Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

110  SY DNEY

1 Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden, a 30-ha (75-acre) oasis in the heart of
the city, occupies a superb position, wrapped around Farm Cove
BOTANIC
at the harbour’s edge. Established in 1816 as a series of pathways GARDEN AND
through shrubbery, it is the oldest living scientific institution in THE DOMAIN
the country and houses an outstanding collection of plants from CITY KINGS CROSS
AND
Australia and overseas. A living museum, the gardens are also the CENTRE DARLINGHURST
site of the first farm in the fledgling colony. Fountains, statues and Locator Map
monuments are today scattered throughout. The diversity is See Central Sydney map pp66–7
amazing: there are thousands of trees, stands of bamboo, a cactus
garden, a rainforest walk, one of the world’s finest
collections of palms, a herb garden and a garden
containing rare and threatened plant species.

. Palm Grove
Begun in 1862, this cool summer haven is one of
the world’s finest outdoor collections of palms.
There are about 180 species in the grove.

. Herb Garden
Herbs from around the world used for a wide
variety of purposes – culinary, medicinal and
aromatic – are on display here. A sensory
fountain and a sundial modelled on the
celestial sphere are also features.
KEY
1 Conservatorium of Music
(see p112).
2 Government House (1897)
3 The Fleet Steps met those
disembarking from ships in Farm Cove.
4 Mrs Macquaries Chair, where
the governor’s wife liked to watch
the harbour, is marked by a rock
ledge seat (see p112).
5 Mrs Macquaries Road .The Calyx
A gift from the NSW government
6 Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool to the Garden for its 200th birthday
is a popular spot for inner-city in 2016, this magnificent structure
swimming and sunbathing. is regularly reinvented with
7 Wollemi Pine changing horticultural exhibitions,
displays and events.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp482–3 and pp504–7