Winter School Holidays at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

For winter school holiday activities in Sydney that combine outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, creativity and nature, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is packed with family-friendly experiences that will have kids exploring, discovering and learning in one of the city's most beautiful green spaces.

Winter School Holidays at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

With torch-lit wildlife tours, immersive rainforest exhibitions, seasonal garden walks and a winter colouring competition, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers plenty of reasons to get the family outdoors and into nature these winter school holidays.

Alchemy of a Rainforest

Escape the winter chill and venture into the lush world of Alchemy of a Rainforest at The Calyx. This immersive exhibition transports families deep into the sights, sounds and textures of a tropical rainforest through spectacular living displays, interactive art installations and sensory experiences.

Featuring more than 18,000 plants and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere, it's a fascinating journey into one of the world's most important ecosystems. Kids will love wandering beneath a shimmering recycled canopy created by ERTH, discovering colourful sculptures made from repurposed plastic waste by environmental artist Jane Gillings, and exploring an oversized Satin Bowerbird's bower crafted from upcycled materials. Step inside, take a seat and soak up the rainforest soundscape for a truly memorable experience.

After your visit, settle in at Leaf Dept. Café at The Calyx for a coffee, snack or family meal surrounded by garden views.

Self-Guided Garden Walks

Winter reveals a different side of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, making it the perfect time to slow down and explore at your own pace. Wrap up warm and follow one of the Garden's self-guided winter walks to discover beautiful seasonal highlights throughout the grounds. Admire the vibrant blooms of the Camellia Garden, marvel at the brilliant golden foliage of the Ginkgo biloba trees,  wander through the fascinating Succulent Garden and behold the delicate beauty of winter cherry blossoms. The peaceful atmosphere makes the Garden a wonderful place to reconnect with nature.

Plant of the Month 

Discover the Garden's seasonal highlights with the must-see Plant of the Month. Curated each month by the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's knowledgeable volunteer guides, this handy resource showcases the exotic and native plants currently looking their best throughout the Garden. It's a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems, learn more about the Garden's remarkable plant collections and make the most of your visit.

Keep an eye out for recommendations on the best areas to explore and the standout blooms and foliage putting on a show this winter.

Twilight Garden Tour

As the sun sets, the Garden transforms into a bustling habitat for some of Sydney's most fascinating nocturnal creatures. The Twilight Garden Tour invites families to join expert ecologists for an after-dark adventure through one of the most biodiverse locations in the city and explore a hidden world that is home to more than 27,000 plants and almost 100 species of vertebrates.

The Garden comes alive at dusk with birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians beginning their nightly routines. Using torchlight and expert guidance, participants may spot Brush-tailed Possums, Flying Foxes, Golden Orb Spiders, Longfin Eels and more while learning about the incredible adaptations that help these species thrive after dark. Along the way, families can also discover night-blooming plants, ancient Wollemi Pines, and hidden corners of the Garden rarely experienced during daylight hours. 

Enter the Winter Colouring Competition

Add even more fun to their Garden visit by entering the Winter Colouring Competition. Children have the chance to win one of three fantastic prize packs simply by picking up an entry form and getting creative. Entry forms are available from the Visitor Centre, Information Kiosk, Garden Shop and participating food and beverage outlets throughout the Garden.

With engaging outdoor experiences, beautiful harbour-side surroundings and activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is an easy addition to your school holiday itinerary.

Where:  Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
When:   Open daily 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
              Twilight Garden Tour: Wednesdays 8 & 15 July, 6 pm - 7:30 pm.
Cost:     General admission is free. 
              Twilight Garden Tour: $49 Adult, $23 Child (8 – 15 years old)

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