1. Aerial view of Sydney Harbour and surrounds
    Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW
  2. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW
  3. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  4. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW
  5. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

This magical 30-hectare pocket of green is one of the most visited botanic gardens in the world, sitting pretty on the edge of Sydney Harbour
  • Things to do
  • Sydney
Winnie Stubbs
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Time Out says

Thought to be one of the oldest public gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens date back to 1810 when Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife had a vision for an "English parkland setting with a grand house". Over the years, this 30-hectare oasis has withstood fires, cattle grazing, invasions of flying foxes, a windmill, an aviary, and even a zoo.

Today, aside from a few sulphur-crested cockies, it's an oasis of calm in an urban jungle.

If it's not raining, rug-up and take a free guided walk through the gardens...good for helping city-slickers to distringuish between Begonias and Camellias. Alternatively, if it's a wet weekend, warm up over brunch at Botanic House, where you can watch the rain pour down whilst cradling your steaming cup of coffee. Exquisite.

Best For... Amateur botanists, hippy nature lovers & anyone in need of a break from the city.

Worst For... Couch potatoes.

Tours from 10.30am, daily. Free entry.

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RECOMMENDED:

Want more green space? Click here for our guide to the best public gardens in Sydney.

Can you keep a secret? This little-known garden in Sydney is bigger than NYC’s Central Park.

And this magical harbourside garden is worth the journey over the bridge.

Details

Address
Mrs Macquaries Rd
Sydney
2000
Price:
Free
Opening hours:
Daily 7am-5pm (or later some months)

What’s on

Dad Stance Guinness World Record Attempt

If you’ve ever wanted to take part in (or witness) a Guinness World Record, then here’s your chance. This July, Sydneysiders are being called on to help set the record for the ‘Most People Performing Dad Stance Simultaneously’ – and everyone’s invited.  Leading the charge is Winter Olympian legend Steven Bradbury, who knows a thing or two about making history. Even if you don't recognise the name, you'll almost certainly know the phrase “pulling a Bradbury” – inspired by his unexpected gold medal win at the 2002 Winter Olympics after all four competitors ahead of him crashed out on the final corner, leaving him to glide across the finish line.  Now it's your turn to pull a Bradbury. All you need to do is perfect your dad stance – that’s hands planted firmly on your hips in a slightly judgmental manner and feet shoulder-width apart – and join the record attempt. Not clear on the pose? Just copy any dad in the wild who looks like he’s about to doll out some unwanted instructions or advice.  Ecovacs Robotics is hosting the event at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney on Saturday, July 18, with the official attempt kicking off at 12pm sharp. Arrive early if you want to secure your spot and help make history. Register to participate here.
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