Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve

Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is a 2.2-hectare specialised garden dedicated solely to Australian native plants.

It is located in Manooka Place, Kareela, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia, with a pedestrian entrance on Bates Drive. Established in 1970 as part of the bicentenary project, the reserve is a fitting tribute to Joseph Banks, the naturalist who accompanied James Cook and collected botanical specimens in Botany Bay in 1770.

The reserve features themed gardens showcasing a range of Australian native plants from around the country, including an acacia garden, rainforest, sun-loving plants, silver foliage garden, bush tucker, shade garden, fern garden, and lily garden. Over 600 plants are labelled with their botanical names, with most local banksias also included. The reserve also features Western Australian species, such as Banksia blechnifolia and Banksia repens.

The reserve is managed by the Sutherland Shire Council, with Australian Plants Society, Sutherland Group providing volunteer assistance. Visitors can participate and contribute to the maintenance of the reserve through two volunteer working bees held monthly. The working bees are held on the first Thursday of the month from 9 am to 12 noon with Sutherland Council Bushcare, while the first Sunday of the month from 9.30 am to 12 noon with the Australian Plants Society provides opportunities for volunteers to weed, prune, and plant.

Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday when it is closed. Admission is free. The reserve features paved paths, toilets, picnic tables, and woodfired BBQs. Some paths