Discover the Lisgar Gardens
Often referred to as “Hornsby’s secret garden,” Lisgar Gardens is a secluded sanctuary positioned along the busy streets of West Hornsby. Spanning 6.5 acres, the steep hillside location is filled with lush, colourful plantings that creates a picturesque setting, attracting visitors year-round.
The gardens are particularly famous for their stunning collection of camellias, boasting over 300 specimens. Complementing these blooms are rhododendrons, azaleas, gardenias, and a variety of native trees and ferns. Other attraction highlights include a rainforest walk, picnic areas, a covered pavilion for events, and three waterfalls.
The Lisgar Gardens’ History
The story of Lisgar Gardens begins in 1917 when Dr. Max Cotton purchased the property from his brother Leo with the vision of creating a hillside haven. Dr. Cotton, an academic horticulturist, dedicated years to crafting the gardens alongside local stonemasons Cyril Jago and his team. Their efforts resulted in the intricate terraces, fish ponds, and thriving plant life that define the gardens today.
By the 1950s, Dr. Cotton had established a close friendship with Professor Eben Gowrie Waterhouse, a fellow camellia enthusiast. Together, they introduced and nurtured 72 varieties of camellias, establishing the foundation for Lisgar Gardens’ reputation as a haven for these exquisite flowers.
In 1967, the Hornsby Shire Council purchased the property to preserve its beauty for public enjoyment. The gardens were officially opened to the public on September 21, 1968, and continue to be a cherished community space.
Interesting fact: Some of the original camellias planted by Dr. Cotton still grow in the gardens.
Inside the Lisgar Gardens
The Lisgar Gardens are a gem of the Hornsby region. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make this garden a standout attraction.
Terraced Gardens
Imagine wandering through a multi-level garden where sandstone walls frame vibrant bursts of color and lush greenery. Lisgar Gardens is built on terraced layers, each carefully designed to enhance the natural slope of the land. These terraces allow visitors to explore a variety of floral displays while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
Waterfalls and Rainforest Walks
One of the most enchanting features of Lisgar Gardens is its three waterfalls, gently cascading through the lush landscape. These flowing streams provide a soothing soundtrack to your visit and create perfect photo opportunities.
The rainforest walks allow for peaceful exploration, with winding paths that feel like a secret passage through nature. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy as you meander past moss-covered rocks and fern-lined trails. Benches are tucked along the way, inviting you to sit and soak in the serenity.
The Glade
Within the gardens, the shade house, known as ‘The Glade’, is a magical oasis for families and visitors of all ages. Here, you’ll find a series of koi ponds teeming with colorful fish and connected by charming footbridges.
The Loop Walk
For those craving a bit of exploration, the Lisgar Gardens Loop Walk is a 1.5-hour trail that weaves through the bushland and beyond. This moderately challenging trail, which is not stroller-friendly, takes you past additional waterfalls, sections of Jimmy Banks Creek, and secluded picnic spots. With stairs, creeks, and hidden views, the Loop Walk transforms your visit into a mini-adventure.
Picnics, Play, and Family Fun
Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it! Lisgar Gardens has open lawns and picnic tables, ideal for family gatherings or casual outings with friends. Children will love exploring the garden paths, chasing butterflies, and spotting the colorful flowers, while adults can relax in the shade or enjoy the calming sound of the waterfalls.
The Camellia Collection
The Lisgar Gardens is internationally celebrated for its extensive collection of camellias. The garden boasts over 300 camellia plants and more than 200 historic cultivars, some of which are rare specimens preserved as part of the Camellia Ark Project. In 2020, it was recognised as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society, joining a select group of gardens worldwide.
One of its most prized possessions is the Camellia japonica ‘Cassandra’, a crimson-red cultivar listed as a New South Wales variety in 1849. This specimen, over 75 years old, earned the prestigious Significant Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree award, underscoring its horticultural and historical value. Additionally, the garden features Camellia japonica ‘Max Cotton’, named after the garden’s visionary creator, Dr. Max Cotton.
Celebrations and Events
Lisgar Gardens is also a hotspot for special occasions. The covered pavilion and gazebo are popular venues for weddings, birthday parties, and community events. Can you think of anything more romantic than exchanging vows surrounded by blooming flowers and cascading waterfalls?
One of the most anticipated events is the annual Twilight Opening, when the gardens stay open into the evening. As the sun sets and the gardens are bathed in the soft glow of twilight, the atmosphere becomes truly magical—a must-see for locals and visitors.
The Sandstone Staircase
Just a short stroll from Lisgar Gardens, you’ll find the sandstone staircase on Quarry Road, a relic from the Great Depression, which was built by unemployed workers. An inscription reading “Prosperity around the corner” was intended as a reminder to remain strong during tough times.
Psssst! Can you spot the kangaroo and the dog carved into the soft stone?
Visiting the Lisgar Gardens
Lisgar Gardens is located on Lisgar Road, approximately 1 kilometer from Hornsby Station. The gardens have free entry and are open from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekends (extending to 5:00 pm during daylight savings). Note that the gardens are closed on public holidays and during heavy rain to ensure visitor safety.
Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to park on nearby streets like William Street or Pinera Close, with the latter offering access via a scenic loop trail. For those arriving by train, it’s a 15–20 minute walk from Hornsby Station.
An inclinator is available for guests with mobility needs, providing access to key areas such as the pavilion and formal lawn. Visitors should contact Hornsby Shire Council in advance to arrange use.
Other nearby gardens in Sydney that have free entry include the Royal Botanic Garden and the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden.
Explore Beyond Lisgar Gardens with CityDays
After soaking in the beauty of Lisgar Gardens, extend your exploration with CityDays’ scavenger and treasure hunt tours.
Our Secrets of the CBD Hunt is the perfect way to experience the city, promising an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
And the fun isn’t limited to Sydney—CityDays offers these dynamic hunts across the world, giving you a chance to engage in memorable adventures wherever you go.
For more information about our Sydney Scavenger Hunts then click here: Sydney Scavenger & Treasure Hunts | CityDays.
