Sydney can be thankful for The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain as their size and location provides the perfect respite from the busy city.
See Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens Satellite Image / Map.
The gardens are easily accessible as there are several entrances including gates by The Sydney Opera House, along Macquarie Street or at Woolloomooloo.
At more than 70 acres in size, The Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain are more than just token parkland.
There are several walks starting from The Sydney Opera House gate which are over a kilometre in length. One meanders east (along the harbourside path) to Mrs Macquaries Chair and another runs south to Macquarie Street (near The State Library).
A network of paths criss-cross the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain (which is to the south and east of the gardens) providing literally hours of walking trails. To add to this, Hyde Park is virtually connected to the southern end of The Domain creating an almost continuous belt of parkland from the Opera House, two kilometres south to Liverpool Street.
A variety of guided tours on foot are available and for those who want a break, there is a tourist 'train' (complete with running commentary) which runs on the footpaths.
The Royal Botanic Gardens were originally created as farmland for the fledgling city of Sydney. However, crop cultivation proved unsuccessful so the area was designated as parkland for both recreation and botanical use, whilst the Domain was set aside for the use of Governor Macquarie and Elizabeth, his wife. (Unsurprisingly the name 'Macquarie' is widespread throughout New South Wales)
There are hundreds of species of trees and plants growing throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens, many dating back several hundred years to the origins of the colony. These are scattered throughout the park or within various areas including several speciality gardens (such as rose, herb, rare plant and succulent gardens), The Herbarium, Fernery and Tropical Centre.
Even today, the gardens are still a working scientific institution as well as a public park.
You do not need to spend a significant time in the gardens to appreciate them. They are ideal for picnics, brief escapes from the city or as alternative routes to and from the harbourside to the shopping areas in the city or to the Woolloomooloo / Potts Point area.
However, as there is so much to explore and always something to stop and look at, many people have the intention of a brief visit but find this extends to several hours. In addition to the trees and plantlife you may spot a variety of wildlife including ibis's, cockatoos and fruit bats hanging high up in some trees. There are ornamental ponds, an outdoor swimming pool (The Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool), Government House (located behind The Sydney Opera House), quaint little bridges and a cafe. You may also find some steps cut into a rock formation as well as a variety of statues and sculptures.
The Royal Botanic Gardens also provide good views back towards the city with opportunities to see (and photograph) the Sydney Opera House superimposed on the Harbour Bridge.
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Approx Driving Distances / Time
20Hrs From Adelaide(1400Km)
12Hrs From Brisbane (950Km)
31Hrs From Cairns (2500Km)
3.5Hrs From Canberra(300Km)
45Hrs From Darwin (4000Km)
12Hrs From Melbourne (950Km)
42Hrs From Perth (4000Km)
Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):17 / 63
Spring(Sep-Nov):22 / 72
Summer(Dec-Feb):26 / 79
Autumn(Mar-May):23 / 73
Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 104
Spring(Sep-Nov): 78
Summer(Dec-Feb): 97
Autumn(Mar-May): 128
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Sydney Areas
N.S.W REGIONS/TOWNS
