Things to do at the Royal Botanic Garden: where to eat, drink and play

A lush oasis boasting stunning waterfront views and a rich array of native Australian flora, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.

One of Sydney’s most cherished green spaces, the Royal Botanic Garden is situated across 30 hectares on the edge of the iconic Sydney Harbour. Established in 1816, it stands as Australia’s oldest botanic garden and acts as a vibrant showcase of nature, culture and history. Home to over 27,000 plant species from around the globe and 15 beautifully curated themed gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney remains one of the city’s premier attractions for tourists.

From cafés, restaurants, and gift shops to tours and concerts, the Botanic Garden offers a range of events and activities all year round. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll through its historic grounds, an expertly brewed coffee at the Farm Cove Eatery or a deep dive into plant science with a professional botanist, there’s something here for everyone.

---

Things to do

---

READ MORE: Things to do in Sydney Harbour Bridge: where to eat, drink, play and stay

1. Behind the Scenes Glasshouse Tour

Described as a “must for orchid lovers, aroid freaks and all those who appreciate the joy of growing plants indoors”, this behind-the-scenes tour invites visitors to discover the wonders of the Botanic Garden’s tropical plant collection, showing a variety of rare plants that aren’t usually seen by the public. The tour takes place at The Calyx, a stunning indoor horticultural display centre, where guests are guided through the wonders of the glasshouse by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Where: The Calyx.
When: On select dates at 11am-12:45pm.
Price: $25 per person.

2. Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour

This one-hour tour lets visitors admire the beauty and history of Sydney Harbour through the lens of the Gadigal. Led by a First Nations guide, you’ll learn all about their powerful connection to country and community as you explore the multiple locations across the Royal Botanic Gardens that are significant to Aboriginal people. More than just a walk, this immersive experience weaves together Gadigal stories, harbour panoramas and cultural insights into one of Sydney’s most significant landscapes.

Where: Meet at the Garden Shop.
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm-2pm.
Price: Adult: $32, Child: $21, Concession: $27.

3. Alchemy of a Rainforest

This immersive, multi-sensory exhibition transports visitors into the captivating world of rare and extraordinary plants from tropical and subtropical rainforests. Curated by the horticultural team at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Alchemy of a Rainforest has over 18,000 plants on display and stands as one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. This lush, vertical garden is brought to life with vibrant garden sculptures by environmental artist Jane Gillings, crafted from repurposed plastic waste to add striking bursts of colour and highlight the beauty of sustainable design.

Where: The Calyx.
When: Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am-4pm.
Price: Entry by donation.

4. Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour

Stroll through the Cadi Jam Ora garden and explore a rich variety of Indigenous bush foods, steered by a knowledgeable First Nations guide. Learn about the traditional uses of these native plants, how they’ve been adapted for modern plates and palates, and which ones are the most popular today, all while tasting delicious, thoughtfully curated samples.

Where: Meet at the Garden Shop.
When: 11am-12pm every Friday, Thursday and Saturday (excluding public holidays).
Price: Adult: $32, Children: $21, Concession: $27.

5. Guided Walks

Join a guided walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, led by friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guides. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the garden’s rich history, diverse plant life and unique wildlife as they’re guided through the iconic green space. Catered for small groups of up to five, the tours offer a personalised glimpse into the Garden’s rich heritage.

Where: Meet at the Garden Shop.
When: 11am-12pm, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during Spring.
Price: By donation.

6. Swim in the newly renovated Andrew Boy Charlton Pool

Few Sydney swimming spots can rival the charm of Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. Standing tall over Woolloomooloo Bay, with the Royal Botanic Garden on one side and sweeping views across the harbour on the other, this gem has been a favourite of locals and visitors for generations. One of Sydney’s most picturesque and popular swimming spots, for some, it’s a training ground, with eight lanes available for serious lap swimmers. For others, it’s about the atmosphere; a place to take a leisurely dip while soaking up the sun and harbour views. The smaller 20-metre pool is perfect for kids and beginners, and the grandstand and surrounding decking make it just as enjoyable for spectators as it is for swimmers.

Where: 1c Mrs Macquaries Rd, NSW 2000.
When: Daily 6am–8pm, public holidays 7am–7pm.
Price: Adult $7.90, children $5.10, under-threes enter free—families from $18.50.

