A wellness guide to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

No matter which direction you head, the Garden makes it easy to find calm. The aromatic Herb Garden is the perfect place for a scent-led sensory reset. Let your nose guide you through a medley of rosemary, lavender, mint and other healing herbs as you breathe in nature’s aromatherapy. Pause at each plant, run your fingers over textured leaves, and let the simple act of noticing ground you gently in the here and now.

The incredible Wildflower Meadow is another feast for the senses. Wander its winding pathways and be enveloped in a living tapestry of colour, from sky-topping sunflowers to poppies, cosmos and other seasonal blooms that sway gently in the breeze. The ever-changing display offers a moment of beauty in motion – a place to pause, breathe deeply and simply marvel at the magic of nature's palette.

The Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden is a place that invites quiet reflection and respectful curiosity. Here a 50-metre winding storyline explores the early interactions between the Cadigal people and the Europeans who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, tracing both Aboriginal and European histories through interpretive signage, native plantings and storytelling. Look out for small Aboriginal flags along the path – these mark powerful insights shared directly from Aboriginal voices, giving context, cultural meaning and lived experience to this layered history. It's a space that acknowledges pain, resilience and the enduring connection to Country – and invites us all to listen and learn.

If you’ve brought a journal, settle in somewhere quiet like the Palace Rose Garden, where the soft scent of heritage roses mingles with birdsong and the distant hum of the harbour. Or head to the Australian Native Rockery, which looks out across the water to the Sydney Opera House – a spectacular spot to reflect and reconnect. Both spaces offer a peaceful pause in your day, perfect for jotting down thoughts, intentions or simply observing the natural beauty around you.

If you’ve brought nothing but yourself, that’s more than enough. There are spaces perfect for yoga under the trees, breathwork in the sun or a slow wander to simply re-centre. Keep a lookout for birdlife – from vibrant lorikeets to the resident sulphur-crested cockatoos, these gardens are alive with feathered visitors.

Spring Walk: From the middle of August to early October each year, the Spring Walk bursts into life in a glorious parade of seasonal colour. Blossoming magnolias, cherry trees and vibrant wisteria create a corridor of floral splendour that’s impossible not to pause for. It's one of the Garden’s most celebrated displays – a short but unforgettable window where nature puts on its finest show.

Alchemy of a Rainforest: Step inside this lush, otherworldly installation and experience the rainforest like never before. This immersive exhibition in the Calyx brings the vibrancy and complexity of tropical and subtropical ecosystems to life through more than 18,000 spectacular plants. Curated by the horticultural team at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, it also features one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere.

School holiday events: Each school holidays, the Garden comes alive with a variety of engaging workshops and nature-based activities tailored just for kids. From hands-on science experiments and art sessions to guided garden explorations and bug hunts, these programs are designed to spark curiosity, creativity and a deeper connection with the natural world. Led by experienced educators, the events are both fun and educational – making them a highlight for families looking to learn, play and explore during the break.

After all that wandering, you’ve earned a good meal – and the Garden offers something for every taste. Botanic House, nestled within the rainforest-like surrounds, serves up Asian-Australian fusion fare designed by Ambassador Chef Luke Nguyen in a refined yet relaxed setting. Think delicious dumplings, flavourful curries and seasonal produce dishes designed to nourish and delight. Their tranquil garden views and open-air seating make it an ideal place to linger over lunch or enjoy a long afternoon tea.

For a casual bite with unbeatable views, Farm Cove Eatery is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Overlooking the harbour, it offers light meals, great coffee and a breezy, open-air atmosphere – perfect for post-walk refreshments. If you’re short on time or want something quick to take into the gardens, Piccolo Me (near the Rose Gardens) and Leaf Department Cafe (located at The Calyx) are charming grab-and-go spots.