Experience an Australia Tour featuring the three remarkable Botanic Gardens of Sydney ——The Royal Botanic Garden, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney features 30 hectares of gardens with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Here, visitors can wander through themed gardens showcasing rainforest and flora.The Mount Annan, Australia’s largest botanical garden spans 416 hectares, and features the Connections Garden and walking trails perfect for wildlife spotting and cycling. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, set within a UNESCO site, offers guided tours through its 252 hectares, highlighting rare mountain plants and a unique Bog Garden. Visitors can also experience therapeutic nature walks in this tranquil setting.
For those seeking things to do at Sydney Botanical Gardens or planning Sydney garden tours, there are endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Discover each garden below to understand its unique features.
1. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of the top attractions in Sydney Botanical Gardens. It is a peaceful green oasis right beside Sydney Harbour, just steps away from the busy city centre. Covering 30 hectares, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a picnic while enjoying beautiful views of Sydney’s most famous sights —– the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the sparkling harbour waters.Best Things To Do:
- Admire the beautiful views in this massive garden, which has something for everyone.
- Join the daily free guided tours to learn about Australian plants and nature or walk through 10 different themed gardens spread across 30 hectares, including Rainforest, Australian, and Tropical sections.
- Experience Aboriginal Culture through special heritage walks and learn about traditional foods made from native plants.
- Check out The Calyx—– a hub for garden exhibitions, workshops, and occasional concerts.
- Take a ride on the fun Choo Choo Express train to see all the main garden spots without walking.
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM Daily
2. Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Mount Annan’s Garden, considered the native plant garden of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, is spread across a huge area of 416 hectares. The star attraction is the “Connections Garden” —- a unique 4.5-hectare outdoor space that shows how humans and nature work together. It is an open-air museum featuring Australia’s diverse plant life.Best Things To Do:
- Watch for wildlife as there are over 190 bird species, lizards, water dragons, wallaroos, and wallabies around the lakes and woodlands.
- Walk the 20 km of tracks, including the scenic Central Valley Loop Walk that offers great views of Sydney.
- Try cycling around the garden’s paths or the mountain bike trail for a more adventurous experience.
- Visit the peaceful Stolen Generations Memorial, featuring a beautiful sandstone sculpture by Aboriginal artist Badger Bates.
- Take a tour of the Australian Plant Bank to learn about plant research and conservation.
- Have a relaxing picnic at one of the many tables and BBQ spots scattered throughout the garden.
Address: 362 Narellan Road, Mount Annan NSW 2567
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM, Daily
3. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
If you’re looking for unique Sydney garden tours, head to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah. It is a peaceful 252-hectare garden inside the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. With 28 hectares open to visitors, it’s the only botanic garden in Australia located within a UNESCO site, making it a perfect and affordable spot to spend a few hours exploring nature. Best Things To Do:
- Have a picnic on the open lawns and enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful gardens.
- Go wildlife spotting to discover interesting insects, reptiles, and birds throughout the garden.
- Explore the Bog Garden’s five zones featuring rare Blue Mountains plants, carnivorous plants, and mosses in a special wetland habitat.
- Try a peaceful Nature Therapy Walk on Saturdays (11 AM or 2 PM) for $35, inspired by Japanese forest therapy.
- Visit the Rock Garden to see unique plants from different continents.
- Book a personalised tour for groups of 4 or more($13.50 per person) with two weeks’ notice.
Address: Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah NSW 2758
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily
Suggested Read: Top 12 National Parks In Australia | Features, Things To Do
Best Time To Visit Sydney Botanical Gardens
Spring (September-November) is the best time to visit Sydney’s three botanical gardens. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney features the historic Spring Walk with colourful flowers and blooming Jacarandas. Mount Annan sparkles with millions of Paper Daisies and Wattles, while Mount Tomah in the Blue Mountains showcases 50,000 Daffodils and cool-climate plants in peak condition.