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[title]A visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney deserves more than a rushed wander through, especially when there’s so much to see this winter. And while the temperature may be dropping, that doesn’t mean the fun has to go down with it.
This winter, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is giving you plenty of reasons to get out of the house with a worthy line-up of tours, walks, workshops and more this June to August.
Head down on July 18 for a hands-on Natural Dyeing and Eco workshop, where you’ll learn all about common plants that produce natural dyes. Using plants gathered from the Botanic Gardens, an artist will lead you through the process of creating your own naturally dyed and eco printed silk scarf using creative and beginner-friendly techniques. For a two-hour slot, tickets are $75 for adults.
Then, on August 1, join the Urban Forest Walk, where you’ll visit some of the park's most historic and rare trees including an ancient Araucariaceae and the fig trees of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. The 60-minute walk is led by experts who will take you through the benefits of urban trees, sharing stories of their resilience through climate crises. Snag a spot for $35.
As the sun sets, Twilight Garden Tours led by expert ecologists will take you through the hidden world that awakens when night falls over the garden. Tune in your senses and watch as nocturnal animals and night-blooming flowers come alive. Expect to see everything from flying foxes to golden orb spiders and longfin eels. Tickets start from $49 for adults, with kids over eight welcome.
Plenty of other kid-friendly activities are on across winter including a colour competition that’s open to all visitors under the age of 13. To enter, grab an entry form at the information kiosk, shop or any food and drink outlet and be sure to submit your masterpiece before July 26 to go in the running. There’s three botanic-inspired gift packs up for grabs, valued at more than $150 each. Plus, if you take your completed form in the store, you’ll be eligible for an extra 20 per cent off full-priced merch*.
No matter which event you choose, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has plenty of nearby spots to refuel including Leaf Dept., a stunning cafe tucked inside the garden’s world-class horticultural exhibition space The Calyx. Grab a sandwich or a spritz, then snag a sunny spot to roll out the picnic rug for a restful afternoon. For a meal, head to Botanic House where two floors of dining offer two different menus, both celebrating nature’s bounty prioritising fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Ready to get back to nature? Find out more here.
*excludes books, gift cards and sale items.