---

What to see

---

READ MORE: Things to do in Chinatown: where to eat, drink, play and stay

1. The Succulent Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden’s Succulent Garden showcases a striking collection of unusual and beautiful plants, each specially adapted to thrive in some of the world’s driest environments. Located on a site that was previously home to Australia’s first zoo, a small succulent and cacti rockery was built on the site in 1936, and later replaced by a much larger succulent garden, which was completed in 1983. It has since been elevated with the addition of stunning sculptures by landscape designer Jamie Durie. Admire the striking African Aloe collection, glowing in vivid shades of yellow, orange and red, and discover the impressive Agaves hailing from the Americas.

2. Cadi Jam Ora — First Encounters Garden

Built between 1997 and 2001, the Cadi Jam Ora (First Encounters Garden) explores the relationship between people and plants on the site of the first connections between the Gadigal people and the permanent European settlement created by the convicts, marines and officers who arrived with the First Fleet in January 1788. A 50 metre storyline winds its way through Cadi Jam Ora, and visitors are invited to take some time to read, respect and reflect on the images and stories that speak of the Aboriginal history of Sydney.

3. The Herb Garden

Wander around this garden and learn more about the ways that different cultures use herbs, or simply enjoy the sights and smells as you relax in the sandstone pavilion. See the bulbous Sensory Fountain and the Armillary Sphere Sundial, which is modelled on the Celestial Sphere and offers an insight into the history of telling time. The Herb Garden is home to the most colourful plants in the Garden and offers the perfect spot to sit, relax, enjoy a book or snack on your lunch.

4. Pioneer Memorial Garden

Just minutes from Sydney’s CBD, this tranquil oasis draws everyone from corporate workers on their lunch break to families enjoying picnics on the lawns. The garden sits on the site once occupied by the central dome of the Garden Palace, which hosted the 1879 Sydney International Exhibition before being destroyed by fire in 1882. Established in 1938, the garden now stands as a memorial to the nation’s pioneering men and women.

5. Palace Rose Garden

Set in part of the old Palace Gardens, next to the Herb Garden, the current rose garden is the ninth to be planted in the Botanic Garden, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the genus Rosa while also emphasising some of the challenges that go hand-in-hand with growing roses in Sydney’s humid climate. The former rose garden, which existed from 1987 to 2004, proved challenging to maintain due to its plant selection, design and the pests and diseases encouraged by Sydney’s humid climate. To battle these challenges, the new concept for the garden included removing hedges, improving air flow, enhancing vistas and creating an abundance of space for functions on the lawn. The rose garden is now full of vibrant colour and buzzing bees.

6. The Spring Walk

The Spring Walk stretches from the Royal Botanic Garden creek to the Lion Gate Lodge and features a diverse blend of spring flowering perennials, shrubs and trees that blossom into flower through the middle of August through September to early October each year. Each year, the Garden’s skilled horticulturists transform the landscape with vibrant themed displays of bulbs and annuals in spring and summer, perfectly complementing the shrubs and trees.

7. Oriental Garden

A pair of bronze Thai lions, known as ‘Temple Dogs’, guard this beautiful part of the garden, which has been home to Asiatic plants since the early 1900s. By the 1920s, the area became known as the Japanese Garden, after Garden Director Joseph Maiden planted a collection of Japanese garden plants in 1917, and a pergola, stone lanterns and two trellises for the Garden’s collection of wisteria were added. The garden, as it is seen today, opened in 1997 and features more than 2,400 examples of wild and cultivated plants from East Asia, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan and Bhutan. 

8. The Bicentenary Garden

Planted in 2016 to celebrate the Garden’s 200th birthday, this flower garden is uniquely Australian. A grove of Australia’s most unusual trees, as well as the iconic Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychyton rupestris), characterise this plot. The oldest Bottle Tree can be found by walking down the hill to the sea wall— you’ll be able to see it protected behind a small fence, with its swollen and contorted trunk attracting visitors to the Garden for many years.

9. Wildflower Meadow

Visit the Wildflower Meadow in summer to experience its seasonal flowers (the display’s colour palette and flower mix changes annually). The meadow is not only a stunning sight — it also acts as an integral part of sustaining and increasing beneficial bugs and pollinators within the cityscape. Wander through its winding path and marvel at the colourful blooms, or sit nearby and listen to the soothing buzz of humming insects.

10. The Fernery

Designed by architect John Barbacetto, the Garden’s Fernery was built in 1993, its steel roof and sandstone walls creating an intimate enclosure that houses over 350 species of ferns and other tropical perennials, including orchids and begonias. A great place to escape from the heat of the day, the Fernery also offers an interesting insight into Australia’s convict past. The Fernery’s walls are built from recycled sandstone originally carved in 1826, featuring “banker’s marks”, unique symbols carved into the stone to identify the convict stonemasons who shaped them.

