Overview
In Sydney in summer, the water often gets all the attention. But the city's gardens should not be ignored. Whether you want to sip a glass of wine while stargazing or be recharged with a tranquil guided nature walk, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has a wealth of activities to keep you busy and inspired while surrounded by spectacular scenery of the city and leafy natural wonder.
This is our pick of five outdoor experiences (and one virtual experience) you can have at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to switch things up this summer when you're ready for a break from the beach.
Westpac OpenAir Sydney
CATCH A FLICK AT THE WESTPAC OPENAIR CINEMA
Level up date night at what might just be the world's most beautiful cinema. Located at Mrs Macquarie's Point, the Westpac Openair Cinema boasts a three-storey-high screen right in front of the incredible harbour backdrop. Grab a bite and a drink at the on-site restaurant and bar as you watch the sun set, then take your seat to watch some of the latest releases. Your standard dinner and a movie date this ain't.
ADD MORE GREEN TO YOUR LIFE AT THE GROWING FRIENDS PLANT SALES
If you're looking for some greenery to spruce up your home, head to Growing Friends Nursery on weekdays between 11am and 2pm or Saturdays from 10am to 2pm for the Growing Friends Plant Sales. Shop from an extensive range of seasonal native and exotic plants, many of which are rare finds and all of which have been propagated by volunteers from the living collections in the Botanic Gardens.
Prices start at $6 per plant, with proceeds going toward helping the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens continue its support of the Botanic Gardens' work across science, conservation, horticulture and education. Want to give the gift of greenery? You can also pick up a gift voucher for a plant-friendly pal to claim their own piece of the Gardens.
TAKE IN HISTORY AND CULTURE ON A FIRST NATIONS-LED TOUR
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers a range of walking tours with First Nations guides offering fascinating insight into Gadigal history. The Bush Tucker Tour will teach you about Indigenous foods in both traditional and contemporary contexts, while giving you a chance to taste some treats along the way. Or, discover a new appreciation for our city's harbour through the lens of the traditional custodians on the Harbour Heritage Tour, where you'll amble along the foreshore while taking in stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions, history and connection to country and community.
If you love a good sunset, explore the Cadi Garden as the sun goes down on an Aboriginal Cultural Sunset Tour. This sunset stroll will see you learning about the wildlife and nocturnal animals that inhabit the gardens as well as their connection to the Gadigal people.
RECHARGE ON A NATURE THERAPY WALK
If you are yearning for some time in nature and could use a bit of guidance, take some time to relax and recharge on a guided Nature Therapy Walk. Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing', this gentle Sunday morning walk through the Garden focuses on immersing the senses in nature to improve physical and mental wellbeing. On the walk you will be guided through a series of sensory experiences to practise mindfulness and connect with nature. The walk will conclude with a Japanese-style tea ceremony.
ENJOY AN EVENING OF STARGAZING AT ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX
Take a night away from the screen to look up at the stars at The Calyx for an evening of astronomy and stargazing. At this regular event, First Nations astronomer Drew Roberts will help you discover all that the night sky has to offer while you take it all in over a glass of wine. Discover what's beyond Earth with powerful telescopes and learn about the most interesting planets that have been discovered around other stars on this cosmic experience.
Elaine Casap; Unsplash
TAKE A LESSON IN TOMATOES AT TOMATO FESTIVAL SYDNEY
While the ever-popular Tomato Festival Sydney will not be held at the Royal Botanic Garden this year, the good news is you can still attend virtually — and for free — over the weekend of February 19-20. From the comfort of your home, log in to discover fantastic recipes from award-winning chef Luca Ciano, pick up organic gardening tips from Tim Sansom, CEO of The Diggers Club, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's nursery with gardening guru Costa Georgiadis. The weekend-long festival also includes demonstrations on how to make your own tomato relishes and preserves as well as insight into sustainable gardening practices.
Discover more things to do this summer at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney over at the website.
Top image: Westpac Openair Cinema (supplied)