The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

New commercial bus permit parking system at Royal Botanic Garden

Paid permit system launching in December 2025, enforcement beginning March 2026. 

Commercial bus operator? Apply for your annual or seasonal permit here.
Aerial view of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney Harbour and CBD
Location

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

ContactEmail the tourism team

New Commercial permit

From December 2025, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will introduce a bus parking permit system for commercial tourist buses (13 seats and above) using Mrs Macquaries Road and Hospital Road. This change ensures a fair and sustainable approach to managing road infrastructure and maintaining safe access for all visitors.

What’s changing?
Currently, commercial buses pay $9 per hour at parking meters, the same as private vehicles. From December 2025, this will transition to a permit-based system designed to provide certainty and flexibility for operators: 
-    Daily Permit: $75 incl. GST
-    Seasonal Permit: $1,500 + GST
-    Annual Permit: $4,500 + GST
School buses and non-commercial community groups remain exempt and will continue using the existing signage system.

Why is this being implemented?
Mrs Macquaries Road is a key access point for visitors and requires significant upkeep. The permit system ensures commercial operators contribute fairly to maintaining this shared public asset, supporting the sustainability and upholding the visitor experience offering of one of Sydney’s most iconic destinations, the Royal Botanic Garden.

Benefits for operators
•    Predictable costs for regular visits through seasonal and annual permits.
•    Improved visitor experience thanks to well-maintained access roads and infrastructure.
•    Greater visibility of group arrivals and schedules, enabling us to explore additional ways to enhance the visitor experience for operators and their guests such as welcome activities or tailored experiences. 
•    Support for Sydney’s tourism economy by ensuring the Gardens remain a world-class destination.

How to apply
Seasonal and Annual permits are available from December 2025. You can apply here.  
Daily permits can be purchased on the day at the meter from March 2026.

Enforcement
From March 2026, vehicles without a valid permit will be fined $275 under the ‘Parking contrary to sign’ rule.

Got questions? 
Read our FAQ's or get in touch.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a permit?

All commercial tourist buses with 13 seats or more parking on Mrs Macquaries Road and Hospital Road at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.

How much is a permit?

There are a range of permit options to suit operators’ parking frequencies:
Daily Permit: $75 incl. GST
Seasonal Permit: $1,500 + GST
Annual Permit: $4,500 + GST

Who is exempt?

School buses and non-commercial community groups who have registered visits are exempt and will continue to use the existing signage system.

What happens if I don’t pay?

Vehicles without a valid permit will be fined $275 under the ‘Parking contrary to sign’ rule. Enforcement begins March 2026.

Why is this being implemented?

Mrs Macquaries Road is a key access point for visitors and requires significant maintenance. The permit system ensures commercial operators contribute fairly to maintaining this shared public asset. The new system will ensure an improved visitor experience thanks to well-maintained access roads and infrastructure. It provides greater visibility of group arrivals and schedules, enabling us to explore additional ways to enhance the visitor experience for operators and their guests such as welcome activities or tailored experiences. 

What do the permit fees support?

Funds contribute to maintaining safe and reliable access for visitors and operators, and supporting initiatives that enhance the overall visitor experience.

Where can I apply for a permit?

Seasonal and annual permits will be available through a digital permit system. A link will be available on the Botanic Gardens of Sydney website from December 2025.
Daily permits will be payable at the parking meter on the day, available from March 2026.

Can I apply for permits in advance?

Yes, the seasonal and annual permits can and should be obtained in advance of your visit. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.

How long does it take for a permit to be supplied?

Please allow up to 2 weeks for annual and seasonal permits to be approved. Daily permits are approved on the day of the visit. 

Do I need a permit for every bus I operate?

Yes, every commercial bus that parks on Mrs Macquaries Road and Hospital Road requires an individual permit that is linked to its unique number plate. If you have multiple buses visiting in high frequency, we encourage you to get in contact with the Botanic Gardens of Sydney tourism team to discuss [email protected] 

What if my bus has fewer than 13 seats?

Vehicles with fewer than 13 seats will continue to use the existing parking meter system.

When will this begin?

Seasonal and annual permits will be available from December 2025. Daily permits can be purchased at the meter from March 2026. Enforcement begins March 2026.

Are the industry bodies aware?

Yes, key industry bodies including Tourism Australia, Tourism & Transport Forum, Destination NSW, Australian Tourism Economic Council, and major operators have been engaged and will continue to be informed.

Who can I contact for more information?

Botanic Gardens of Sydney tourism team [email protected]