Popular Gardens in New South Wales

"The Royal Botanic Gardens certainly are a brilliant attraction in their own right, as well as being in a spectacular location perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Over 200 years old, the gardens have an amazing collection of flora from Australia and across the globe. Wander through Australian natives, a selection of succulents from across the world, or explore the rainforest area."

"There are plenty of places to get some ‘grams in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Follow the waterfront path around the bay and you’ll walk by a beautiful pond, various flower gardens, as well as a large grassy lawn that has the city skyline behind it. The photo above, which features a long row of stone arches decorated with greenery, is located just in front of the Botanic Garden Cafe."

"Royal Botanic Gardens Just past the Opera House, you will enter into these beautiful gardens. It’s full of stunning displays and hosts different events each week. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and watch the world go by or choose one of the paths and see some of the beautiful displays."

"Set at the southern end of Darling Harbour, the scenic and serene Chinese Garden of Friendship is a treat to stroll around. An oasis of calm in the city, its lovingly landscaped water features, rock gardens and pavilions shine a light on Chinese heritage and culture with the gardens having been designed in Guangzhou; Sydney’s sister city. Symbolizing the bond between the two countries, the gorgeous garden was first opened in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial."

"Built according to Taoist principles, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is usually an oasis of tranquillity – although one increasingly dwarfed by assertive modern buildings. Designed by architects from Guangzhou (Sydney’s sister city) for Australia’s bicentenary in 1988, the garden interweaves pavilions, waterfalls, lakes, paths and lush plant life. There's also a tea house."

"A calming place to let kids wander past waterfalls and exotic plants, through pavilions and up hidden pathways. Count the koi carp swimming in the lakes, try Chinese tea in the teahouse and dress up in traditional Chinese costumes* at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. * For an additional fee"

"Built in 1805, Vaucluse House is quite extravagant and one of the remaining 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. Purchased in 1827 by William Charles Wentworth (yes, the very man who Wentworth and Wentworth Falls is named), he set about making the original cottage quite a statement with his partner Sarah Cox. However it was never completed and finding the front door is still quite a perplexing issue."

"Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s one of Sydney’s few remaining 19th-century mansions that is still surrounded by its ten hectares of original gardens and grounds. Take a tour through the house for a glimpse of what life was life for the families who once lived there, stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a high tea at the tea rooms."

"Construction of this imposing, turreted specimen of Gothic Australiana, set amid 10 hectares of lush gardens, commenced in 1805, but the house was tinkered with into the 1860s. Atmospheric, and decorated with..."

"More than 80 acres of sweeping green lawns, groves of indigenous and exotic trees, duck ponds, greenhouses, and some 45,124 types of…"

"One of Sydney’s worst kept secrets is Wendy’s Secret Garden, a green oasis of native plants, fig trees, beautiful flowers and a thriving community of birds. The garden is a beautiful place for office workers and local residents to wind down, eat their lunch, read a book or to simply enjoy the views. Wendy’s Secret Garden is now part of the Lavender Bay Parklands, a collection of green spaces and parks in and around Lavender Bay, such as Clark Park, Watt Park, Quibaree Park and also the Lavender Bay Foreshore."

"Ok, it is not really a secret – but Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is still very much an underrated attraction in Sydney often overlooked by locals and tourists alike. A free place to visit, this delightful Lavender Bay garden on the lower North Shore of Sydney Harbor has charming views and a unique feeling of peace and tranquility. A public garden and much-loved oasis formed on railway land at the bottom of Wendy’s Garden, the site has an intriguing history and is well explained by signboards dotted around."

"A serene spot in Lavender Bay, the garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death. We love Wendy’s Secret garden. It’s a really special space for kids to follow the weaving pathways through lush foliage and discover little secrets hidden in nooks and crannies."

"If you want to take advantage of a stunning location that is steeped with history, Holroyd Gardens Merrylands offers the perfect location for a wedding ceremony in Western Sydney. Spread over 8 hectares, this old brick pit has now been redeveloped  and provides a picturesque backdrop of manicured gardens, a rotunda shelter, a water feature and a paved area used for ceremonies."

"Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park provides a diverse range of flora, different types of gardens, and unique sculptures located throughout the gardens for wedding photography. Eden Gardens offer a choice of unique garden wedding settings to suit your wedding style, including wet weather backup options for your wedding ceremony."

"Designed by Harry Seidler for his parents and built between 1948 to 1950, Rose Seidler House provides panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is one of the finest examples of mid 20th-century modern domestic architecture in Australia. A visit to the Rose Seidler House provides visitors with an opportunity to view the furniture and fittings form one of the most complete and intact post World War II design collections in public ownership. Opening Times: Open Sundays only | 10.00 am – 4.00 pmTicket Prices: Family $38.00Address: 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga NSW Website: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house"

"The Rose Seidler House was designed by architect Harry Seidler for his two parents Max and Rose. It was built in the Bauhaus style and is an excellent example of modern architecture wherein it establishes a contrast between the man-made object and nature (order versus disorder)."

"The Rose Seidler House is one of Sydney’s most unique houses – an iconic and influential house in every right. The house was constructed between 1948 and 1950 and boasted a radical modernist approach in its..."

"What makes it special: Step back in time into a Pin Up’s paradise and meet Doughbox Diner’s very own Diner Doll. Come to Doughbox Diner to fulfil your childhood dream of traveling to America just for an authentic diner experience, on steroids!. Usually at diners such as this, you would get burgers and fries."

"While some places go for a modern approach, others love to simply capture an era gone by. Doughbox Diner is your go-to if you need to indulge in authentic 60s America, all the way down to the tables. They’re also famous for their handheld crepe cones, but we drool for their banana splits!"

"In Short: Happyfield was one of the best new openings in 2020 and now in 2021 it will continue to be one of the most garnered tables in town on the weekend. Come for their pancakes and sausage muffins and chase it down with a cold brew nitro and you will be one happy person…."

"A buzzy little place on the Northern Beaches, Rainbow Sushi has a warm, friendly vibe and the food keeps locals loyal. The menu is curated with classics and has a wide range of vegetable, meats and seafood. It’s a popular spot for lunch and dinner so be sure to arrive early to secure your seat at the train."

"The range of sushi, sashimi, nigiri and tempura delights is impressive at Sushi Maru. Take your seat at the train and watch the well-priced bites make their way around. Start with some of your go-to’s before working your way up to Maru’s signature dishes."

"Another Eastern Suburbs haunt, SUSHIGOI in Coogee has a well-earned reputation for its fresh array of innovative creations. A chic eatery with a great selection of plates, you can expect all your favourites circling the busy train. The shark fin and abalone salad boats are perfect for the adventurous eater."