Sydney’s pleasant climate is ideal for gardens, particularly those with a subtropical character. Despite the city’s rapid population growth, there are still plenty of beautiful gardens to explore both within and beyond the urban area.
Many of these gardens are free to visit, lovingly maintained by local councils or dedicated volunteer groups. Taking an afternoon to unwind in one of these green oases, away from the city’s hustle and bustle, is a blessing.
From serene Japanese gardens to expansive botanical landscapes, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most beautiful gardens in Greater Sydney.
Find all of the below gardens in this interactive map.
1. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Let’s begin with Sydney’s most iconic garden, the Royal Botanic Garden, situated right next to the CBD.
Established over 200 years ago, this is Australia’s oldest botanic garden and scientific institution. The land’s traditional custodians are the Gadigal people, and the garden acknowledges its rich Indigenous heritage.
Today, the Royal Botanic Garden features an impressive collection of plants from around the globe, with a particular emphasis on Australian and South Pacific species.
A walk through the garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle, a perfect way to refresh the mind and enjoy a few quiet hours.
| Royal Botanic Garden Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney |
| More info: | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney |
2. Chinese Garden of Friendship
The second garden on this list, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, is the popular Chinese Garden of Friendship, a heritage-listed gem near Chinatown.
Designed by architects and gardeners from Sydney’s Chinese sister city, Guangzhou, the garden was officially opened in 1988. Its name reflects the bond of friendship between Australia and China.
Spanning over one hectare, the garden features a diverse array of plants, trees, lagoons, and small waterfalls. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including water dragons, birds, and fish.
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a popular Sydney tourist attraction, with entry tickets priced at $12 for adults.
| Chinese Garden of Friendship | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Pier Street, Darling Harbour |
| More info: | Chinese Garden of Friendship |
3. Rose Garden Centennial Park
There are countless reasons to visit Centennial Park in Sydney’s east, but the Rose Garden is a particular treat for garden enthusiasts.
Established in 1909, the Rose Garden is a charming section of Centennial Park where visitors can admire colourful flower beds framed by tall palm trees.
It is no surprise that this picturesque garden is also a popular choice for outdoor weddings, showcasing a variety of roses throughout the year.
The Rose Garden is conveniently located at the intersection of Dickens and Parkes Drives within Centennial Park.
| Rose Garden Centennial Park | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Dickens Drive, Centennial Park |
| More info: | Rose Garden Centennial Park |
4. Arthur McElhone Reserve
Arthur McElhone Reserve is a small hidden gem in Elizabeth Bay, situated across from the historic Elizabeth Bay House, which now operates as a museum.
This compact garden reserve features a charming watercourse with a small bridge, surrounded by a variety of plants, flowers, and grassy areas.
The reserve also offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, making it a sought-after spot for weddings and other formal ceremonies.
| Arthur McElhone Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 1A Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay |
| More info: | Arthur McElhone Reserve |
5. Paddington Reservoir Gardens
The state heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir Gardens offers a fascinating blend of pristine gardens and industrial urban history.
Opened in 2009 in its current form, the site has preserved much of the original reservoir’s foundations, incorporating boardwalks and garden beds throughout the space.
Although Paddington Reservoir Gardens is relatively small, its beautifully architected design and intriguing history make it a must-visit destination.
| Paddington Reservoir Gardens | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 251-255 Oxford Street, Paddington |
| More info: | Paddington Reservoir Gardens |
6. Vaucluse House and Gardens
Vaucluse House is a heritage-listed 19th century mansion surrounded by beautiful, well-maintained gardens, located in one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs.
Once the family home of William Charles Wentworth, Vaucluse House has been transformed into a museum, while the gardens remain open for the public to enjoy.
What makes these gardens particularly special is their careful restoration, which has preserved much of their original character, offering a truly authentic experience.
| Vaucluse House and Gardens | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 69A Wentworth Road, Vaucluse |
| More info: | Vaucluse House and Gardens |
7. Wendy’s Secret Garden
While it may not be as secretive as it once was, Wendy’s Secret Garden remains a charming hidden gem, nestled in a stunning location overlooking Lavender Bay.
The garden was envisioned and brought to life by Wendy Whiteley, who, in the 1990s, took it upon herself to clear the overgrown rubbish from unused land near her home.
