Breathtaking Blue Mountains Botanic Garden hosts a huge range of cool climate plants and is the only botanic garden in the world located in a World Heritage Area.

A Botanic Garden up high

Hosting 21,000 plants and 900 species, this botanic garden is an impressive one, whilst it’s also incredibly beautiful. The garden dates back to the 1800’s, yet its indigenous history goes back a whole lot further with the Darug Aboriginal people being the native inhabitants of the Blue Mountains for thousands of years. Only 90 minutes from Sydney, Blue Mountain Botanic Garden is a drop-dead gorgeous backdrop for a relaxing solo wander or a family day out. 1,000 metres above sea level, the gardens overlook the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Resultantly, magnificent panoramic views can be captured from multiple spots around the garden.

Comprised of 252 hectares in total, the main purpose of the gardens is the conservation of plants and wildlife. However, lucky for visitors, 28 hectares are open to the public. Across the entirety of the gardens, find spaces of natural woodland and endless alpine rainforest. The cool, moist mountain rainforest environment you find here is typical of the region and will provide you with a big dose of fresh air before your return to Sydney.

The flora and fauna of Blue Mountain Botanic Garden

Ancient conifers over 50 metres high, including the Wollemi Pine and giant Redwoods, make for a spectacularly wild setting here. Meanwhile, the Eurasian Woodland, showcasing Oak and Birch trees make for a romantic spot for a picnic. Down on the ground, vibrantly coloured flowers burst out from the earth. Gum trees scattered throughout make for a typical Australian landscape, and in autumn the North American Woodland truly comes to life boasting rich colours of burnt orange. The diversity of hues here is inspiring.

With its impressive array of flora, comes a a range of year-round habitats and food sources for animals and birds native to Australia. Fauna at Blue Mountain Botanic Garden includes 150 specifies of native birds as well as lizards and marsupials. Brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums as well as sugar gliders are also commonly found amongst the trees. As you explore the depths of the garden, witness animal life all around you; in the air, in the trees and on the ground.

The real showstoppers at the Blue Mountain Botanic Garden are of course the plants and spectacular greenery. Plants are grouped together according to their geographical origin, meaning that visitors are able to observe the differences between different regions in the world.

Things to do at Blue Mountain Botanic Garden

On your way round, drop by the Formal Garden which draws inspiration from Europe and a traditional garden design. With changing display beds every season, the Formal Garden is always vibrant and flourishing. At the Rock Garden, take a look at the South African Protea species and South American Bromeliads. Stop at the Bog Garden to find the very best of a rare plant community found in the Blue Mountains region itself. Carnivorous plants such as the Venus’ Fly Trap are also on show. Finally, at Plant Explorers, discover a collection of plants representing 300 years of exploration in Asia. The striking walk showcases around 400 plant species and proudly portrays the work of human endurance during the years of exploration.

Also at Blue Mountain Botanic Garden is an exhibition space with local arts, a cafe to satisfy your coffee cravings, picnic areas to enjoy lunch inundated with nature and guided tours to teach you a little about plants and the local environment. Opting for a guided tour of the gardens will help you to understand the multiple purposes of the gardens as well as the extensive conservation work carried out by the vast team of scientists and conservationists.

Conservation and the bushfires of 2019

A trip to Blue Mountains Botanic Garden will be an eye opening experience, not only due to its spectacular views and gorgeous natural beauty, but you might also be reminded of the fragility of nature and the dire need for conservation and environmental action. Upon wandering through the gardens during your visit, find clues of new plant life forming after the devastating fires of 2019. Buds growing from Eucalyptus trees and seedlings germinating in the soils are signs of new life at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. As you wander, be careful not to trample upon the fragile new growth.

Where?

Website: https://www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Address: Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah NSW 2758

When?

Monday – Friday | 9am – 5pm

Saturday – Sunday | 9.30am – 5pm