Royal Botanic Gardens

First: note that it is Botanic, not Botanical. I have a degree in botany, and evenb I don't know why that matters, but it does. It goes back to the foundation of the gardens in 1816 (though they only got the 'Royal' in 1959. It began as a farm in 1788, but was a complete wipe-out, because the soil around the harbour's edge is too sandy.

Next: there are three of them.

The Original RBG.

No, not the lovely US judge, the gardens, open from 7 am to sunset. Entry is free.

Get to Circular Quay, face away from the water, go left, go past the Opera House, keeping it on your left and head along the path beside the water.

Or, come out of the Art Gallery of NSW, cross the road, turn right, walk downhill, and take the entrance on your left.

Just wander, but make sure you see the Calyx, if it is open. Find the Wildflower Meadow, the Palace Rose Garden and the Fernery. Wave at the bin chickens, but it is best not to feed them. There is one here on the left, and they are officially ibises, but we all call them bin chickens. Why? Just watch them...

There are something like 120 different birds that have been recorded there, and about ten of those are adept at stealing your food. You have been warned!!

It's a climate change thing: the 'king high' tides of early January now come through the sea wall, and this is going to get worse, year by year.

The Australian Native Rockery is near the spot where this shot was taken.

Mount Tomah.

Then there is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, on Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. sitting on a basalt cap, which means much richer soil.

There is no public transport: for routes to drive, see the Blue Mountains page.

A brilliant collection of the Proteaceae (which includes waratahs in September), and a great eatery (except when the gas goes out: that happened to us, but the staff still managed to serve up food.

Nice views, too!

Sadly, there is no public transport there, and coach trips are pricey and want you to rush off. Bell's Line of Road is a bit steep for bikes, so you will need a car. Parking is free, and so is entry, though they encourage donations. Definitely good for a couple of hours, even for phytyophobes (plant haters).

Look out for the carnivorous plants!

Mount Annan.

This one also is a bit hopeless for public transport, so put 362 Narellan Road, Mount Annan into your GPS, and drive.

This link gives you a good run-down.


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