The story of this place
The Royal Botanic Garden is Australia's oldest botanic garden, established in 1816 on Farm Cove—and yes, this really was farmland originally. It occupies 30 hectares of harbourside land with the most spectacular views in Sydney: the Opera House on one side, Harbour Bridge on the other. The garden holds over 8,500 plant species from around the world, including rare specimens you won't see anywhere else. Free guided walks are available daily, or you can just find a bench and watch the ferries pass by. This is Sydney at its most peaceful.