---

Where to eat

---

Restaurants

1. Botanic House

Botanic House offers vibrant modern Asian cuisine, expertly crafted by Ambassador Chef Luke Nguyen. With over 20 years of culinary experience and a stint as a MasterChef judge, Nguyen brings bold flavours and innovative twists to every dish, blending Southeast Asian flavours with native Australian ingredients. Standout dishes include lemongrass swordfish, with karkalla, okra, pineapple & red curry sauce, as well as the Grilled pork belly, tea-smoked quail egg, mountain pepper and pickled mustard greens.

Where: 1 Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open Monday-Thursday, 11am-2:30pm, Friday: 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-7:30pm, Saturday, 11 am–3:30 pm, Sunday, 9am-3:30pm.

2. Farm Cove Eatery

Located downstairs from Botanic House, Farm Cove Eatery offers a more casual dining setting, with a range of grab-and-go and à la carte options. Start your day there with breakfast (served from 8:30am to 11:30am) — think bacon and egg rolls, granola with coconut yogurt, and smashed avo with eggs. From 11:30am to 3:30pm, enjoy a hearty lunch menu featuring burgers, fish and chips, calamari and nourishing goodness bowls.

Where: 1 Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Breakfast: 8:30am-11:30am, Lunch: 11:30am-3:30pm.

READ MORE: Things to do in Bondi Beach: where to eat, drink, play and stay

Takeaway

3. Grab a Picnic Box

Want to try Luke Nguyen’s dishes in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden? Grab a picnic box, at $90 for two people, and enjoy a scenic picnic in the gardens. The picnic box is designed for sharing and features delicious inclusions such as crunchy Vietnamese prawn crackers, BBQ roasted duck, Nem Nuong lemongrass pork and mango pudding.

Where: Pick-up from Botanic House.
When: Takeaway available on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30am-4:30pm.
Price: $90 for two people.

Cafés

Piccolo Me is a much-loved Sydney coffee chain with a great location on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, near the Governor Philip Fountain. Relax in the shade beneath their big outdoor umbrellas with a perfectly brewed barista coffee and a hearty bacon and egg roll: the perfect fuel before or after exploring the Botanic Gardens.

Where: Near Governor Philip Fountain, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open daily, 6:30am-3:30pm on weekdays, 7am-2pm on weekends.

5. Leaf Dept. Café

Located at the Calyx, the Leaf Dept. Café is the ideal spot to relax with a coffee or to grab a picnic rug and spread out on the grass. With plenty of fresh pastries and sweet treats on offer, as well as an array of hearty breakfasts (from granola bowls to avo toast and hash browns), whether you’re after a quick bite on the go or a proper sit-down brekky, Leaf Dept. Café is a great option.

Where: Located at the Calyx.
When: Open daily 8am-4pm.

---

Shopping

---

1. Growing Friends Plant Sales

A hidden gem within the Botanic Gardens, the Growing Friends Plant Sales is run by a passionate team of knowledgeable volunteers who can give you all the best tips and tricks on how to look after your plants. Take home your own piece of the gardens and peruse a seasonal selection of native, exotic, rare and hard-to-find plants, exclusively sourced from the Gardens. The best part? Every time you buy from Growing Friends Plant Sales, proceeds from your purchase directly support Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens, helping to fund vital work in science, horticulture, conservation, and education.

Where: Near the Succulent Garden (enter via Mrs Macquaries Road).
When: Open daily: 11am-2pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-2pm (Sat-Sun).

2. The Calyx Shop

Selling unique gifts, plants and more, the Calyx Shop’s products focus on sustainability and the environment. Handcrafted items and exclusive merchandise reflect the Garden’s themes, as do the variety of indoor and outdoor plants, which include those featured in current exhibitions. Buy a book on gardening, horitculture and the natural world for a friend, or splash out on botanic-themed notebooks, cards and writing materials.

Where: The Calyx.
When: Open daily, 10am-4pm.

3. The Garden Shop

The Garden Shop is conveniently located within the Visitor Centre and offers a unique range of botanic-inspired gifts, homewares and more. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking unique gifts, proceeds for the shop support the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, aiding in the conservation and development of the gardens.

Where: Within Visitor Centre.
When: Open daily, 9am-5pm.

---

Opening hours

---

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is open daily from 7am until sunset, with closing times varying by season. See below for a breakdown of opening hours throughout the year.

Month	Opening hours
January, February, November, December	7am – 8pm
October	7am – 7:30pm
March	7am – 6:30pm
April, September	7am – 6pm
May, August	7am – 5:30pm
June, July	7am – 5pm