Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
About Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
When in Sydney, do as the Sydney-siders do...is that the phrase? It should be, because the Royal Botanic Gardens are a staple of every Sydney-sider. It is a place to spend time with family, enjoy some peace and relaxation, and a great place for kids to learn about plants and horticulture.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are surrounded by an unfenced botanical parkland known as The Domain, which is open 24 hours a day! It has incredible views of the harbour, and is a great place for picnic and games with their vast green spaces and playing fields.
Over 30 acres are home to an outstanding collection of plants from around the world, of course with a focus on the native Australian ones, and the neighbouring South Pacific. The plant life is fragile, so kids will need to take special care, but a great learning experience on the fragility of nature.
The Royal Botanic Gardens have feature gardens within the complex, where you can see specific collections of incredible plants, such as the Rare & Threatened Plants, the Herb Garden and the Rainforest Walk.
The garden is also a haven for wildlife who call this natural setting home. Ducks, birds, and possums all love to visit, but make sure you don't feed them if you see them! They look cute but they can't process human food and it hurts their tummies. Make sure if you see frogs, snakes and spiders to just enjoy them from afar. This is Australia after all and there are some creatures not very safe, as much as they are beautiful!
If you love walking, they gardens have their own self-guided walking tours which are themed - from Aboriginal Heritage Walk to Discovering The Domain. A great way for families to enjoy the park at their own pace.
So...do what the Sydney-siders do and enjoy this beautiful park. There is so much to see and do to fill and entire day and a great way for the city to remind you how wonderful it is!
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Suggest editHow much does it cost?
Suggest editAdults Free
Last Update 2023
Weather forecast
Today
82 F few clouds
Tues
68 F moderate rain
Wed
68 F light rain
Thu
68 F light rain
Fri
74 F light rain
Activity reviews
Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney FAQ’s
I’m Hungry! Can I get food at Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney?
The Palace Gate Cafe, Pavilion Restaurant and Botanic Garden Restaurants are all available to recharge your batteries, but of course it's Sydney so there are a heap of options around the city!
Any top tips when visiting?
You can also see the gardens by Choo Choo Express, an independent company within the park but super fun!
Does Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney have a gift shop?
The Gardens Shop is located in the Palm Grove Centre, open 9.30 am to 5 pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Teachers corner
They have a number of programs for schools so just give them a call to discuss what you need for your students and they can help you work out a plan.
Is Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney fully accessible?
There are a number of accessible entrance gates, and a number of toilets for wheelchairs. Some of the indoor and outdoor venues have accessibility but no bathrooms, so just pick up a map when you arrive or ask the lovely people who work there. Wheelchair hire is available at the Gardens Shop in Palm Grove Centre.
For parking special bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate outside the Art Gallery of NSW.
Any additonal information?
The plants are delicate so kids, no climbing on or playing with the plants. They could be very rare!
Rate & Write a Review
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Glen T
10 years ago
Really nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. People relaxing on the grass and joggers, lots of joggers.
Barry Teoh
10 years ago
A pleasure to stroll around and take in the air when the weather is good. Either in spring seeing all the flowers bloom, or in autumn watching the leaves change color.The best is to start from the Opera House / Opera Bar for lunch, and then make your way to the art gallery at the end for afternoon tea / coffee (or dinner if you really take your time)
Carmen Zauss
10 years ago
I can't wait for the spring to come for me to go to Botanic Gardens for a relaxing stroll in the sunshine. In my opinion these gardens feature the most amazing view on the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The trees in the Botanic Gardens are amazing and I like the little ponds and I guess the very well maintained garden area in general. If you are lucky you will see bats hanging from the trees behind the restrooms near the Cafe and in summer time the Open Air Cinema is an amazing experience (although it seems to be almost impossible to get tickets as sold out within minutes every time!) Anyhow, the Botanic Gardens are a definite must-see!
Gill Dear
10 years ago
What an incredible, open space to enjoy life and realise how lucky we are to live in Sydney. The gardens are impeccably manicured and cared for, with lots of educational elements along the way. I've been to a few weddings and corporate events here, and have never been disappointed. A great place to escape the daily grind at any time of day.
James Nicholson
10 years ago
Absolutely stunning. Take a picnic here on a beautiful sunny day and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Then you can walk down to the water! Really is one of Sydney's best locations!