Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens

Mt Pleasant, NSW, 2519

Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens

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.

Opening Dates/Times

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.

Entry Fee: $5

Children are free. Entry fee is per adult

Warning: Water in the garden, Uneven surfaces, Steep slopes, Trip hazards

Location & Contact Info

  • Parrish Ave
  • Mt Pleasant, NSW, 2519

Note: Follow New Mount Pleasant Road, cross over the motorway and turn left at the T intersection at Parrish Ave.

Local Climate Zone: 10 - Warm Temperate

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.

Regularly Open Gardens (<100km)

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Keiraville, NSW

Garden Guide

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 ...

Vireya Garden (tropical Rhododendrons)

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.

Patrick Lahiff Lake

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.

Sandstone Sculpture

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

Giant Fig Tree in the rainforest gardens

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.

Camellia Garden

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.

Visitor Comments

This is a beautiful area with masses of seasonally blooming Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Vireyas etc., a gorgeous lake with picnic areas & walking paths plus an intriguing track to the Upper Garden of virtually pristine Illawarra rainforest - definitely NOT to be missed! A wonderful natural experience. One of the best gardens in Wollongong!
Lile - December 2023

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