Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
4.5
About
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a major botanical Garden located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Opened in 1816, the garden is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
- Martin Place • 8 min walk
- Circular Quay • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
4,220 within 5 kms
Attractions
797 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Melinda GAmsterdam, The Netherlands95 contributionsWhat a lovely strollThe Botanic Gardens are such a nice place to visit when in Sydney. It may not rise to the top of your list but as it is so convenient to access when by the Opera House, at least step into the gardens to transit somewhere else but it's definitely a nice stop to make on it's own. We loved the herb/medicinal garden especially. I want to return and do a tour offered by the gardens...perhaps next trip!Visited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
- TVDadTampa, Florida1,482 contributionsWonderful Place to Spend a Sunny Day. And it’s Free!This beautiful park is filled with colorful flowers, exotic trees and fascinating wildlife. And it’s free! It’s located on the harbor adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. We found ourselves there after an opera house tour. My wife and I strolled through the park for three hours and enjoyed it immensely! There are several free tours and others that cost money. But you can also download an app that guides you through the park. Pack a picnic lunch, or eat at one of several cafes in the park.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2023
- Jerlene McaveneyMelbourne, Australia14 contributionsAmazing place to relaxI visited the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney last week and I was amazed by the beauty and diversity of the plants and wildlife. The garden is located on the edge of the harbour, offering stunning views of the city and the water. I enjoyed walking through the themed gardens, learning about the history and culture of the garden, and relaxing at one of the cafés. The garden also has a modern exhibition space called The Calyx, where I saw a fascinating display of orchids. The garden is free to enter and has free wifi and an app to help you explore. I highly recommend visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney if you are looking for an oasis in the city.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2023
- Deborah ECoffs Harbour, Australia166 contributionsStunning gardens in an amazing locationI stayed in Sydney for a week and my hotel was opposite the gardens. I walked and / or ran through the gardens every day and it was just divine. The gardens themselves are spectacular but the location on the harbour just makes it all the more spectacular. Absolutely worth a visit.Visited March 2023Written 30 March 2023
- VernmanJoplin, Missouri189 contributionsHuge, Amazing, BeautifulThis is a huge amazing place. The specimen trees are incredible and worth the trip by themselves. I don’t think it would be possible to see the whole place it one day. It’s a great relaxing place to visit and take in as much as you can. Be prepared to walk a lot and bring whatever you need to protect yourself from the sun and or rain.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 April 2023
- stevebintleyBedford, United Kingdom7,051 contributionsAmazing spaceThis is one of the nicest open gardens I’ve come across and the fact it’s free to access and wander around is superb. There’s lots of different sections but each is really well kept and gorgeous to admire. Despite there being a fair number of people there on my visit it was still very peaceful and the perfect retreat from the city. With the waterfront at the bottom and a nice walk to the opera house it’s even more accessible and appealing and everyone should visit when in the city.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 April 2023
- BorntocruiseUKHeathfield, United Kingdom11,197 contributionsPeaceful, serene and freeNot many things in this world are free but these gardens are. You could easily spend a few hours meandering around the numerous paths. Beautifully kept offering stunning views over Sydney. When we were there they had Alice in Wonderland on for which there was a fee to get in. Wow did those guys entertain the kids.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 June 2023
- Shah Inder2 contributionsBeautiful GardensIt is a wonderful garden ,with ancient trees growing which are so well maintained. Presence of the sea gulls, taking food from the visitors without any fear was enjoyable. We also saw the beautiful decorations in the garden for the Vivid show .Visited June 2023Written 28 June 2023
- onitadaWellington, New Zealand104 contributionsA wet day, during the school holidays. Quiet and peaceful.I found myslf in the gardens on a rainy day. Don't buy an umbrella from the gift shop in the gardens $31 later. Hey, I was desperate. I found myslf mostly emersed in the Cactus garden area, the variety, scale and size of these things. But here is so much more to explore, such as, at night with the lights festival.Visited July 2023Written 19 July 2023
- kerynLALPrePrep9 contributionsSo much to see in one garden space!You can spend a full day at the Sydney Botanical Gardens as there is so much to see and do. There are dedicated garden spaces such as the Camellia Garden, the Palace Rose Garden, and the Succulent Garden, to name a few. We ran out of time to see it all and we'll need to come back to see the Native Garden and the Palace Rose Garden with its 1,700 roses when they are in bloom - visiting in wintertime meant we missed that. The only downfall is that their maps are hard to follow. The cafe had lovely food and we didn't know until leaving that Luke Nguyen has a restaurant there, too. Another good excuse for a return visit. We loved our day visiting these gardens!!!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,876 reviews
Excellent
7,065
Very good
2,451
Average
298
Poor
36
Terrible
27
Lisa F
15 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Free entry, right near the opera house at circular quay. Accessible from Bondi Beach via the 333 bus. Great way to spend the day. Excellent coffee shop near the rose garden. Close to the Museum of Sydney (also free entry).
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shivnis
Auckland Central, New Zealand36 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A massive public park where you can walk around and see all sorts of beautiful gardens. I loved some of the buildings and the largest living wall.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boomer
Jupiter, FL95 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Probably the nicest botanical garden we've ever seen.AND ITS FREE! Close to downtown and attractions. Great restaurants nearby transportation is available if needed it was a great attraction
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
Southampton, UK92 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Lovely views, (The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the opera house and the CBD) lots to see, peaceful walks, beautiful plants, had a nice chilled morning...........
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina K
Toronto, Canada138 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Since our hotel was directly across the street from The Botanic Garden we went 3 times. Each time was different and wonderful! The gardens are huge and beautifully maintained with so many areas to wander in.
It was a fantastic surprise to discover that sulphur-crested cockatoos roam freely and loudly throughout the gardens. We couldn't get enough of looking at them!
