The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney was established in 1816 on the site of the first European settlement at Farm Cove.
It is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and played a major role in the acclimatisation of plants from other regions. The botanical garden consists of 30 hectares of land surrounded by 51 hectares of open parklands known as The Sydney Domain.
The Royal Botanic Garden is administered by the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, which was established in 1980. The trust is responsible for the management of the garden, as well as The Domain, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.
Located on the eastern fringe of the Sydney central business district, the botanical garden is bordered by the Cahill Expressway, Macquarie Street, Art Gallery Road, and Sydney Harbour. It is open every day of the year and is free for public access. The garden was designed by Charles Moore, Joseph Maiden, Allan Cunningham, Richard Cunningham, and Carrick Chambers.
The botanical garden is divided into four major precincts: the Lower Gardens, the Middle Gardens, the Palace Gardens, and the Bennelong precinct. Within these precincts are smaller gardens, features, and large lawn areas. The Palm Grove Centre, located in the middle of the four precincts, offers various amenities for visitors.
The Middle Garden is the most cultivated section of the gardens, featuring native and exotic species. It includes the spring walk, known for its azalea display, and a collection of outdoor palms. The Lower Garden, laid out by Charles Fraser, features ponds that are home to waterfowl, including Australian Black Swans.
The garden's notable feature is the historic sandstone