The Campbell Rhododendron Garden was 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 – 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 have a varying number of steps to be negotiated. 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.
Author: Bob Saunders.
Coffees and teas are available in the Lodge from the first weekend in October until the first weekend in November.
There are also picnic tables and picnic areas dotted around the gardens.
Car Travel along the Great Western Highway, turn into Hat Hill Road (opposite Blackheath Station) and follow the signs.
RailThe gardens are a 10-15min walk from Blackheath Railway Station.