E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens
Caringbah, NSW
An oasis in the heart of The Shire.
I’ll be honest. The Sutherland Shire of Sydney (known locally as simply “The Shire”) is like a foreign land to me. I don’t know if it’s the same in other cities, but in Sydney people tend to stick to their area. Despite close to 35 years here, I think I’ve been to this part of the city only once before. I just never go to the southern suburbs.
Like....ever.
So heading out to visit a garden deep in The Shire felt like a bit of an adventure. It was also a long way. A really long way. One of Sydney’s less appealing aspects is that it’s extremely spread out. The trip took me 2.5 hours by train. Each way. From central Sydney though, it’s about an hour.
But I was extremely curious to see what is billed as one of the best camellia gardens in the country. In fact it’s one of only two in NSW (and 60 in the world) to be awarded the Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.
Exploring the Garden
This garden was a lovely surprise. I suppose the fact that I’d never heard of it before made me wonder if it was going to be a bit of a non-event. But nothing could be further from the truth.
The main entrance to the garden is on President Avenue. From there it slopes down to Yowie Bay. Paths meander between mature garden beds that are filled with camellias. Kareena Creek cascades through the garden beneath gorgeous tree ferns, palms and lush greenery. This is a garden that feels like an oasis. I can imagine how refreshing it would be on a hot and humid Sydney day. Strategically placed gazebos offer a tranquil place to sit and just enjoy the ambience.
The garden is home to over 400 camellia cultivars and species that are located throughout the garden. They’re in bloom from autumn through to spring. Flowering season starts off with Camellia sasanqua and its delicate blooms from autumn into early winter or spring. Camellia japonica takes over in late autumn, keeping the show going right through the coldest months. Then, just as winter begins to loosen its grip, Camellia reticulata steps in, flowering into September and October.
As the days grow longer and warmer, spring annuals arrive to paint the garden with freshness and life. Come summer, the roses take centre stage. The rose garden is a circular design, with a path and seating all the way around. I definitely plan to return in summer to see it in full bloom. Watch this space.
There’s also a small Senses Garden for visitors with vision impairments.
In addition to the garden beds, there are open lawn areas that are perfect for a picnic, as well as a BBQ area in the lower part of the garden. Expect to be visited by ducks.
Wildlife at the garden
Speaking of ducks...
There are several species that come and go from the garden. They are all wild and include Pacific Black Ducks, Chestnut Teals, Australian Wood Ducks and more. You’ll see them in the creek as well as in the duck ponds. You can feed them, but are asked to stick to sliced grapes, sweet corn, leafy greens or peas. The tea room in the garden also sells bags of duck food for just $1.
There’s also plenty of other bird life to look out for. During my visit I saw magpies, Rainbow Lorikeets, Australian White Ibis (aka “bin chickens”) and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. I’ve read that it’s also home to Powerful Owls.
Other animals commonly seen are Water Dragons, although none appeared while I was there, probably because it was a fairly a cold day. Smart water dragons!
The garden is also home to a colony (or “camp”) of the endangered Grey-headed Flying Fox. These interesting creatures are Australia’s largest megabat (what a great word!!), with a wingspan up to a metre. They’re nomadic mammals, and travel across Australia. You’ll likely hear (and smell) the flying foxes before you see them. There seems to always be quite a bit of chatter even when they are sleeping during the day. So look up – there are several trees absolutely filled with these upside down sleepers.
A short history of the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens
The first camellias were planted here in 1969 and the garden was built as part of the 1970 Captain Cook Bicentenary program. They get their name from Professor E.G. Waterhouse – a Sydney resident who was a leading global authority on camellias. Prior to 1970, the garden was known as the Matson Pleasure Grounds – a popular picnic and boating area since the early 1900’s.
Enjoy a walk through the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens
The Jade Teahouse – time for a spot of tea
Near the upper entrance to the garden, you’ll find the pretty Jade Teahouse. On offer is a range of organic teas, along with vegan, gluten and dairy free treats. You can also dine in – the menu includes a range of light meals. They also serve Devonshire Teas (scones and tea) as well as sumptuous high teas and special seasonal high teas. You can also pick up a picnic box to enjoy in the garden.
If you want to dine in (maybe partake of a decadent High Tea?) you do need to book a table. I was there on a Friday and it was completely full.
Check out their menu here
What is the best time to visit the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens?
Although this is a year-round garden, the best time to visit for peak camellia viewing is from autumn through to spring.
The roses are at their peak during the warmer months, with peak blooms in December and February.
How to get to the Camellia Gardens
104R President Ave,
Caringbah South, NSW
(corner of President Ave and Kareena Rd)
By car:
From Sydney’s CBD the drive will take around 40 minutes to an hour. There is a small amount of parking near the entrance on President Ave. The main parking area is at the southern end of Kareena Road.
By Train:
The gardens are easy to reach by train. The journey from Sydney Central is just over an hour. Caringbah Station is a 20 minute walk from the gardens.
From Sydney Central Station, take the T4 line to Cronulla. Caringbah is the third last stop on the line.
Note that the T4 line branches at Sutherland, with some trains going to Cronulla and others continuing on to Waterfall and the South Coast. Be sure to get the right train!
As you leave the station, turn left and walk up to the intersection of the Kingsway and President Ave. Turn right onto President Ave and walk about 15 minutes. The gardens are on the left hand side of the road.
How much does it cost to visit the Camellia Gardens?
Entry is free! In Sydney this is a miracle.
When is are the Camellia Gardens open?
Gardens:
Monday to Friday - 9am – 4pm
Weekends and public holidays – 9.30am to 5pm (6pm during daylight saving time)
Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Jade Teahouse:
Monday to Friday – 8am – 3.30pm
Weekends – 8am – 5pm
Closed all public holidays and subject to change.
Things to do at the Camellia Gardens
Stroll through the gardens – how many different camellias can you identify?
Guided tours – volunteers conduct guided tours between June and August. For information contact Stephen Utick sutick@grapevine.com.au
Feed the ducks
Enjoy a picnic or BBQ
Indulge in a high tea at the teahouse
Spot wildlife
Playgrounds – there are two playgrounds in the garden – one near the teahouse and the other near the BBQ area
Are the Camellia Gardens Accessible?
The gardens are on a steeply sloping site so some areas are not suitable for people with mobility issues.
However the top and bottom parts of the garden are accessible from the parking areas. The Tea Room is also accessible with ramp access.
There are accessible toilets in the lower part of the garden and at the Teahouse.
Photography Tips
You could have a lot of fun with macro photography here, so bring your macro lens if you have one.
Much of the garden is in deep shade, so you’ll need a tripod if you want to capture macro flower shots or long exposure shots of the stream.
Other things to do in the area
Once you’ve made it this far, you’ll probably want to take a look around. So what else is on offer? Nearby Cronulla has a wide choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as an iconic beach.
Cronulla Beach – swim, surf or go for a walk along the beach
Browse for your next book at The Best Little Bookshop in Town
Discover local wall art on the Walk the Walls Cronulla Street Art Trail
Final thoughts
Although it’s off the beaten track for most visitors to Sydney, this is a garden that’s worth a visit. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city and you really do feel a world away as you wander through the garden. I loved hearing the soft splash of the creek as it made it’s way down to the bay and the quiet chatter of ducks. And the teahouse was definitely an unexpected treat.
If I lived closer I’d probably be a regular visitor to this garden – it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite of locals.