Wollongong Botanic Garden

Overview

Just over an hour's drive south of Sydney, Wollongong thrums with an element of city bustle. But all that drains aways once you enter the grounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden.

The peaceful rainforest-like oasis has semi-arid succulents and delicate rose gardens that have been carefully cultivated for 50 years. Horticultural enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the flora — some local to the Illawara and with many more from as far as Japan, Africa and North America. It all sits at the foot of the escarpment under the watchful gaze of Mount Keira.

You can head to the summit lookout for views across the city and Wollongong's glistening coastline, too.

Image: Wollongong Botanic Garden