Vision unveiled for Australia’s largest botanic garden

Botanic Gardens of Sydney has released a bold plan to transform Australia’s largest botanic garden, solidifying its role as the most important piece of green infrastructure in Western Sydney.

Located on Dharawal Country and shared by the Dharug and Gundungurra nations, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan spans an enormous 416 hectares, making it bigger than Central Park in New York City. The Garden, which is free to visit, showcases our unique native flora whilst providing essential green space in Sydney’s growing South West. It’s also Australia’s leading botanical conservation science hub, home to the National Herbarium of New South Wales and the Australian PlantBank.

The Master Plan outlines a strategic vision for its future, setting out a clear pathway for nature-based developments aimed at inspiring good health, relaxation and learning through connections with the natural world.

A new lakes precinct, world-class biodomes, a First Nations Garden, a native farm, walking trails – including a breathtaking tree top experience, as well as ecotourism and event facilities are among the various projects to be funded in a phased approach under the Plan.

These projects are intended to significantly enhance the Garden as a much valued and used public space that people can enjoy in a range of ways.

The Master Plan was finalised following extensive stakeholder and public consultation in 2022 and 2023, seeking to build on its legacy of important botanical science and plant collections to become a leader amongst botanic gardens globally.

This is part of the New South Wales Government’s plan to build a better New South Wales with more green spaces, so young people, families and local workers have somewhere to gather, relax and play in the communities they choose.

It will also support the New South Wales Government’s commitments to a nature positive future and initiatives that support biodiversity conservation.

"Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is one of greater Sydney’s gems, providing so many opportunities for people to connect with nature.

The Garden, which was opened in 1988 as a bicentennial project, now has a blueprint to become one of the world’s leading and most sustainable botanic gardens.

I’m very proud to be releasing this Master Plan that has been designed to foster deeper connections between the community and the natural world while also generating and promoting solutions to critical environmental challenges."

 

Simon Duffy, Chief Executive, Botanic Gardens of Sydney