The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Find your perfect summer at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Whether you’re here for culture, time with friends, a family adventure, or a quiet escape among the trees – discover the itinerary that brings your ideal summer day to life.

08 DEC 2025
Couple picnicking on lush lawn, under a fig tree, overlooking harbour

For culture seekers

Connect with Country and Culture

Step into the living stories of this place, where nature and culture intertwine. Walk with First Nations guides, explore the site's rich history, and savour native flavours that bring Country to the table.

  1. Begin with an Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour or Bush Tucker Tour and discover the deep connection between people, plants and place.
  2. Wander through Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden, tracing the histories of the Cadigal people through plants that tell their story.
  3. Taste native flavours with a Lemon Myrtle Chicken Salad or a refreshing Botanic Spritz at Botanic House.
  4. End your visit at the Garden Shop, where you’ll find a beautiful range of homewares and gifts inspired by nature and Indigenous culture.
  • Tour guide touching tree foliage, with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in background
    Discover the beauty and history of Sydney Harbour through the lens of the Gadigal people on an Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour
  • Hands cup a range of native berries, fruits and flowers
    Learn about the traditional uses of Indigenous bush foods and how they have adapted to the modern palate and plate on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour.
  • Man on garden path, looking at signs and native grass trees.
    Learn about the history of this place at your own pace; walk the 50m storyline of Cadi Jam Ora: First Encounters and Farm.
  • Two women with cool drinks at a restaurant overlooking gardens
    Cool down and enjoy a leisurely lunch or drinks at Botanic House

For families

Let the kids run wild (while you relax)

Adventure and discovery for little ones, downtime for you. Explore the Garden's hidden spots, drop by the Garden Gallery, and share a picnic lunch from Farm Cove Eatery.

  1. Start your day with a photo opp at the Wildflower Meadow, right in the heart of the Garden.
  2. Choose your magical experience:
    1. Dreaming of a Green Christmas or The Wind in the Willows – enchanting outdoor theatre for little ones.
    2. Or dive into creativity at Kidwonder's immersive exhibition,  ‘City of Wonder: Wildflower Edition’ in the Garden Gallery.
  3. Enjoy lunch picnic-style: pick up some bites from Farm Cove Eatery and spread out on the Band Lawn or near the Main Pond – perfect for families with tiny adventurers.
  4. Explore the Yellowwood Garden – climb, hop and play your way through nature’s playground. Add a scavenger hunt looking for native animals to keep the fun going.
  • events-kid-wonder-close-up-1024x676.jpg
    Step into a playful world of colour and discovery with City of Wonder’s  immersive experience for all ages
  • Family picknicking on lawn, and children running around playing.
    The Band Lawn and Flower Bed Lawn near the Main Pond are perfect picnic spots for families with little ones.
  • child walks through sunflower field
    Kids will love walking among the wildflower meadow
  • event-wind-in-the-willows-audience-1024x676.png
    Actors bring The Wind in the Willows to life as this celebrated production returns to the Gardens once again

For sun seekers

Unwind with Sydney’s best Harbour Views

Claim your spot on the Harbour Lawn, take a guided tour, sketch or journal under the trees, enjoy drinks, then settle in for a movie under the stars.

Choose your morning experience

  • Option 1: Guided Tour (10:00am, daily):
    Meet at The Garden Shop for a guided tour by donation, led by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. Discover the Garden’s rich history, hidden secrets, and fascinating plants.
  • Option 2: Nature Journaling Workshop (10:00am, select Saturdays): Immerse yourself in nature and appreciate its intricate details through mindful sketching and journaling. A perfect way to slow down and connect deeply with the environment.

Continue your day

  1. Spread your picnic rug on Harbour Lawn and soak up those Opera House views.
  2. Toast the day with drinks at Terrace on the Domain.
  3. End with a film at the world’s most beautiful cinema under the stars at Westpac OpenAir Cinema.
  • Woman reading a book on a shaded Garden bench
    Relax at one of the many shady, idyllic garden spots
  • Three friends chilling out on lawn overlooking Sydney Harbour
    Picnic on Tarpeian Lawn with unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House
  • Giant film screen set up on Sydney Harbour at dusk, with crowd seated ready to watch a movie.
    Experience an unforgettable evening at Westpac Open Air Cinema, the world’s most beautiful outdoor cinema
  • Tour group walking with guide along Sydney Harbour in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Experience the very best of the Garden and see the highlights with a guided walk

On the day essentials

Many tours, exhibitions, and experiences may require bookings, so please check in advance. Also confirm dates and session times to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Remember to check the weather before you head out and bring the essentials:

  • sunscreen, hat and sun-safe clothing
  • water bottle
  • an umbrella/raincoat for those summer downpours.

For explorers

Choose your own adventure

Wander your own way through lush lawns, secret trails and harbour views. Pick up a map, stop for coffee, and make the day yours.

  1. Start at the Visitor Centre or Information Kiosk and grab a map to plan your day.
  2. Pick your path: stroll through the shaded Palm Grove or explore the colourful Palace Rose Garden.
  3. Pause for coffee or ice cream and soak up the atmosphere at one of our cafés.
  4. Explore the weird and wonderful Succulent Garden for that perfect photo.
  5. End your visit at the Growing Friends Plant Sales, and take home a little piece of nature to remember the day.
  • Couple on a bridge over creek in tropical garden
    Discover some of the Garden's hidden gems
  • Couple enjoying cafe food on sunny outdoor terrace overlooking garden
    Grab a well-earned coffee or bite to eat at one of the Garden’s cafes. Pictured: Leaf Dept Cage at The Calyx.
  • cacti and succulents
    Discover the beautiful shapes and colours of the Succulent Garden.
  • Young couple walking through a shady and lush tropical garden at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    Explore your own way through the Garden
  • Two people in a garden nursery, looking at plants for sale
    Shop a seasonal selection of rare native plants and take home a piece of the Gardens

Find out why summer is better at the Gardens

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Information for your visit

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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Opening hours

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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Getting here

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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Accessibility