Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden is somewhat of a well-kept secret for both visitors and locals. It is the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia. Moreover, it is home to an amazing collection of plants from around the world, with a particular focus on flora from Australia and the South Pacific.

It all began in 1788 when the colony’s first farm, Farm Cove, was established by Governor Phillip. In 1816, Governor Lachlan Macquarie founded the Botanic Gardens of Sydney on this site. If you visit the gardens, Macquarie Street runs right alongside, featuring some architecturally wonderful buildings that Macquarie also commissioned.

The Botanic Gardens are a delightful spot for a stroll, to explore, or just to sit and relax. At the northern end, the Botanic Garden sits on Sydney Harbour, next to the Sydney Opera House. It is surrounded by the unfenced parkland known as the Domain, which is open to the public 24 hours a day. The Botanic Garden also sits at the heart of Sydney’s cultural domain. Art galleries, museums, and performing arts are all part of its makeup. The gardens and parklands host some of Sydney’s biggest festivals, celebrations, and events. They also play an important role in providing recreational, sporting, and relaxation facilities for the city’s workers, residents, and visitors.

One of the best ways to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens is to take one of the self-guided walks on offer. Each walk is themed and features different points of interest. These can be downloaded from the links provided below. It is best to allow 90 minutes to a couple of hours so you can enjoy the experience at your leisure.

Walks:

There’s the Memories of World War One Walk. You can start at the Eucalyptus Gum Tree. During World War One, troops would receive gum leaves enclosed in their letters from families and friends. Each evening in the trenches, it was tradition to burn the leaves so the Australian soldiers could share the smell of home. The Heritage Walk showcases significant examples of the early history and development of Sydney since European settlement. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk highlights the significance of native plants to Aboriginal culture. Early Aboriginal inhabitants, the Cadigal, were hunters and gatherers who were intimately associated with their environment.

The Domain Walk starts at the Opera House and returns to Government House. En route from Bennelong Point, it takes in Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Woolloomooloo Gate, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, St. Mary’s Gate, The Mint, Hyde Park Barracks, the Bent Street Entrance, the Garden Palace, Old Government House Site (1788-1845), and the Conservatorium of Music. Lastly, the Arts and Memorials Walk follows a path that focuses on the fountains, sculptures, and memorials in the gardens. There are 55 points of interest on this walk!

The Royal Botanic Gardens, including the Domain, must rate as one of Sydney’s best attractions. Best of all, entry is free.

Accommodation

Do you need accommodation? Guests can enjoy staying in one of our 309 newly refurbished spacious rooms with a range of features and amenities.

Parking

Underground self parking is available at the hotel at $55 per day or $18 per hour.

Sydney Brewery Surry Hills

Looking for the perfect spot to unwind? Just steps away from Rydges Sydney Central Hotel, Sydney Brewery Surry Hills is your gateway to a delightful escape from the bustling Sydney CBD. With a dedicated focus on craft beer and pub meals, this venue offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can indulge and recharge. Come and experience the best in local brews and flavours!

Join us and make the most of your visit—delicious food and easy access await!