You cannot go to Sydney without a visit to the garden.
It was a fantastic surprise to discover that sulphur-crested cockatoos roam freely and loudly throughout the gardens. We couldn't get enough of looking at them!
You cannot go to Sydney without a visit to the garden.
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Ashtead, UK1,290 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
What a lovely way to send a couple of hours, wandering thought the gardens, enjoying the flora and people-watching too! It helps the weather was fab when we went
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriele T
United States6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful place, amazing flowers, great restaurants. The garden is close to the boardwalk and you can walk all the way to the opera house area.
Highly recommend for any plant lovers.
Highly recommend for any plant lovers.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane
19 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Wonderful gardens with great view points. There’s a nice volunteer lady at the entrance that provides great advices. Seeing the free cacatoès was a highlight !
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leuveen
United Kingdom1,284 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A beautiful, big botanical garden. There are several thenatic sections (herbs garden, rainforest, spring flowers etc.) to explore, one could easily spend a week there strolling around. It's hard to believe that entry to this place is free of charge.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bo S
Oakville, Canada21 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Green escape from the hustle of the city. It seemed that all plants of the region were represented. Along the pathway you will find sculptures and Museum of South Wales . There is something to look at every corner. Highly recommend place .
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee
Laguna Vista, TX
Is there a fee to see the botanic garden
Nancy
Colorado4 contributions
There is no fee, which is great. It is actually more like a giant park that you walk around at your own pace. There are some plant labels, but not as many as at other botanic gardens I have been to in other countries and in the USA.
CSaha
Singapore, Singapore291 contributions
I am here in Sydney and want to visit Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
but before going , i need some help to clarify some doubts
1. What is the best / nearest bus stop ?
2. What time of the day is good to visit to get the full view of Opera House and Harbour Bridge (sun light on it when viewed from garden )
3. Any entrance Fee? or Free entry?
Thanks in advance to all for all the help & reading.
C Saha
Judith R
Sydney, Australia57 contributions
There is a bus (441 from Queen Victoria Building every half hour), which stop almost at a gate of the botanical gardens in Art Gallery Drive. Or you could stay on the bus and go to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and walk along rather flat by the harbour into the gardens. The Main Gate is in Macquarie Street. Or you could enter just near the Opera House. It depends where you are coming from. I like to catch the bus from QVB because my bus from home stops there and I can get the bus. I think if you haven’t been to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair headland it’s the best place to take pictures of the Ooera House and the Harbour Bridge together and AM is the best time for photographs. From here walk through the gardens for as long as you like. Down on the flat is the lily pond but explore and find the rose gardens and the Greenhouse as well as the performance space (there is often something going on there. The Greenhouse usually has an Art Exhibition on. Many of the trees were planted when Sydney was first settled. The restaurant is very nice but there is also a snack bar or take a picnic! When you have had enough, walk up hill towards the left if you want to catch the bus back to QVB or over to the top right (when you are looking up from the Harbour) and this will take you to Macquarie Street
beachmomof3_9
Los Angeles, CA260 contributions
Can you please tell me if there are enough seats for everyone who buys tickets to the Point NYE? We are a family of 5 and really don't want to line up early as we only have a couple of days in Sydney and want to go sightseeing during the day. Do you recommend a blanket or do you think we can find a table to sit together? thanks!!!
Melbourneboy
Melbourne, Australia186 contributions
Sorry can’t help you with your question
Patricia M
Wolverhampton, UK34 contributions
would like to book a short tour to get best out of garden, what would you recommend?
MD_Shariful_Islam
Sydney, Australia62 contributions
Hi, I would recommend you to visit by your own. Very nice and charming location, direction, amenities, travel options would make your trip memorable!
Elizabeth S
Tallaght, Ireland11 contributions
When do the tickets for NYE 2020 go on sale?
Yorkshirelass242
Leeds, UK49 contributions
No idea, sorry.
fenomeno-1985
Rome, Italy92 contributions
Hi Everybody! I would like to understand how long does it take to visit The Royal Botanic Garden and if you believe that we should see the sunset from it. Thanks in advance
Enrico-Nap
Naples, Italy86 contributions
Un ora è sufficiente per una bella passeggiata. Il tramonto è bello verso l opera house
AninditaRoy
Hyderabad, India46 contributions
Hi ,
I have 2 questions:
1.Is the botanical garden entry free?
2. Do we need to pay to see Vivid lights inside the park?
Thanks
Annie
Myriou_S
Melbourne, Australia142 contributions
Hello Annie :)
Yes the entry to the garden is free. And I’m not absolutely sure but if I remember well, the Vivid lights event is free as well ! Enjoy :)
What are the main problems of the garden facing by the visitors?
Traveller879
Winnipeg, Canada37 contributions
To see the plants and wildlife
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Claim your listingRoyal Botanic Garden Sydney - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:
- Discover Sydney - Botanic (From HK$289.32)
- Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour (From HK$341.92)
- Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast (From HK$547.08)
- Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems (From HK$2,359.14)
- Secret Food Tours Sydney (From HK$853.23)
- Hotels near Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:
- (0.41 km) Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney
- (0.41 km) InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
- (0.62 km) Ovolo Woolloomooloo
- (0.54 km) Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
- (0.71 km) Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
- Restaurants near Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:
- (0.01 km) Botanic Gardens Cafe
- (0.06 km) Botanic House
- (0.52 km) The Spice Room
- (0.79 km) AALIA Restaurant Sydney
- (0.57 km) China Doll
- Attractions near Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:
- (0.01 km) Macquaries Wall
- (0.45 km) OzPaddle
- (0.38 km) State Library of New South Wales
- (0.47 km) Sydney Architecture Walks
- (0.42 km) The Gentleman Magician's Magical Soirees