Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens

Beautiful find! So happy to have discovered the Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Garden which is not far from Wollongong City Centre. It is only open on weekends and Tuesdays so we planned our activities around visiting on a Tuesday. Free parking onsite. It is $5 entry fee per adult via an honesty system with cash boxes at the entrance and details on how to pay via bank deposit and credit card. This garden doesn't receive any government funding and is run by volunteers - much respect! There were lots of volunteers busily working on our visit (all women!) and one looked to be having the time of her life on the ride on mower keeping the large lawn area looking immaculate. I wish I lived closer as I'd love to become a volunteer. Some of the paths to the upper gardens are very steep, but there are seats everywhere to take a rest if you need to. The native fig tree was epic! The Rhododendrons were just finishing flowering but still very pretty. The flowering gums were beautiful. We met some inquisitive ducks who like to follow people!! Toilet amenities on site. There is also a community library box. Beautiful pond with water lilies. This would be a lovely place for a picnic. We were blessed with a kookaburra in a tree very close to us. A true hidden gem in the Illawarra, don't miss out on this one.

Well, !!!!, what a treasure. Have lived in the Illawarra for just over 30 years and had heard about the Rhododendron Gardens but never been. How delightful. Tucked away at the end Parrish Ave, a whole new world. There is a 'hiking track' need joggers or hiking shoes as several little creeks to cross and boggy in places. I wasn't aware of this so hadn't worn proper shoes but we did do part of the track. $5 entry fee but definitely worth it. You can take a picnic as there are picnic tables and even just benches available to sit and enjoy. Apparently in September on each Sunday from 11am (??) included in this price is a guided walk with one of the Volunteers who will point out all the different varieties. No Local or State Funding given all maintained by Volunteers and the entry fee.

What a magical spot for a fairy picnic 🧺 🧚 We have come here so many times and each time it’s a joy. Thankyou to the incredible staff who over see this gem. The garden is cared for by the most beautiful team of volunteers and they themselves are magical 🧙 fairy’s as the garden is a delight.

What a terrific spot. Unfortunately, i wasnt able to visit several weeks ago, when the gardend would have been in full bloom, but frankly it didnt spoil things at all, as there's so much to see and experience. I recommend doing the full bush trail

Enjoyed our walk around the gardens. Plenty of flowers in bloom. Volunteers gave us a guided walk around the park. Volunteers do an exceptional job painting the gardens. Cafe to purchase morning g tea.

We loved our visit. Volunteers were welcoming and helpful. Beautifully laid out. Thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour with Nadia. A beautiful sanctuary.❤️

We had our wedding at the gardens on the 31/10/2024. Colleen was amazing from the get go and saved us as our other venue had been closed down! Communication was seamless and easy. The gardens were stunning and a perfect fit for our event from bump in, to bump out! We had 120 people and there was plenty of space and parking for all our guests! The hire cost was budget friendly, there are bathrooms on site and your event can be made as accessible as needed. IRRG thank for hosting our wedding ceremony! Jill & Ben