Gardens in the Blue Mountains
The exotic and beautiful Blue Mountains are the perfect place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city in green surroundings. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is home to some of Australia’s most exotic gardens. From autumn to spring – Blue Mountains Gardens is home to beautiful blooms.
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Everglades: Art Deco Oasis in Nature
The magnificent Everglades House and Gardens spans 5.2 hectares in Leura village, located a brief five-minute drive from Katoomba, the principal town in the Blue Mountains, or a 90-minute journey from Sydney. The gardens were designed by Danish landscape architect Paul Sorensen, who was born in the 1930s. These gardens showcase breathtaking vistas of the Jamieson Valley surrounding an elegant Art Deco residence. Sorensen drew inspiration from formal European beautiful garden designs while demonstrating sensitivity to the native bushland environment, skillfully incorporating the natural terrain and preserving indigenous flora such as bankia and eucalyptus species.
When visiting the Blue Mountains from Sydney, these botanic gardens are worth visiting for a day. Contact companies providing Blue Mountains day tours or additional information about these botanical gardens.
The beautiful park includes a cherry terrace with rows of weeping Japanese cherry trees, a waterfall flowing into the Grotto Pool, and an observation platform with panoramic views of Gordon Falls and its natural beauty. Including a rare collection of trees, shrub borders, forest areas, and fountains adds to the landscape’s visual appeal. Visitors may walk down the meandering rose to the tiered Everglades gardens, take a break at the beautiful reflection pool, and find a quiet place to rest and breathe fresh mountain air. Opening hours for the Everglades are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Thursday through Monday.
Bright and beautiful
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, situated close to Blackheath and just a 15-minute drive from Katoomba via the Great Western Highway, are well-liked destinations. The Blue Mountains Nurseries Association created these gardens in April 1969, and construction began a year later. The land was dedicated to Olive and Norm Campbell, a local couple, with Norm managing the early planning and design of the gardens and Olive contributing behind the scenes.
The gardens, which cover 18.3 hectares, feature vividly coloured blooming Australian plants mixed in with natural eucalyptus, deciduous trees, conifers, ferns, and green bushes. This serene retreat is designed to be attractive all year, but it shines brightest between early October and late November when the rhododendrons and azaleas blossom. Several walking pathways run down to the valley bottom and lake, so bring a picnic basket and mat to enjoy the splendour.
Ambitious plans
The Blue Mountains’ Mount Wilson and Mount Irwin communities are located close to one another, at a distance of 14 km east of Bell. Both have stunning gardens and old residences and are surrounded by rainforests.
One of the most attractive is the Windridge Garden, which dates back to 1877 and was restored by Roger and Vi Davidson, who took over the property in 1995. Windridge Garden supports various plant life, encouraging visitors to experience a colourful and diverse climate and exotic natural beauty. The vibrant colour of plants in Windridge Garden creates a beautiful contrast against the lush greenery of the landscape.
The Davidson have planted numerous blooming plants and incorporated a water lily pond, waterfall, formal parterre, hyacinth forest, alpine rainforest, and magnolia park in their landscape. These features are linked by well-thought-out pathways and enhanced by ceramics and bronze sculptures. The park boasts Japanese maples, camellias, azaleas, and hydrangeas, some of which are purchasable from their nursery.
Walking in wonderland
Located 1,000 metres above sea level on Mount Tomah, the Blue Mountains Botanical Garden is a vast vantage point for the Great Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Wander through the diverse woodlands, discover the ancient Wollemi pines, enjoy woodland therapy and admire the variety of flowering plants.
The orchard is home to various wildlife, such as ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums, sugar snakes, reptiles, and more than 150 types of native birds. The cool climate garden is suitable for growing fragile alpine flowers and dense ferns, establishing a peaceful sanctuary within the mountain scenery.
Visitors can spot these animals, participate in guided tours, view art displays, and purchase plants.
FAQ
When is the best time to see blooms in the Blue Mountains gardens?
From autumn to spring you’ll see the most colour. The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are at their peak from early October to late November when rhododendrons and azaleas flower. Many cool-climate and alpine species at Mount Tomah also shine through spring.
What makes Everglades House & Gardens special—and when is it open?
An Art Deco home set in 5.2 hectares of landscaped grounds in Leura (about 5 minutes from Katoomba or ~90 minutes from Sydney). Designed by landscape architect Paul Sorensen in the 1930s, it blends formal European design with native bush. Highlights include the cherry terrace, Grotto Pool and waterfall, reflection pool, and lookouts to Gordon Falls/Jamison Valley. Open 10:00am–4:00pm, Thursday to Monday.
What should I know about the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath?
Created in 1969 and spanning 18.3 hectares, these gardens weave Australian natives through deciduous trees, conifers, ferns and massed rhododendrons/azaleas. Expect vivid spring colour, walking paths down to a lake, and plenty of space for a picnic. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Katoomba via the Great Western Highway.
Why visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah?
Perched at 1,000 metres with sweeping views over the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Mount Tomah showcases cool-climate collections, ancient Wollemi pines, and tranquil woodland areas perfect for forest bathing. You can join guided tours, see art displays, buy plants, and look for native wildlife (possums, reptiles and 150+ bird species).
Are there historic private gardens to explore around Mount Wilson/Mount Irvine?
Yes—these neighbouring villages (about 14 km east of Bell) are known for heritage homes and spectacular gardens. A standout is Windridge Garden (established 1877, restored from 1995), featuring a water-lily pond, waterfall, formal parterre, hyacinth forest, alpine rainforest, magnolia park, sculpture accents, well-linked paths—and a nursery where some plants are for sale.
