Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens

 Large spreading arms of a magnificent Paperbark

 Emerging from the Camellia garden to Lake Patrick Lahiff

 Banks of Azaleas with Melianthus major (foreground right) at 'American Hill'

 White Magnolia with treeline summit of Mt Keira in background

 Lakeside snowdrops and daffodils

Exotic deciduous trees merging with rainforest evergreens

Big dome shaped shrub Rhododendron just starting to flower 

  

Early flowering Rhododendron

Terrible thing to admit that I have never visited this garden even though it is right on my doorstep, a mere five minute drive away for me or a very stiff walk up Mt Pleasant. This 13 hectare (32 acre) garden was established in the late 1960's from land originally owned by BHP (Australian Iron and Steel) but later transferred to the stewardship of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1986. The garden is managed by volunteers who have transformed this site into a magnificent garden of grand proportions from what was once a weed infested area of lantana and blackberry. The exotic plantings merge seamlessly with nature trails through regenerated rainforest, which I hope to explore at a later date. (Have heaps more photos from today to post of course!)

Details for visitors:  
Address: Parrish Avenue, Mt Pleasant, Wollongong.
From Sydney take left turn Balgownie exit on Mt Ousley Road Freeway,  then sharp right onto New Mt Pleasant Road. follow signs to garden.
Open all year but only on Saturdays ,Sundays and Public Holidays from 10am to 4pm

Also Open Tuesday from 8am to 12noon. (admission gold coin donation)
 Bookings for weddings and functions phone 02 42843041 or 0411 155 125