Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens is a popular attraction located in Caringbah, New South Wales.
It was awarded the title of an International Camellia Garden of Excellence in March 2014 by the International Camellia Society, making it one of only 40 gardens of excellence in the world and the only one in New South Wales.
The garden's development began in 1969 as part of the 1970 Captain Cook Bicentenary program. It was named after Professor E.G. Waterhouse, a renowned authority on Camellias. Through donations, the garden grew and flourished into the stunning landscape it is today.
The garden encompasses over 18 hectares, including the beautiful Yowie Bay. Its main attraction is the extensive Camellia collection, with over 400 cultivars and 25,000 plants. The prime blooming season is between March and August.
Visitors can also explore different areas of the garden, such as the Garden of Serenity, a tranquil escape, and the Gondwana Gateway, a botanical garden showcasing ancient flora.
While exploring, visitors can stop at the charming café, 'The Teahouse,' known for its delicious scones. The garden provides picnic areas, barbeques, seating facilities, and wheelchair access. Guided tours and activities for children are also available.
The garden is open year-round, with the best time to see the Camellias in full bloom being between March and August. It is easily accessible by car, train (20-minute walk from Caringbah train station), or bus (nearest stop is opposite Floribunda Road).