Sydney’s most beautiful gardens

At Interflora we’re big fans of any area that allows us to stop and smell the roses (or tulips, or daisies, or lilies), so when it comes to weekend plans, we always include a visit to a tranquil garden or peaceful park to relax and unwind. If you’re Sydney based and looking for more foliage in your life, or visiting for a few days and wanting to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, these beautiful gardens are the place to be.

Royal Botanic Garden

First up is arguably the most famous of gardens in the city and Sydney flowers don’t get much more spectacular than this. This serene oasis is on the edge of sparkling Sydney Harbour and easy to walk to from Circular Quay.

The garden’s thousands of plant specimens are joined by colourful wildlife, and its world class horticultural space, The Calyx, features changing exhibitions. Entry is free and volunteer guides lead information walks daily. You’ll also find a restaurant and café in the middle of the gardens so you can get your coffee fix while you enjoy the floral scents.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

This oasis recreates a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, lakes, pavilions, hidden pathways, exotic plants and koi fish. Situated in the heart of Sydney, Darling Harbour, the garden is the perfect spot to get away.

Enjoy the garden even more with a Garden Highlights Tour or Seasonal Features Tour, or grab a map and explore the walled garden at your own pace. With a Teahouse serving traditional Chinese tea, dim sum, and authentic sweets, you’ll be tempted to stay all weekend. Entry is cheap ($6 per adult, $3 per child), or for Sydneysiders wanting a regular garden spot, pick up an annual pass!

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

Not quite a secret but still unknown to some, this garden at Lavender Bay features stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Transformed from once overgrown land by the wife of artist Brett Whiteley, the picturesque garden is adjacent to the Whiteley’s home.

Lush with greenery and featuring giant fig trees, the garden is also home to many native birds. Intricate walkways and hidden artworks make this Sydney garden a joy to explore, and with free entry 24/7 it’s the perfect way to spend a day.

Hyde Park

As Australia’s oldest park, Hyde Park offers numerous statues and memorials, public art works and water features for visitors to enjoy. It also contains the ANZAC Memorial building and plays host to cultural events throughout the year including the Food and Wine Fair and the Sydney Festival.

In this Sydney garden you’ll find around 580 exotic and native flowers (link) and plants including a historic central avenue lined with Hill’s Figs.

Auburn Botanic Gardens

This Sydney suburb’s botanic garden is known for its cherry blossom festival in early September and their renowned Japanese Garden featuring waterfalls, bridges, and flowering azaleas. There’s also a rose garden and plenty of wildlife including spectacular peacocks.

The Gardens cover 9.2 hectares of parkland. Auburn residents can enter for free, whilst for non-residents entry is $4 on weekends and $5 during special events (and free during the week!). We’ll be adding their Autumn Colours Festival in May to our list of must-dos.

Mount Annan

Part of the Royal Botanic Garden and home to a major scientific research and conservation centre, this Sydney garden spans 416 hectares of hills and lakes, and is a popular spot for picnickers and bike riders.

Relax and unwind amongst the 2000 exotic plant species and keep an eye out for wildlife as you may spot wallabies, frogs, and water dragons. Open every day of the year and entry is free.

Looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy Mother's Day this year? Select one of the above and pack a picnic basket, we guarantee mum will love it! 

Based in Sydney and want to bring home some of the beautiful flowers spotted during your garden adventures? Order Sydney flowers from local florists here.