WARNING: do not sample any herbs as some are poisonous or can cause allergic reactions.

The paved path into the Sensory Garden branches off the main path 550 metres from the entrance.  Surrounded by hedges of camellias (Camellia japonica ‘Jennifer Susan’) and lillypilly (Syzygium francisii ‘Little Gem’) this garden collection contains plants which engage the sight and smell senses. Set into the lawn area inside the hedges are raised garden beds with the highly aromatic French lavender (Lavendula dendata). 

A pergola is covered with wisteria (Wisteria spp.) and other flowering vines. The Lady’s Slipper vine (Thunbergia mysorensis) blooms most of the year and its pendulous clusters of red and yellow flowers are a cheerful display.

Herbs are grown in raised beds so they are easy to see and smell.  Many plants that are familiar to cooks are included – several members of the sage family (Salvia spp.), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and a Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis). Other herbs that are less familiar are used in medicines such as Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) or as insect repellents such as wormwoods (Artemisia spp.). A display of Australian and exotic grasses have been planted in the northeast corner adjacent to the rainforest. Nearby you can find the Australian Lemon Myrtle tree (Backhousia citriodora) Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) as well as native and exotic gardenias (Randia fitzalanii and Gardenia augusta) which perfume the air and flaunt their distinctive white flowers.