Peace Amongst the Noise
Tranquility in the Gardens
COVID-19 information and update: please visit The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney website for changes due to COVID-19.
This 30-hectare oasis, running alongside the stunning Sydney harbour, is the perfect accessible day out. With wide pathways throughout, beautiful nature all around, and a variety of accessible cafes and restaurants to eat at, The Royal Botanical Gardens are truly one of a kind.
Getting around the gardens is easy, and the entrances have access ramps where necessary, save for The Henry Lawson gate. The least steep route into the gardens is from the Queen Elizabeth 2nd gate near the Opera House. The level pathways make it simple to move throughout the entire area, and there is much to experience. One of the things you must do while at the gardens is visit The Calyx - a free, fully accessible floral haven consisting of one of the largest green walls in the southern hemisphere, café, shopping and a range of events and workshops.
What Can Be Found Here?
- Wide, level pathways throughout and breath-taking views Sydney.
- Free manual wheelchair available for hire, for use at the gardens (available from reception or from the visitors centre attached to the garden shop)
- Tram tour around the gardens (however unfortunately not possible with a wheelchair – the park staff are able to mind your chair)
- Numerous guided walks, allowing you to see the best the garden has to offer.
- The Palm Grove Centre, which includes a souvenir shop, accessible toilet, wheelchair hire and has ramp access.
- Many charming and accessible restaurants and cafes (Botanic House, Terrace on the Domain, Piccolo Me, Terrace Eatery, Farm Cove Eatery, and Busby’s Bar)
- The Calyx
- Amazing plant and animal life.
Accessible Toilets
- Inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre
- Outside the Mare and Foal Statue near Farm Cove
- Inside The Calyx
Accessible Parking
- There are accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo/Lion Gate (side entrance near Access road)
- Outside The Art Gallery of New South Wales (from here you can easily get to the entrance to the gardens
- Secure, undercover parking is available at the Domain Car Park (available if no mobility parking bays available. Just show a valid Mobility Parking Scheme permit.
Useful Information
Here is a map of the area with some accessible and partially accessible places currently on WheelEasy.
There is a lift that takes you directly from the Domain car park to the Domain sports fields, and a travelator that takes you over to Hyde Park (please note, there is no accessible pathway from where the lift drops you in the sports fields to Mrs Macquaries Road).
FAQs
How can I borrow the manual wheelchair?
The chair can be picked up from and returned to the Palm Grove Centre. This is free to borrow.
Is the parking metered?
Yes, most is metered but free if you display your mobility parking pass. Also there are a few accessible spaced.
Do I need an MLAK key for the toilets?
No, the toilets don’t have MLAK locks on them
How do I get to the gardens from Central Station?
By Bus – There are a number of accessible buses that will take you from the CBD to The Opera House and then simply enter through the Queen Elizabeth gate. This will take approx. 15 minutes.
By Car – It only takes approx. 4 minutes to get to the gardens by car.
Walking – this will take approx. 37 minutes.
Visit https://transportnsw.info/ to plan your specific trip.
What time do the gardens close?
October –7am to 7:30pm
November to February – 7am to 8pm
March – 7am to 6:30pm
April and September – 7am to 6pm
May and August – 7am to 5:30pm
June and July – 7am to 5pm
