Birthdays, first dates, concerts in The Domain, walks along the foreshore. Sydney's iconic Royal Botanic Gardens holds a firm place in many of our memories. But did you know that there are over 20 Botanic Gardens scattered across New South Wales, each as breathtaking as Sydney's? We've rounded up just some of the regional botanic gardens in NSW we think you'll love.
1. North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
On the mangrove-covered shores of Coffs Creek lies the cool oasis of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, where exotic plants from around the world and rare and endangered Australian natives are just the beginning. The 20-hectare garden also features a section of natural forest and mangroves, a peaceful Japanese garden set around a lake, and five kilometres of canopy-sheltered boardwalks.
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
2. The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan in Sydney's south-west boasts a collection of approximately 4000 species of Australian native plants, including the biggest display of paper daisies in eastern Australia. Explore their 416 hectares of bushland and gardens, marvel at the spectacular bird life on Lake Nadungamba, or join a behind-the-scenes tour of the gardens' state of the art research facility, PlantBank.
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
3. Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens
Visit the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens on a quiet afternoon and you'll likely encounter more local fauna than people. This native garden is set on 42 hectares of land and is home to 2000 species of plants, trees and shrubs native to the region, as well as countless kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, possums, echidnas, snakes, lizards, frogs and birds. There are also walking tracks, picnic and barbecue areas, a huge playground, a visitor's centre and a café.
Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens
4. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
Although the gardens have only been open to the public since 1987, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah's conservation area is home to trees that are over 200 years old. This cool-climate garden that sits within a World Heritage Area covers 252 hectares, with 28 hectares of vibrant gardens, rainforest and bushland open to the public.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
5. Wollongong Botanic Garden
Pack a lunch and bring the family, because the Wollongong Botanic Gardens have something for everyone. Aside from the stunning display of pristine plant life over the garden's 27 hectares, there's also an inclusive playground for kids of all ages, guided walks, community workshops, regular performances, a coffee van and even an outdoor reading room.
6. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
If you're a fan of Aussie natives, make sure you add a trip to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens to your to do list the next time you're in Mildura. These gardens sit just north of the VIC-NSW border and alongside rare and endangered plant species are home to a wide range of bird-life, some not seen anywhere else in the world.
Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
7. Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens
This volunteer-run botanic garden was established to conserve local rainforest species. The gardens aim to only grow local plant species, especially rainforest plants that grow naturally within a 200 km of Lismore. Wander through the rainforest and you'll also find picnic spots, a BBQ and a large children's play area and even a labyrinth.
Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens
