Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens are situated in one of Sydney's most beautiful locations

Flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens frame the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens frame the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge cc licensed photo by Rê mineira

The 75 acre Royal Botanic Gardens are located on ground overlooking Farm Cove just south and east of the Sydney Opera House. These beautiful gardens are the culmination of nearly two centuries of hard work dedicated to the science of botany in Australia. The gardens are indeed the main centre for botanical sciences in Australia. Come and discover the amazing collection of plants, both native to Australia and from around the world in this magnificent setting.

The Gardens occupy the site of Australia's first farm which was started in 1788. Interestingly, due to poor soil and growing conditions, the farm was not a success, however the land continued to be cultivated. In 1816 Governor Macquarie founded the gardens as part of the Governor's domain, which later became the location of Government House. He appointed a botanist from the Colony to oversee research and develop the gardens.

The great majority of development that you see today took place under the direction of Charles Moore, a botanist from Scotland, between the years 1848 and 1896. During World War 1 and through the Great Depression, cut backs caused the gardens to regress some, however in 1959 after the gardens where designated as "Royal" they began once again to receive the attention and enhancements they deserved.

While you are welcome to explore the gardens on your own, there is a free guided walking tour every day at 10:30am and also on Monday to Friday from March through November at 1pm. These start from the information booth located just outside the garden shop at the Palm Grove Centre. You can also expect to see lots of colourful birds and wildlife in the gardens. The gardens are also a superb spot to just come and relax; a beautiful oasis from the surrounding city.

Nearby attractions: Government House, Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, Customs House, Justice and Police Museum, and Museum of Sydney.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays

  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9231 8111

Official Website: Royal Botanic Gardens

Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney is a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling city. With its lush greenery, vibrant floral displays, and diverse plant collections, it offers a refreshing escape for nature lovers. The best part? Admission is free, making it accessible to all. A leisurely stroll through the garden, culminating in a picturesque view of the iconic Sydney Opera House, is an experience not to be missed. It's the perfect blend of beauty, serenity, and iconic sights, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Zongle - in the last week

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5 Star Rating What a magnificent garden to explore. I walked around the outside first. Beautiful water views of the Opera House. Then I explored the inner gardens. Truly a place worth visiting. So many different pathways to explore. Many green lawns to have picnics. You can also download an app that gives you a map and also guided tours of the different areas of the garden.
Lisa Kelly - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating Beautiful gardens. Booked tickets for new year's fireworks and this was a prime spot. Lovely views and lawn perfectly kept. Music was on speakers throughout the evening which kept us entertained. Downside was the very poor facilities. Toilets were dire, even earlier on in the evening, with long queues, no water to flush/wash hands and filthy - not cleaned during the evening.
Nilvanta Kerai - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating The expansive Botanic Garden, situated near Sydney's city center, emerges as an essential attraction for tourists. Spanning vast grounds, it showcases an impressive variety of plants and flowers, creating a botanical haven. The meticulously curated landscape is adorned with enchanting floral decorations, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the park. Strolling through the diverse botanical displays offers a sensory delight, with the array of colors, scents, and textures providing a captivating experience. The garden's scale invites visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty, and the meticulous design ensures a harmonious blend of nature's wonders. Beyond the flora, the park's ambiance makes it an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature. Whether it's a leisurely walk along manicured pathways or a peaceful moment spent amidst blooming flowerbeds, the Botanic Garden invites visitors to escape the urban bustle. With so much to explore, visitors can easily dedicate half a day to this verdant retreat. The Botanic Garden stands as a testament to Sydney's commitment to preserving nature's beauty and offers a tranquil escape that captivates the senses, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a serene and immersive botanical experience.
Wesley Wong - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating I would Have offered 6 * but I'm restricted... Amazing Food, awsome place! I had to travel more than 15, 000 km to find this wonderful restaurant. We had The Christmas menu and we weren't wrong. Compliments to Chef Nguyen! I will be back! Without Arnold...
octavian baltac - 2 months ago

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Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L2, T2, T3 or FerryCircular Quay7 minutes
T4Martin Place3 minutes

How to get to Royal Botanic Gardens by

By Train or Ferry: exit at Circular Quay Station and proceed west on Alfred Street then left on Albert Street and right on Macquarie Street. Enter the Gardens by the horse and rider statue at Bridge Street.

By Train: exit at Martin Place and walk east through the plaza to Macquarie Street; cross over and enter the narrow walkway just to the right of the Sydney Hospital Entrance. Continue east on the walkway the the pathway into the Garden.

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