The Australian Bonsai Gallery houses a number of mature and 'in-progress' trees; some more than 100 years old, most 25 to 49 years old.
Most of the bonsai have been started as cuttings or seedlings, field-grown to develop some size, then container-grown to promote a refined style and root system.
The trees are large. Some are well over 120 centimeters high. Over four decades of work has gone into producing this collection.
Attending bonsai workshop with John at the Australian Bonsai Gallery was an absolute delight. Every step from selecting the right shaping techniques, wiring, and long‑term care—was explained with clarity and genuine passion.
The hands‑on guidance coupled with Johns deep horticultural knowledge, was the highly inspirational.
Instead of just watching demonstrations, I got to work directly on my own black pine bonsai with expert support from John right beside me. I left not only with my beautiful trees but with the confidence to continue the practice at home. The morning tea and delicious home cooked meal were an added bonus! Thanks Sue for your warmth and bringing me into your home.
Highly recommended—an inspiring and memorable way to spend a day surrounded by creativity, nature, and great mentor with amazing skills.
Thanks John (Australian Bonsai Gallery). I have been doing this for a while and there are very few genuine people like you.
Darren McILwain
Google review
I had such a great time with John at the Australian Bonsai Gallery.
This was my second bonsai workshop with John, and as I found on my previous visit, he is a true professional, very knowledgeable and friendly guy. I spent many hours talking and working on my Japanese black pines, swamp cypress and a variety of my trees and he was an amazing resource of all things bonsai.
The delicious m/tea and lunch that Sue provided makes you feel very welcome and I am already planning my next workshop.
Thanks John, I really appreciate your effort and care you give to my trees, and the bonsai community is very fortunate to have your level of bonsai craftmanship on the Mid North Coast.
I would highly recommend anyone paying a visit to the Australian Bonsai Gallery, at whatever stage in your bonsai journey, you will come back with a loads more knowledge and self-confidence.
David Smith
Google review
On a bike riding holiday in NSW and chanced open the Australian Bonsai Gallery. John was most accommodating, helpful and knowledgeable even though we called in unannounced.
Incredible collection of bonsai and an absolute treat to view and hear about the collection.
Regards David and Angela Geelong
David Preston - Thomson
Google review
My partner and I stopped by the Australian Bonsai Gallery on our recent trip around Bellingen and Coffs. I am new to the bonsai hobby and what can I say, I was truly blown away by this visit. John is so welcoming, knowledgeable and inspiring, and it clearly shows in his work. Learning about the quirks of each type of tree and the underlying concepts behind the practice from such a master only made me want to dive deeper.
Thank you John for opening up your collection and welcoming us into your garden. Will be sure to visit for a class with you when we travel up your way again!
P. dalhousieanus
Google review
The gallery is superb and includes some of the best Japanese White Pine and Japanese Black Pine I have seen in Australia. Thanks John for assisting with pot selection, and providing expertise on growing mix. A real unexpected pleasure to visit.