Hotels near Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney occupies 30 hectares of prime harbourside land between the Opera House and the Art Gallery of NSW. Established in 1816, it is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and home to over 8,900 plant species. The garden is free to enter and open daily from 7am until sunset. Highlights include the Calyx (a dedicated exhibition space), the Fernery, the Herb Garden, and Mrs Macquaries Point at the eastern tip - the single best viewpoint in Sydney for photographing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge together.

The garden is also a habitat for Sydney's famous colony of grey-headed flying foxes (fruit bats), which roost in the palm trees near the Cadi Jam Ora - First Encounters Garden. Aboriginal heritage tours led by Indigenous guides run on select mornings and cover the traditional uses of native plants by the Gadigal people. The garden cafe near the main entrance serves good coffee and light meals.

Pro Tip: Walk through the garden from the Opera House to Mrs Macquaries Chair for the classic harbour panorama, then continue south along the waterfront to reach the Art Gallery of NSW - a perfect morning loop.