Make a Date of it this Winter in Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

This winter, discover Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in a whole new way. Don’t let the weather stop you – rug up and you’ll soon discover that the Garden is just as stunning in winter as it is in spring and summer.

Make a date of it with your plus one. Enjoy any of these activities all year round.

Did you know you'll feel up to ten degrees warmer running than you would walking? And that time spent in nature improves wellbeing and mood? So there's no better way to warm up this winter than to get out in the Gardens for a jog. Lace up your running shoes and send out the call to your running buddies for an absolutely unforgettable run in the city's green heart.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers 30-hectares of paved pathways, lush lawns, glowing greenery and beautiful blooms for you to explore. The Opera House to Mrs Macquaries Point is arguably one of the most scenic running routes in all of Sydney. Make a date to enjoy it and you're guaranteed to get warm this winter. Follow Farm cove for a great run that'll have you forgetting the temperature and soaking in the fact that you're in one of the most beautiful cities in the world instead.

Picnics are still available to you over winter. Bring along your rug and find your favourite spot to enjoy some warming winter sunshine. 

Grab some delicious treats and a coffee to warm up your hands from some great spots in the gardens. Your options include:

• Leaf Dept. Café at The Calyx
• Farm Cove Eatery
• Piccolo Me just off Macquarie St
• Terrace on the Domain if you’re coming from the Woolloomooloo side
• Bar Coco at Fleet Steps and Mrs Macquaries Point
• Botanic House if you're after a sit down lunch crafted by Chef Luke Nguyen

The golden hour, the hour before sunset, is a magical time to visit the Gardens when the harbour and its icons truly sparkle.

A lovely route is entering from the Opera House Gate, winding your way through the Australian Native Rockery, through the Oriental Garden and via the ponds, along the sea wall to the eastern side of Farm Cove. From there you can enjoy elevated views of sunset with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from up on the rocks behind Harbour View Lawn or at the end of Mrs Macquaries Point if you fancy a longer stroll.

You might also like to check out the best photo location in the Gardens for some inspo.

If you’re keen to see the gardens in a whole new way, join an event after dark.

On Tuesday 23 June, come star gazing at Astronomy at The Calyx. Hear from astronomers about everything from space volcanoes to dark energy! Then venture outside to be immersed in a mindful stargazing activity before viewing the night sky through the telescopes to discover the fascinating worlds beyond Earth.

Or on every other Wednesday, come along on a Twilight Garden Tour to discover the things that go bump in the night in the gardens, and meet some of our nocturnal residents. As the sun sets, a hidden world awakens in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Join one of our expert ecologist-led tours as day turns to night in one of the most biodiverse places in the city. As dusk settles, you are invited to observe the garden come to life, hear the dusk chorus of birdsong, see nocturnal animals take to the skies and trees and see the emergence of night blooming flowers.