Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

This is yet another delight-filled season for photographers—autumn in Blackheath is truly remarkable.

Our Maple Grove in the Rhododendron Gardens is a wonderland of yellowed and russet leaves.  Deciduous trees are planted throughout our 18.3 hectares, and as the leaves gradually change colour, the bare branches create a dramatic sculptural display against the various shades of greens throughout the bushland.  And Wentworth Street—on the way to our Gardens—is stunningly picturesque, carpeted in crisply crackling orange.

In winter, beautiful native shrubs such as Acacia and some Grevillea are in flower, whilst the deciduous trees—bare against the native bushland—create a sculptural splendour.  Then, later, the Camellias are beautiful...and by late-September some of the Rhododendrons are beginning to flower, whilst others bud, promising an impressive springtime.  It doesn't snow every year, but it's so magical when it does.

On sunny days—and even when the weather is cold—it’s a wonderful place to stroll, rugged-up, with family and friends, or with your dogs (on leads).  We even provide doggie-waste bags at the Entrance Kiosk near the blue-green Donation Box (but please take them away with you).

First there are massed-bulbs displays.  Then Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other exotic species like Pieris, Weeping Flowering Cherry Trees, Lilacs and Forsythia, to name some, soon will be covered in blossoms of spectacular colours.  Bring your camera to capture the pure-whites to sensational blood-reds, with striking yellows, pinks, purples and oranges in between.

Open Weeks: early-October to mid-November each year (check Calendar for dates).  During this prime flowering time, the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens’ meeting house, The Lodge, springs to life and transforms into the Rhodo Tea Room, open from 10:00am to 4:00pm (last orders 3:30pm). For 5-6 weeks, 7-days-a-week, our volunteers serve fabulous freshly-brewed coffee, a variety of teas, delicious scones with jam and cream (our famous Aussie Cream Teas), and other refreshments and tasty treats.  The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the view of the Gardens from the outside deck is a gorgeous enticement, to rest, either before or after your exploration.

As souvenirs of your trip to the Gardens we sell calendars, tea-towels, mini-jigsaw puzzles, a photographic history book, greeting cards and more, all at very reasonable prices.  The proceeds of these sales are vital, and go towards the maintenance and preservation of our wonderful Gardens for your ultimate delight and enjoyment.

Relish a day out in the summer sunshine—the perfect time to come with the family to the Rhododendron Gardens.  Bring your dog too (on a lead).  The valley has several gorgeous grassy areas for you to spread out your blanket and have a picnic lunch.  There also are benches dotted through the gardens, and three shelters—the Gazebo, one in the Valley and another near the Proteaceae Garden.  Later, catch a gentle cool breeze as you drift off on a postprandial nap...or else have a stroll and watch the bird-life flit amongst a backdrop of native eucalypts and shrubs.  Perhaps the little ones can hunt for Rhodosaurus Eggs in their nests.....