Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are situated in one of Sydney's most beautiful locations
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: NoRoyal Botanic Gardens Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9231 8111
Official Website: Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Reviews
Rated out of 5
Such a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in Sydney!!!💕 The garden is very clean, peaceful and full of different plants and flowers. You can have a hundred of pictures because there are so many beautiful spots to see! It is a great place for walking, having a picnic, or enjoying the harbour view near Opera House. The atmosphere is calm and refreshing, especially on sunny day. The is a perfect place for everyone! 😊🫶🏻
Tanya Q - 2 months ago
We enjoyed viewing and learning about the large variety of plants, trees, and flowers. There is so much to see, and the waterfront view near the Sydney Opera House is captivating. Would have loved to purchase a couple of shirts at the gift shop, but no real variety. Also, the public restrooms were absolutely disgusting to the point of not wanting to enter. Lovely experience overall.
Michele B - a month ago
I think this might be my favorite place I visited during our stay in Sydney.
A perfectly maintained huge garden area offers plenty of nice spots to chill in pleasant tree shade, with awesome views of Sydney Harbour on one side and skyscrapers on the other.
A great waterfront promenade and multiple paths for runners and walkers.
Lots of different plants, birds, and small park features to admire.
I could spend whole days here just chilling with a book, etc.
Kris - 2 months ago
Beautiful gardens. Everything here is clean and well maintained. I love that it is free to just walk in and enjoy. There are lots of seating areas, walkways, and great spots to take pictures. I really enjoyed the areas set to supply food for the birds. I found the variety of flowers, trees, and other plants to be very impressive. There was so much area here someone could almost get lost walking around. I highly recommend taking a walk through here if you have time.
Michael Petty - 3 months ago
This is one of the most impressive, beautiful, and we'll maintained botanical gardens. You can spend an entire day walking around this expansive garden. There is so much to see and do. This is a "must see" attraction if visiting the city!
Tom Yenk - 5 months ago
Directions
| Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L2, T2, T3 or Ferry | Circular Quay | 7 minutes |
| T4 | Martin Place | 3 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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Accommodations near Royal Botanic Gardens:
Photo Gallery
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Pyramid Glass House and Tropical Centre in the Royal Botanic Gardens cc licensed photo by Hector Garcia -
Blazing Tulips in the Royal Botanic Gardens cc licensed photo by Richard Gifford -
Photo Credit: stu7009 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wyncliffe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wyncliffe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: (Imagine) 2.0 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ellen forsyth - cc license via Flickr
