Garden

Fernbrook is known as one of Australia's most beautiful woodland gardens. It is situated near the top of Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong Heights, where the Blue Mountains National Park and the Wollemi National Park meet, overlooking the historic Hawkesbury Valley.

The garden of approximately 12 acres, has been created by horticulturist and garden designer, Les Musgrave, who chose this particular area for its climate and enriched deep brown loam, as the aim of the garden was to establish a well balanced and varied mix of native and exotic species.

At the entrance to Fernbrook, a walkway passes beneath a beautifully spreading cork oak, planted around 1900. From there, visitors enjoy a gentle stroll through winding pathways which lead amongst very old and gracious turpentine, lilly-pilly and sassafras trees. These are under planted with a careful mix of plants chosen for their texture and colour. The garden has been planned to be of interest during all seasons of the year.

The path leads through a beautiful pocket of rainforest where Little Wheeney Creek begins its journey towards the valley below. Here among the ferns and moss covered boulders and beneath the overhead canopy, the birds present a feast to interested watchers.

An old stone weir and settling tank can be found a little further along. This area has been restored and landscaped and is a very peaceful spot to sit and relax before heading up to the lake above.