Explore the Gardens
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are Blue Mountains native bushland underplanted with exotic species such as rhododendrons, azaleas, mollis azaleas, camellias, kalmias, pieris and forsythia. They also contain many cold climate deciduous trees such as maples, flowering cherries, and a wisteria walk. There are now well over 2000 rhododendrons planted. At 1065 metres above sea level, the cooler climate is conducive to growing rhododendrons and other exotics amongst the natural bush.
The Gardens offer walking tracks, a lake, bridges and many specific plantings, as well as diverse bird life and wildlife.
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Gazebo
The Gazebo is situated next to the Griffiths Walk. It offers picnic tables and chairs under shelter and a grassed area for other activities.
Picnic tables
A number of picnic tables are located close to the car park for easy access.
Picnic Shelter
A shelter is located in the Conifer Gardens at the western end of the Gardens.
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Rhododendrons
While rhododendrons have been planted throughout the Gardens, the first rhododendrons planted in 1972 - “White Pearls” - are in the valley. Centenary Walk contains donated rhododendrons commemorating Blackheath Centenary (1985).
Conifer Gardens
The Dr A.L. North Conifer Garden is a one hectare parcel of land stretching along the fence-line border on Bacchante Street, from the Valley at the bottom to Ridgewell Road at the top.
Do take a stroll to the Dr A.L. North Conifer Garden, and check out the Gymnosperms / Monterey aka Radiata Pines / Chamaecyparis / Yews / Cypresses / Cedars / Junipers.
Maple Crescent
The Maple Crescent walk is a wonderland of yellowed and russet leaves in Autumn. Deciduous trees are planted throughout our 18.3 hectares, and as the leaves gradually change colour, it looks spectacular against the various shades of greens throughout the bushland.
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Jim’s Pond and the Chain of Ponds
Jim’s Pond is situated in the Andy Johnson Rest Area, below the Dam Wall.
It is the last of a chain of ponds that feeds from the Lake, cascades through several smaller ponds and on rainy days, overflows into the swamp. There is a reticulated water system providing regular flow, and it houses a small fountain which keeps the water aerated and perfect for the frogs that enjoy the pond.
The Lake
The Lake is sometimes full, sometimes not. At the moment it is beautifully full and home - hopefully - to resident turtles.
Kay North ponds and terrace garden
Stone lily ponds and water fountain, set amongst terraced gardens, beneath the northern verandah of the Lodge.
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Dick Harris Lookout
The Dick Harris Lookout presents a good overall view of the Garden. It is located near the Lodge and is easily walkable from the carpark.
Dr Nick Matheson-Lines Lookout
The Dr Nick Matheson-Lines Lookout is located on the far side of the Lake and provides an excellent view of the Lake and up toward the Lodge.
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McCullough Bridge
This bridge is probably the most photographed feature in the valley. It was built by Bob McCullough in 1974 and the lush surrounds are a popular backdrop for wedding photography.
Pryor Bridge
Upstream from the McCullough Bridge is the Pryor Bridge. A timber construction built in memory of the town clerk John Pryor who provided assistance in the early development of the Gardens.
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There are a number of walking tracks in the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens. Sealed tracks are marked on the map in purple.
Access
Some of the Gardens’ nature walks have limited disabled access - most of the paths from the Lodge are bitumen, as is the service road through the valley. The rest, including all the paths on the far side of the valley, are in a natural state and there are a varying number of steps to be negotiated.
Short walks
Griffiths Walk - 75m
Soroptimists Walk - 90m
Hanley Walk - 100m
Quota Grove - 100m
Zig Zag Walk - 100m
Bob Baker Walk - 130m
Centenary Walk - 155m
Longer walks
Lake Circuit - 200m
Maple Crescent - 230m
Fox Cave Nature Trail - 260m
Glade Walk - 270m
Engelbert Nature Trail - 650m