Oasis of Calm
The stunningly themed Botanic Gardens are a true oasis, the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty and perfection in nature. Also, if you’re looking for an inspiring place to eat in the city, try the delightful Botanic Gardens Restaurant, located at the heart of the gardens, surrounded by a large lotus pond and tropical vegetation.
Where: Sydney Botanic Gardens – CBD Harbour Foreshore
Allow: 1/2 day
Getting there: 15 mins. walk from Circular Quay – Ferries – Buses
Also see: CBD & Inner City Attractions
Web: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
1. Garden Walks
At any time of year the gardens are inviting. Lush tropical palms, ferns, Australian natives and many more unusual trees and plants are on display. Only recently I was delighted to experience the cactus and succulent gardens in winter. There was such an abundance of unusual specimens, all featured strikingly against a large rusted wall sculpture, and enhanced by a crisp blue sky!
During the summer a walk along the foreshore can be a little hot and crowded, so we often head to the shady paths at the centre of the gardens, where you will also find the lotus pond. In summer it is overflowing with large bright green leaves and magnificent lotus flowers, all in different stages of development.
2. Eat & Drink
Nestled in the centre of the gardens is one of our favourite brunch spots, the Botanic Gardens Restaurant. With a contemporary ‘treehouse feel’ and surrounded by lush tropical plants and a fish pond, it has to be one of the most inspiring eating places in the CBD.
Alternatively you can grab a takeaway from the café below the restaurant and enjoy an outdoor table, right where the wildlife roam…well mostly just the ibises and ducks and the occasional squawking cockatoo!
If you’re keen to walk a little further, head toward the Art Gallery of NSW and you will find the beautifully situated Pavilion Restaurant with an adjoining kiosk and deck, just across the road from the gallery.
3. Art & Craft
The Palm House venue near the centre of the park periodically holds exciting artist run exhibitions.
The annual Spring exhibition of Artisans in the Gardens is held at Lion Gate Lodge in October or November, certainly worth a visit to see high quality artisan work ~ ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, wall art and indoor and outdoor sculpture.
The Art Gallery of NSW is only a 10 minute walk away, so a visit to the gardens can easily include a trip to the gallery.
Just across from the Botanic Gardens Restaurant and café is a garden gift shop, selling botanically themed gifts, cards and books…. and some fashion items too.
4. Architecture
Throughout the gardens there are superb vistas of the city skyline, I love the contrast!
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is a striking turreted building adjacent to the gardens, surrounded by tall palms and city skyscrapers.
Government House Sydney is located inside the Botanic Gardens within a private estate. There are some impressive views looking from the estate back to the city.
Botanic Gardens in Spring
On a warm Spring morning we started our visit to the gardens with a 20 minute ferry trip from beautiful Mosman Bay to Circular Quay. Floating past red roofed north shore mansions and sailing boats, with the city and harbour bridge backdrop, I couldn’t help but feel inspired to snap a few more harbour pics, it is such a stunning harbour.
With an easy 15 minute walk from Circular Quay we were seated at our chosen table at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, on the balcony, overlooking the fish pond and lush foliage. It was a warm spring morning with a gentle breeze, I could have easily spent hours just sipping coffee, eating cake and listening to the rustle of leaves, watching the birds and fish at the pond below…. but we had much to explore and photograph.
Fortunately the crowds hadn’t arrived so it was a perfect time for taking a few pics. I particularly love the colourful display of spring cherry blossoms, poppies and tulips.
After spending a couple of hours exploring it was time for another coffee, before catching the ferry home to Mosman. Another gorgeous day out and about!