Years of dedicated work transformed the area into one of Sydney’s most beautiful open gardens, crafted with the artistry of a giant painting.
| Wendy’s Secret Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Lavender Street, Lavender Bay |
| More info: | Wendy’s Secret Garden |
8. The Coal Loader Platform Gardens
Opened in 2018, the Coal Loader Platform is a modern green roof initiative and one of Sydney’s largest publicly accessible green roof spaces.
Part of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton, it serves as a community hub and a focal point for North Sydney Council’s environmental and sustainability programs.
While the Centre is well worth a visit, the Platform stands out with its raised garden beds, aquaponics systems, fruit trees, and herb planters waiting to be explored.
| The Coal Loader Platform Gardens | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton |
| More info: | The Coal Loader Platform |
9. Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden
Managed by the council and a dedicated group of volunteers, the Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden in Dee Why is a peaceful oasis showcasing Australian native plants.
A network of walking paths winds through the garden, offering visitors the chance to explore a variety of microclimates filled with flowers, lush plants, and delicate ferns.
The main walking trail takes less than 30 minutes to complete, making it a perfect escape from the noise of nearby roads.
| Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 810 Pittwater Road, Dee Why |
| More info: | Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden |
10. The Palm Beach Bible Garden
As its name suggests, the Bible Garden is a serene Christian garden with a stunning view overlooking the main beach of the Palm Beach peninsula.
Established in the 1960s by Gerald Hercules Robinson, the garden was inspired by the belief that “the garden and the view behind it provide a perfect example of the glory of God’s creation”.
It features a series of grassed terraces that descend to a picturesque viewing platform, surrounded by a wide variety of plants waiting to be explored.
| The Palm Beach Bible Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 6a Mitchell Road, Palm Beach |
| More info: | The Palm Beach Bible Garden |
11. Auburn Botanic Gardens
Established in 1977 and managed by Cumberland Council, the Auburn Botanic Gardens are a true gem and well worth a visit to Sydney’s west.
The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including a community picnic space, a large playground, a rainforest garden, and a scented garden, among many other attractions.
The standout feature is the Japanese Garden, designed around a scenic lake. While it is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season, it remains a beautiful destination to enjoy throughout the year.
| Auburn Botanic Gardens | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn |
| More info: | Auburn Botanic Gardens |
12. Nurragingy Reserve
Spanning over 60 hectares, Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside is a stunning protected area that functions as an urban park, nature reserve, and garden.
With its many picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails, it is easy to spend an entire day exploring everything Nurragingy Reserve has to offer.
One of the highlights is the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Garden, an authentic Chinese garden collaboratively designed and built by Blacktown City Council and its sister city, Liaocheng Municipal Government.
| Nurragingy Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Knox Road, Doonside |
| More info: | Nurragingy Reserve |
13. The Australian Botanic Garden
Situated between Campbelltown and Camden in the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mount Annan, the Australian Botanic Garden is the largest botanical garden in Australia.
This expansive garden focuses on native plants and is home to more than 4,000 native and introduced plant species.
Visiting the Australian Botanic Garden is a truly rewarding experience, offering a variety of gardens, open spaces, and native woodland areas to explore.
| The Australian Botanic Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 362 Narellan Road, Mount Annan |
| More info: | The Australian Botanic Garden |
14. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Located in Mount Tomah, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden spans 28 hectares and showcases thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and beyond.
Established in 1972, the garden sits at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level and specialises in cool-climate plants that struggle to thrive in Sydney’s warmer conditions.
Easily accessible via Bells Line of Road, this garden is one of the top things to do in the Blue Mountains, offering a great collection of unique plants to explore.
| Blue Mountains Botanic Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah |
| More info: | Blue Mountains Botanic Garden |
15. Breenhold Gardens
Breenhold Gardens in Mount Wilson spans over 45 hectares of gardens, parkland, and native bushland. It boasts a diverse collection of exotic and native trees, along with flowering shrubs that have been cultivated over the past 40 years.
The gardens are seasonal, opening only during specific months. The autumn season runs through April and May, while the spring season is in September and October. The gardens can also be booked for special events throughout the year.
Unlike most other gardens on this list, visiting Breenhold Gardens requires an entry fee, which is a bit steep. Note that Breenhold Gardens is not the only garden in Mount Wilson. A short drive around the area will lead you to other beautiful spots, including Windyridge Garden and Merry Garth Garden, which are also worth exploring.
| Breenhold Gardens | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 29 The Avenue, Mount Wilson |
| More info: | Breenhold Gardens |
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