View from Government House Gardens 2
View from Botanic Garden 3
Mrs Macquarries Folly & view from Botanic garden 1
Moreton Fig Tree 2
Earth Mother by Helen Leete
Botanic Gardens 5
Chinese Garden
Botanic Gardens 4
Founded in 1816 The Royal Botanic Gardens are the oldest in Australia, covering some 30 hectares with an amazing collection of plants from all over the world they are free to enter.
There is an entrance to the gardens just by the Opera House.
It was an absolute joy strolling through the gardens, with so much to see we really didn’t know where to look first!
With all the trees, flowers with beautiful fragrances, plants, ponds, lawns, Rose Garden, African Garden, Oriental Garden, exhibitions, beautiful views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the Botanical Gardens are an oasis of calm & reflection in the hustle & bustle of a cosmopolitan city.
There is lots to see with plenty of areas to sit and just soak up the beauty, enjoy the peaceful ambiance looking out over the harbour and people watch.
Government House
It came as a very pleasant surprise to come across the magnificent Government House on our walk through the gardens.
Completed in 1845 in a Gothic Revival Style the house is set in beautifully laid gardens with amazing views.
Look out for the magnificent Moreton Bay Fig Tree, it’s something to behold!
Sunday afternoons once a month make a visit to Government House very special when you’ll be treated to outdoor performances from the best service bands playing jazz music.
It was a happy coincidence that it was on such an afternoon that we found ourselves here. The Royal Australian Navy Band resplendent in their smart uniforms were a joy to listen to.
The performances start at 12 noon.
It claims to be one of the most spectacular outdoor settings in Sydney, we certainly can’t argue with that!
The beautiful gardens and musical ensembles are free of charge.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must do when you are in Sydney.
You can read more about what to do in Sydney by following the highlighted links to my other posts:
Exploring Sydney’s CBD Getting Around in Sydney
Where to Eat in the Rocks Whale Watching
Kiama Blowholes Day Trip to The Blue Mountains
What to see in Circular Quay Shangri la Hotel
Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama
Chinese Garden of Friendship