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

Royal Botanic Gardens Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9231 8111

Official Website: Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating It is one of the most beautiful and oldest botanical gardens located in heart of the city in Sydney, NSW Australia. The gardens are well maintained, showcasing a wide variety of big trees, plants and flowers. The gardens themselves have many walkways with nice lakes and fountains etc. Most areas of the gardens are accessible by walker and wheelchair. A fantastic views every where you turn. There you can see great views of Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Circular Quy station etc. A nice place to spend time with family and friends. You can easily get there by Public transports eg bus, train and ferry. Washroom facilities available. Free entry
Varghese K C - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This garden is a must see attraction and it’s right next to the Sydney opera house. It’s massive with trails throughout the entire park. It’s a great place to relax or just walk.
World Explorer - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely amazing!!! Australia's natural masterpiece and oldest botanic garden, overlooking Sydney Harbour. One of the stunning botanical gardens ever I seen. Extensive harbour-side regional parkland near the city centre hosting the Royal Botanic Gardens, a state heritage site full of flowers, plants and trees from all over the world.
Firoz Alam - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Located at Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺. This is a fantastic place to come to. It’s such an iconic place in the centre of the city with fantastic views every where you turn. There’s something lovely cafes you can have something to eat and drink but I must warn it is not cheap. The options include the Botanic House, Farm Cove Eatery, Piccolo Me or Leaf Dept. Cafe which is located in the Calyx. Or, you can always bring your own picnic lunch and eat in the beautiful gardens. There is also a Gift shop (The Garden Shop) located just near Botanic House Restaurant. The Calyx also has a Gift Shop. The view over the harbour is second to none and the walk along the harbour is stunning. You can go from the entrance just next the Opera House all the way past Mrs Macquaries Chair, past the Art Gallery of NSW and down to Woolloomooloo Wharves if you are so inclined. It’s a fantastic walk. The gardens themselves have many walkways with beautiful lakes and fountains etc to enjoy. You can easily get there by public transportation eg train and it’s very wheelchair 🦽 accessible and there’s toilets located at the cafes. I couldn’t recommend enough 👍👍👍👍 Open daily from 7.00am until Sunset.
Nerine Cummins - 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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