Opened in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. However, the lands’ use by the community over the decades as well as the space it has provided for large public gatherings and entertainment has allowed it to become an attraction for residents and tourists. Much like other parks that have significant natural and constructed monuments, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney has been able to create a legacy that is centered on the past and future of the surrounding community.
Science, Experiences, Monuments and More
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney has a history that stretches back to 1788 and has seen developments related to everything from the installation of the Garden Exhibition Palace to the continued dedication to advancing the understanding of plant life in NSW and Australia. While it contains one of the earliest established botanic gardens in the southern hemisphere, the fact that it is dedicated to providing something for everyone is what makes being there such a monumentous experience.
As part of such experiences, tours and walks allow visitors to discover the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney from a new perspective. Guides take visitors directly to the Garden’s highlights which include spectacular views, stunning flowers and significant sites while discovering new interesting facts along the way. The Aboriginal Heritage Tour showcases the diverse history and culture of the Aboriginal people of the Sydney region with an Aboriginal guide.
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is also full of notable monuments and history. Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench and named for Elizabeth Macquarie. Folklore has it that she used to sit on the rock and watch for ships from Great Britain sailing into the harbor. Elsewhere in the garden, The Governor Phillip Fountain honors Captain Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales. It features a marble pedestal for the 4.5-metre bronze statue of Captain Phillip. The pedestal features three reliefs of Justice, Patriotism and Education. Below the pedestal are the reclining bronze figures of Neptune (Navigation), Agriculture, Cyclops (Mining) and Commerce. The four marble consoles are embellished with bronze plaques of Aboriginal people.
In addition to these permanent features and monuments, events, community festivals, exhibitions, plant sales and much more take place on a regular basis. That’s just part of the reason the Gardens have been able to have such a notable economic and cultural impact for Sydney.
A Direct and Indirect Impact on the Culture and Economy of Sydney
In terms of a direct economic impact, the Choo Choo Express offers fascinating facts about the history of the Garden while also highlighting the plants and landmarks around Sydney’s spectacular harbor. It has a duration of 25 minutes and runs daily every 30 minutes. Paid tickets may be purchased from the Queen Elizabeth II gate. Additionally, the Garden Shop, where gardening books, seeds and gifts are all available for purchase, is one of the stops on the train.
The Royal Botanic Garden also offers indoor and outdoor venues for special events, including weddings, workshops, conferences and parties. The Garden’s venues team is dedicated to helping make whatever vision someone has in mind a reality.
When it comes to the community impact the Gardens have enabled, there’s no shortage of examples. The Royal Botanic Garden has five New Year’s Eve events to choose from that let people take advantage of the stunning locations right on the shores of Sydney Harbour. More regular events like Science Week and Garden Night-Life for Families also enable a strong community connection while still attracting visitors.
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney has had a direct and indirect impact on the economy and culture of the city that has been both significant and noticeable. It’s created a legacy that is tied to other parks in the city while still enabling a unique identity that is tied to the past and future of the city.
A Legacy of Experiences and Choices
The Garden is open every day of the year and access is free, but that’s just part of the reason it’s such a significant part of any and every map of the city. By offering so many distinct experiences along with such incredible views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and downtown Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens allows visitors to engage with the city and surroundings in an especially profound way.
Just like other parks that combine monument and history, the Royal Botanic Gardens gives visitors options regardless of whether they want to learn more about native and exotic plants, lose themselves in a themed garden, picnic with friends and family, or purchase a souvenir. In doing so, the Gardens have created a legacy that is set to be as much about the experience as it is the significant history of the area.
