The Garden Collections

1. Rose Garden

This is the home to a mixture of hybrid teas, floribundas and standard roses. Peak flowering times are mid October to April and it is also our most popular wedding venue during this time.

The Rose Garden has a classic and unique gazebo suitable for weddings, naming ceremonies and other important occasions. It is overlooked by the traditional Japanese Pavilion with a path leading to the Japanese Bridge and Azalea Bank. The Rose Garden is also home to the Equatorial sundial, donated in 1987 by the Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden.

2. Azalea Bank

This collection of azalea hybrids makes a colourful display in July, August and September and is suitable for larger outdoor functions.

3. Middle Creek

Middle Creek is a natural watercourse area which is beautified by modern landscaping and the sound of natural flowing water. This is a perfect setting in autumn and
winter with the camellias flowering in May, June and July and the azaleas in July, August and September.

4. Woodland Garden

This area displays a selection of perennials, bulbs and cool climate trees and shrubs in a natural woodland setting. There is a spring bulb display from autumn to Spring and wild  flowers such as Anemone in early autumn. This area is at its peak in August and September with a multitude of blue bells, clivias, forget-me-nots and bulbs.

This is a favourable area for organised functions between late August and early May and can cater for up to 150 people.

5. Rainforests

This area showcases a number of rainforest communities including the Illawarra rainforest. It also includes collections from the Australian east coast, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

The Illawarra rainforest is home to approximately 80 different species of trees and 15 different species of ferns. The North Eastern fringe of the rainforest contains a new local plant collection used to interpret traditional medicinal and food sources used by Aboriginal people.

6. Dryland Area

This section displays Australian plants that grow naturally in regions experiencing low average rainfall (under 500mm per annum). The mound was created to provide excellent drainage for these plants in Wollongong’s high rainfall zone. Salt Bush, Bottle trees and ephemeral wild flowers create a stunning display.

7. Succulent Mound

The succulent mound showcases a diverse selection of succulents primarily from Africa and America and clearly demonstrates convergent evolution.A massed display of Mesembryanthemum makes a stunning presentation in spring and summer with Aloes flowering profusely from June to August. This area provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor functions all year round in the clearing between the Dryland Mound and the Succulent Mound.

8. Sandstone Collection

This section displays plants that occur in the Heath found on the sandstone of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions.

9. Temple Garden

The Temple Garden was donated by Wollongong Garden Club in 1973. Its sense of intimacy, formal water feature and vine covered trellis make this area ideal for small wedding groups.

10. Australian Open Forests and Grassland

This section displays Dry Sclerophyll and Wet Sclerophyll forest plants from the east coast of Australia. Eucalyptus trees form the canopy and attract numerous native birds, possums and sugar gliders. Understorey plants include Banksia, Doryanthes, grasses and ferns.

11. Sir Joseph Banks Glasshouse

The glasshouse was opened in 1970 and marked the Bicentenary of the landing of Captain Cook in Australia. The Sir Joseph Banks Glasshouse is home to plants from the wet tropics, deserts and temperate regions. The surrounding garden includes plants from temperate and subtropical regions.

12. Herb Garden

The herb garden opposite the Discovery Centre is a formal raised garden with a vast array of herbs including Bay trees, lemongrass, mint, chives, rosemary and thyme. The herb garden was established in 1994 and is also used for school education programs.

14. Flowering Trees & Shrubs

This is a secluded garden set in the centre of the Garden and is sheltered from the wind with a wonderful view of the mountains. The garden beds consist of 13 plant families and include a range of Salvias, Lavenders, Hebes, Buddlejas, and Tibouchinas. Trees within this collection include Prunus, Jacaranda, Lagerstroemia and Cassias.

13. The Discovery Centre & Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden

The Discovery Centre is an educational facility that caters for students of all ages from preschool through to adults. In addition to regular school activities, the centre runs a number of programs during holiday periods.

The Discovery Centre’s range of sustainability programs include composting, no-dig permaculture gardening, and workshops on home grown food processing and preserves. We also offer guided bush walks, craft sessions and theatrical performances - all based on environmental sustainability.

The Friends of the Wollongong Botanic Garden formed in 1981, the Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden foster an interest in the activities and development of the Garden by encouraging people to visit.

The Friends hold monthly meetings and welcome visitors at their office, located in the Discovery Centre off Madoline Street, Keiraville. They also hold propagation group activities and guided walks on a monthly basis.

The Friends’ fundraising activities include plant sales (held twice a year) and the preparation of small items sold via ‘Frogs Hollow’ at most events held within the Garden and from the community booth in Crown Street Mall.

New volunteers are always welcome. For more information contact the Wollongong Botanic Garden office.