The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens
An Australian National Treasure
(as named by the Traveller Australia 2011 magazine)
We are pleased to announce that our Open Days for 2012 will be from Saturday 6th October until Monday 5th November. The Lodge will be open for business, serving the best Devonshire Teas on the mountains, with many souvenirs and plants also for sale.
After the havoc caused by the very strong winds last July our volunteers have worked extremely hard to set the area to rights once again to ensure all visitors have a memorable experience in the Gardens.
- Link to Mike Chirgwin’s short film – “A Garden Of Rare Delights”
- Link to Mike Chirgwin’s slideshow – “Blackheath Seasons”
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens were created in 1970 on 18.5 hectares (45 acres) of Australian bushland, 1065 metres above sea level at the northern end of Blackheath, in the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia.
It is managed and maintained by the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society of NSW Incorporated, a community organization of volunteers with members throughout Australia.
It is a garden unique in the world – no other garden has attempted to plant exotics underneath their existing native bush on such a large scale.
The gardens have a series of nature walks leading to the valley floor and the lake, with limited disabled access. The most colourful months are:
- April-May: spectacular autumn displays from deciduous trees followed by camellias.
- September-October: spring blossoms and massed bulbs displays.
- October-November: peak blooming time for rhododendrons and azaleas.
But we’re open every day of the year! It has many tranquil areas that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
We look forward to welcoming you in our Gardens. Dogs on leashes are welcome, but please clean up after them. This is not a dog off-leash park.
Children love playing in the Gardens, particularly in the Spring and Summer.
Admission is by Gold Coin donation at the Car Park.
The Society raises all of its own funds and receives no government funding, so it is important that when you do visit the Gardens you make a donation of a $1 or $2 coin (or more!) for each visitor into the Donation Box in the Car Park next to The Lodge inside the Gardens. All work to maintain, improve and expand the Gardens is carried out by volunteers – perhaps you could even Join Us.
Jazz In The Gardens is a popular fun day with a local jazz band belting out great music while you, your family and friends enjoy a picnic in the valley of the Gardens. It is held twice a year and is not to be missed! Fine Dining Dinners are also held twice a year at The Lodge, three courses of delectable food washed down with fine Australian wines. See the News page for details as the time approaches.
You are welcome to attend our General Meetings, which are held on the 3rd Saturday in February, April, June, August, September and December at 2pm in The Lodge in the Gardens.
Residents of other countries are encouraged to join the Society and support our activities and then visit the Gardens when you tour Australia.
