Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens in Wollongong is gearing up for our inaugural Spring Showcase!

It's almost time for the spectacular displays of 'Rhodo' season. This year, the Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens will be bursting with beauty for their inaugural Spring Showcase. The Showcase will be running Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays only, from 31st August to 29th September. We'll also be open on Father's Day!

Springtime is when the plants are looking their finest, with the IRRG's Lower Gardens filled with the colour of hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. The native rainforest of the Upper Gardens will show off the new pink and bronze leaves of the iconic Red Cedars, as well as the classic red burst of flowers of the Illawarra Flame Tree. A wealth of other gorgeous Illawarra species are waiting to be discovered along the winding trails.

The IRRG volunteers will be ready to welcome visitors with a range of things to see and do. There'll be historical photo displays of the Illawarra, the Gardens and volunteers – even a display of the many brides that have held their weddings in the grounds! There'll be a self-guided walk through the Lower Gardens and a fully guided walk through the Upper Gardens. There'll even be painted rocks hidden about for kids of all ages to find and rehide!

For those wanting to take home something special from the Gardens, a raffle of a rare Vireya, the exotic tropical rhododendrons which form special, feature plantings in the IRRG, will occur. Some Vireyas will also be on exclusive sale! To keep people's energy levels up, a coffee van will also be present on some of the open days.

Visitors can bring their own picnic or use the BBQ's. They can take their time to wander the brick paths and bush tracks or sit in the secret, Sunken Garden for some quiet reflection.

The Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens are in Parrish Avenue, Mount Pleasant. Follow New Mt Pleasant Rd, take the bridge over the M1 and at the Parrish Ave T intersection turn left.

Car parking is available on site. Entry is $5 per adult, with children under 18 granted free entry. Gates open 10am to 5 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Public Holidays. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed, as the IRRG is on National Parks and Wildlife Service land.

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