I’ve been amazed by the passion and dedication of the people who tend them and whether it’s leafy vegetables or native flowers, they’re cultivating much more than crops; they’re nurturing a sense of belonging. As Cassie Harris from the community garden in Tuggerah said: ‘We’re not just growing food here. We’re growing community, and that’s something that’s needed now more than ever.’
SWAMP Community Garden,Tuggerah
Tucked away in Tuggerah is SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project). A not-for-profit community focused organisation, it was co-founded by a team of seven like-minded people with a passion for community regeneration and reconnecting people to the importance of accessing locally grown and raised food. Thegarden has a laid-back, earthy vibe, with abundant raised beds filled with leafy greens, herbs and Australian natives.
I met Cassie Harris and Sue Bradley, who run the garden and have been working in this space for more than a year now. ‘We’ve created an oasis here where people can come, learn and grow, both as individuals and as a community,’ Cassie said as she showed me around. ‘We’ve got everything from lettuces and spinach to bush tucker plants, and we’re always looking for ways to make it more sustainable.’
While other community gardens offer plots to people who want to grow their own food, SWAMP grows its food to give away to locals who don’t always have the means to afford fresh food. It’s a unique feature of this garden, with volunteers taking much of what they learn here back into their own gardens, as well as a sense of doing good for others.
Where: 1897 S Tacoma Road, Tuggerah
swampcentralcoast.com.au
Woy Woy Peninsula Community Garden
Nestled in the heart of the suburb, this incredible garden is a quiet escape that’s tucked behind a row of residential homes. It’s a place where people come together to grow organic food and support each other.
With two large and curvaceous garden beds designed around a central garden, it grows a mix of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, including tomatoes, zucchini, kale and strawberries, all tended by a passionate group of locals. There’s also a thriving section dedicated to native plants, including bush tucker varieties like bush tomatoes and finger limes.
Where: 85-87 Moana Street, Woy Woy
wwpcg.org.au
East Gosford Community Garden
Located on a busy corner, this community garden is small but mighty. It’s been a hub of activity since its inception in 2017 and includes large shade trees, a natural timber Creature Garden Bed and play space for children. Timber seats and benches are positioned throughout the garden along with a covered picnic table and benches.
The garden is special for its vibrant mix of raised veggie and flower beds – think beets, tomatoes, marigolds and even a small herb patch that’s a local favourite.
Where: 10 Wells Street, East Gosford
facebook.com/p/East-Gosford-Community-Garden
Kincumber Eco Garden
You’ll find this garden behind Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, where it’s known for its recycled raised garden beds and forest mural. It’s a welcoming place for preschool children to grow their own organic vegetables, herbs and flowers and the communal garden beds allow locals of all ages to learn how to grow organic vegetables.
Where: 1/20 Kincumber St, Kincumber
facebook.com/groups/852371709060588
Bateau Bay Community Garden
Located at the rear of Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre, this organic garden is a hive of activity and the place for local residents to build social connections with volunteers who work in the garden and teach anyone interested in new garden skills. Open since 2017, it’s also designed for mothers with small children and people with disabilities to come together in a welcoming environment.
Where: 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay
facebook.com/bateaubay.communitygarden
Gwandalan & Summerland Point Community Garden
Having started with little more than jam sales, it has blossomed into one of the biggest community gardens on the Coast. With many garden allotments and fruit trees, it has become a welcoming hub for anyone looking to grow their own organic fruit and veggies. What makes this garden extra special? It’s not just sustainably run, it’s also financially sustainable. Proceeds from the produce help fund all the equipment and materials needed to keep things growing beautifully.
Where: Winbin Crescent, Gwandalan
facebook.com/people/Gwandalan-Summerland-Pt-Community-Garden
The Wyoming & North Gosford Eco Community Garden
Following the natural curve of Wingello Creek, Wyoming Community Centre has been thriving since 2014 and is a haven for sustainability. Raised beds are crafted from recycled materials, including small yachts! A peaceful spot for socialising or tending to your own plot, it’s also a place for learning, with workshops on organic gardening and landscaping.
Where: 147 Maidens Brush Road, Wyoming
centralcoastediblegardentrail.org.au
Kariong Eco Garden
A child-friendly oasis and hands-on learning space for sustainable living, this garden, established in 2007, is adjacent to the beautiful Hawkesbury Woodland bushland. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with nature, growing native bush tucker plants and trees along its charming mosaic snake path. A true community hub, locals come together to nurture garden plots, while school children visit to explore eco-friendly practices like composting, worm farming, and water conservation. At the garden’s entrance, a thoughtful reflection honours the Indigenous custodians, inspiring all who visit to care for the land with respect and love.
Where: 2 Dandaloo Street, Kariong
kariongecogarden.org.au
WORDS LIZ GINIS
