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 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 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

4 Star Rating Beautifully maintained gardens. Has so many areas for to find a quiet spot to sit and relax. The huge trees are mesmerising as are many of the beautiful plants. We loved walking slowly from Hyde Park up to the Botanical Gardens to the Opera House. The green lush gardens are a gorgeous neighbour to the cement floors of the Opera House. Having the water views along the garden is stunning. There were so many people yet with all the space there are so many areas to hide and have some quiet time. We loved sitting on the grass close to the water views. The maintenance and horticulture teams definitely do a great job looking after the gardens. Some park drivers in their carts seemed to drive a little too quickly near people. I'm from Melbourne and at the Botanical Gardens the carts move slower than mt walking pace so I was surprised to see some speed so close to passing pedestrians. Friendly however I'd slow down the speed. The gardens have a lot of stairs and hilly parts when in the middle section and may not be mobility friendly everywhere. Definitely more even surface near waters edge. Great place to walk and enjoy some nature and sit under a majestic tree.
Vesna Novakovic - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A Perfect Escape into Nature If you’re looking for a peaceful and refreshing way to spend your day, a visit to the botanic garden is highly recommended. This beautiful green space offers a perfect setting for relaxation, a leisurely walk, or simply soaking up the sun while enjoying the beauty of nature. With its well-maintained pathways, diverse plant life, and tranquil atmosphere, the garden provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just someone looking for a quiet place to unwind, this is the perfect spot. Take a stroll through the lush gardens, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the vibrant flowers and towering trees. You might even find a cozy bench to sit and read a book or simply take in the surroundings. Overall, the botanic garden is a wonderful place to relax and recharge. Highly recommend a visit!
Giovanni Paduos - a month ago

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5 Star Rating One of the most beautifully taken care of gardens I have ever seen. It’s absolutely immaculate the most beautiful walk and we’re not particularly into gardens or plants. It’s just stunning with loads of wildlife and gorgeous birds. One of them ur favourite things we did in Sydney.
Jet_Set_Gypsea - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful and iconic garden. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy this beautiful city in all its glory. It's a popular picnic place and very frequently visited by families. Highly recommended to go there more often than you think. 😊🌻
Anusha Ramgoolam - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The most gorgeous place to walk around! Lots of open grass to relax & enjoy a picnic on, and the statues are stunning. My personal favourite was the fernery that was hidden away. Such a perfect place to get away from the city 🩵
Emma May - a month 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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