket Box Office beside the Entry Gate, but it is cheaper to purchase tickets online, and you'll still need to join the queue after purchasing your ticket at the Box Office.

To purchase a ticket at the event - the ticket counter will be open from 8am. You can access the Ticket Box Office from the Admission queue, but you will still need to wait to have your ticket scanned before coming in.

Frequently asked questions