Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens showing a high-rise building, modern architecture and a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens showing flowers and wild flowers
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a bay or harbour as well as a large group of people


Escape Sydney’s busy downtown and enjoy the winding pathways, art installations and rose gardens of this lush haven.

Take a break from the bustle of downtown Sydney in the colourful Royal Botanic Gardens. With visually stunning flower plots, intriguing artworks spread throughout the gardens and easy access to nearby attractions, it makes a great addition to any itinerary.

Located on land that was deemed too infertile for farming, the environment is testament to the determination of 19th-century botanist Charles Fraser, who is most famous for naming thousands of Australian plants. He developed the infertile soil and collected and studied the fauna that turned the plot into a world-renowned garden. Come to see the fruits of his labour with such early plantings as the majestic Moreton Bay figs that now dominate the landscape.

Take a stroll through one of the garden’s flower exhibitions, such as the Camellia Garden that hosts many different Australian-bred species of the beautiful bloom. Don’t miss out on the Begonia Garden, where you can learn how to grow your own begonias. Walk through the Palace Rose Garden with its 1,800 roses. Signs give information on the species and benches are provided for relaxing.

See some of Australia’s most beautiful native tree life on the rainforest walk. The Palm Grove has one of Australia’s best collections of palm trees. The rare Wollemi pine and the formally manicured gardens of Government House in the gardens’ northwest are also well worth a visit.

Eat lunch at the central garden shop and restaurant.

Take a guided tour of the gardens on Monday to Friday to learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the site. Alternatively, pick up a map from the central information centre and take a self-guided tour of the garden’s spectacular art installations, including the over-scaled seed sculptures by Bronwyn Oliver located near the central main pond.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are located on the Sydney Harbour, a short walk from Circular Quay in downtown. Come by ferry or catch the train to Martin Place, a 10-minute walk away from the gardens. If you come by car, pay to park in the surrounding streets.

The gardens are open daily and entry is free.

Plan a trip to see Royal Botanic Gardens

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Things to do near Royal Botanic Gardens

At the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including captivating walking tours that showcase the stunning flora and fauna. Additionally, the nearby areas offer excellent opera performances, shopping opportunities, and vibrant entertainment options, making it a perfect destination for a delightful outing. Don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Martin Place, only 249m away, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. The Rocks Markets, 497m away, feature local crafts and food stalls. If you're up for a drive, head to Oxford Street, 1.2km away, for a lively shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at Sydney Cricket Ground, where you can catch a game or participate in fitness sessions. Nearby, the Metro Theatre offers live music events, perfect for unwinding. For a family-friendly experience, head to Bondi Icebergs for a refreshing swim and stunning ocean views.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic 4-mile hike showcasing breathtaking views. For family fun, navigate the McElhone Stairs maze, located 186m away. If you're keen on underwater adventures, dive at Ben Buckler Point, also 2.5km distant, for an exhilarating experience.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at Theatre Royal, just 311m away, where culture meets romance. For a unique experience, visit Sydney Observatory, 559m away, and gaze at the stars. Don’t miss the Open Air Cinema, also 311m away, perfect for family and date nights.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney offer a delightful blend of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and vibrant streets, making it a perfect destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes and diverse plant life while enjoying the nearby attractions. For a truly enriching experience, immerse yourself in the beauty of the gardens and discover the charm of the surrounding area.

  • Circular Quay: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay, a picturesque harbour just 435m from the Royal Botanic Gardens. With stunning views of the water and lively beach vibes, it's the perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery.
  • Sydney Opera House: A true icon of Australia, the Sydney Opera House is located 435m from the gardens. Its unique architecture and rich cultural offerings make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Spanning 621m from the Royal Botanic Gardens, this historic bridge offers a glimpse into Sydney's past. Its impressive structure provides a wonderful vantage point for panoramic views of the harbour and city.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Botanic Gardens

To save on your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, consider travelling in the cheaper months of May, July, and October. Booking your accommodation around a month in advance can help you secure better rates, especially if you check last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Mondays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Additionally, utilising public transport and walking within the gardens can help you save money, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens are May, July and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Botanic Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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