The Royal Botanic Garden wraps around Farm Cove on the eastern shore of the harbour, a 30-hectare sweep of lawns, themed gardens and mature trees that has been open to the public since 1816, making it the oldest botanic garden in Australia. Its location is extraordinary — the harbour is visible through the trees almost everywhere, and the walk along the sea wall from the garden's eastern gate to Mrs Macquaries Chair offers the famous view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in a single frame.
The garden holds significant plant collections including rare and threatened Australian species. The Rainforest Walk passes through a grove of Moreton Bay figs with roots the size of walls. Large grey-headed flying foxes roost in the trees near the Domain — noisy, smelly, and spectacular. Entry is free, and the garden is one of the most pleasant spots in central Sydney for a picnic or a quiet hour between sights. Guided walks depart from the visitor centre near the Palace Rose Garden.