Nestled under the lee of Mt. Keira on the Illawarra escarpment and just to the north of Wollongong, lies a stunning 'secret garden'. Rhododendrons, Vireyas, Magnolias, Acers, a lake, brick pathways, and picnic areas fill the Lower Gardens. The Upper Gardens showcase a precious pocket of endangered, Illawarra sub-tropical rainforest. With Red Cedars, a huge Fig, Stinging Trees, Cabbage Tree Palms, follow the rainforest trail beyond the deer fence. A perfect location for celebrations and weddings.
Gardens are open every Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry is $5 per adult through an honor system. Cash boxes are in the car park.
Children are free. Entry fee is per adult
 |
Warning: Water in the garden, Uneven surfaces, Steep slopes, Trip hazards |
Note: Follow New Mount Pleasant Road, cross over the motorway and turn left at the T intersection at Parrish Ave.
| Summer avg. Max: | 25°C | Winter avg. Min: | 5°C | |
| Avg Frost Days: | 13 | |||
| Annual Rainfall avg: | 1359mm. | Summer avg. | 380mm. | |
| No. of rainy days: | 52 | Winter avg. | 262mm. | |
You need to login to view the following gardens
You need to login to view the following gardens
Public Toilets nearbyDistances are approximate. When planning your trip please check open times etc by following links to National Public Toilet Map.
The gardens were established in 1969. They have been managed, developed and maintained by a small group of volunteers. Through their efforts, the gardens have flourished and evolved into the stunning oasis of natural beauty that they are today. Volun ...
The gardens boasts a huge display of unique tropical Rhododendrons,
providing year round, spectacular colour. Many of these Vireyas were
hybridized by the gardens founder, Don Stanton in his own backyard.
Surrounded by the Gardens and covered in waterlilies, the Patrick
Lahiff Lake is the place to sit and contemplate; feed the ducks or
search for water dragons. A perfect location for your wedding.
In 1983, a sandstone birdbath was installed at Cedar Bend in the rainforest. It was created by world renowned local sculptor, May Barrie. The sculpture is a tribute to Mrs Jean Robertson, the daughter of one of Wollongong's early settlers, and commissioned by the Beale family
Towering above everything else, this isn't just a fig. It's two. The original tree, the Small-leafed fig is being attacked from above by a Morton Bay Fig. See if you can find the Celtic blessing nestled at the base of the tree.
This Garden is a seasonal blaze of colour. If visiting in late autumn, the early flowering Sasanqua Camellias are spectacular followed by the Japonica Camellia blooms through October. We have a Camellia Sinensis which is used to produce black tea.
"Disclaimer: Please note that all information shown has been provided by the owner of the garden or event coordinators and has not been verified by My Open Garden. See our full terms and conditions for the use of this site.