Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Thought to be one of the oldest public gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens date back to 1810 when Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife had a vision for an "English parkland setting with a grand house". Over the years, this 30-hectare oasis has withstood fires, cattle grazing, invasions of flying foxes, a windmill, an aviary, and even a zoo.

Today, aside from a few sulphur-crested cockies, it's an oasis of calm in an urban jungle.

If it's not raining, rug-up and take a free guided walk through the gardens...good for helping city-slickers to distringuish between Begonias and Camellias. Alternatively, if it's a wet weekend, warm up over brunch at Botanic House, where you can watch the rain pour down whilst cradling your steaming cup of coffee. Exquisite.

Best For... Amateur botanists, hippy nature lovers & anyone in need of a break from the city.

Worst For... Couch potatoes.

Tours from 10.30am, daily. Free entry.

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