Royal Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Botanic Gardens showing a high-rise building, a city and a garden
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring flowers and wild flowers
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a bay or harbour as well as a large group of people

Escape Sydney’s busy downtown and enjoy the winding pathways, art installations and rose gardens of this lush haven.

Take a break from the bustle of downtown Sydney in the colourful Royal Botanic Gardens. With visually stunning flower plots, intriguing artworks spread throughout the gardens and easy access to nearby attractions, it makes a great addition to any itinerary.

Located on land that was deemed too infertile for farming, the environment is testament to the determination of 19th-century botanist Charles Fraser, who is most famous for naming thousands of Australian plants. He developed the infertile soil and collected and studied the fauna that turned the plot into a world-renowned garden. Come to see the fruits of his labour with such early plantings as the majestic Moreton Bay figs that now dominate the landscape.

Take a stroll through one of the garden’s flower exhibitions, such as the Camellia Garden that hosts many different Australian-bred species of the beautiful bloom. Don’t miss out on the Begonia Garden, where you can learn how to grow your own begonias. Walk through the Palace Rose Garden with its 1,800 roses. Signs give information on the species and benches are provided for relaxing.

See some of Australia’s most beautiful native tree life on the rainforest walk. The Palm Grove has one of Australia’s best collections of palm trees. The rare Wollemi pine and the formally manicured gardens of Government House in the gardens’ northwest are also well worth a visit.

Eat lunch at the central garden shop and restaurant.

Take a guided tour of the gardens on Monday to Friday to learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the site. Alternatively, pick up a map from the central information centre and take a self-guided tour of the garden’s spectacular art installations, including the over-scaled seed sculptures by Bronwyn Oliver located near the central main pond.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are located on the Sydney Harbour, a short walk from Circular Quay in downtown. Come by ferry or catch the train to Martin Place, a 10-minute walk away from the gardens. If you come by car, pay to park in the surrounding streets.

The gardens are open daily and entry is free.

Plan a trip to see Royal Botanic Gardens

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YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
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Price was AU$1,504, price is now AU$861 per person
AU$861
per person
27 Oct - 1 Nov
found 1 day ago
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Adelaide (ADL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,225 reviews)
Bed was very hard, luckily they provided a mattress topper which helped a little bit. Oven was very dirty.

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
Price was AU$2,300, price is now AU$1,025 per person
AU$1,025
per person
17 Nov - 23 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Small room, good for short stay, reasonable walk to L2/3 on George St.

Reviewed on 20 Aug. 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB

YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
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AU$1,044
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24 Sept - 1 Oct
found 1 day ago
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Adelaide (ADL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Fantastic welcoming staff. The lounge is a nice added bonus with tea and coffee making facilities and delicious cookies. While the bed was very hard for me it is tricky to please everyone. The location can’t be beaten. Just a short walk from Town Hall station and the airport line, close to Gadagal metro to easily get out of the city, and a walk down George street (or use the light rail) to the Opera House or The Rocks. Would definitely stay again

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

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Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

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Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$135 per adult*
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Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
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Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

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Top Royal Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
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InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
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Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSW
Paradox Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney offers a delightful mix of activities, including scenic walking tours through its stunning botanical displays. Visitors can explore tourist sights within the gardens and nearby, enjoy opera performances, and indulge in shopping and entertainment options. For those seeking adventure, scuba diving opportunities are also available in the vicinity, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Shopping

Discover shopping at Martin Place, a vibrant shopping mall just 644m from the Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a mix of business and entertainment. The Rocks Markets, only 1.3km away, feature unique stalls with city vibes. For a broader experience, Oxford Street is 3.2km away, perfect for family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, you can immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere while enjoying a variety of sports activities. Nearby, the Metro Theatre offers live music experiences that invigorate the spirit. For a refreshing swim, head to Bondi Icebergs, where family-friendly outdoor vibes await you.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic hike 6.4km from the gardens, offering stunning coastal views. For a family-friendly adventure, navigate the McElhone Stairs, located 483m away. If you're up for underwater sports, Ben Buckler Point, 6.4km from the gardens, awaits your exploration.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Royal Botanic Gardens by catching a show at Theatre Royal, just 805m away, offering rich cultural vibes. For a unique experience, visit the Open Air Cinema nearby for family-friendly films under the stars, also 805m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney offer a delightful blend of urban parks, historic buildings, and vibrant streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning botanic gardens, which are a highlight of the area, providing a serene escape in the heart of the city. The gardens are perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during their holiday.

  • Circular Quay: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay, a bustling harbour that offers stunning views of the water and city skyline. Enjoy the beach vibes, dine at waterfront cafes, and watch ferries come and go, all within a leisurely 1.1km stroll from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
  • Sydney Opera House: A cultural icon, the Sydney Opera House is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a hub for performing arts. Located 1.1km away, immerse yourself in the rich cultural vibes by catching a performance or simply exploring its unique design.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: A historic marvel, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stretches majestically 1.6km from the gardens. Whether you walk across it or take a guided climb, the panoramic views and fascinating history will leave you in awe.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Botanic Gardens

To save on your trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, consider visiting in May, July, or October when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for better rates. Mondays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Enjoy free strolls through the gardens and take advantage of public transport for cost-effective travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens are May, July and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Royal Botanic Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences with ease. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.