What's new

Inflatable man

Don’t be alarmed if you see an ‘inflatable man’ in the Palm Grove! He has been introduced as an disturbance measure to move flying foxes away from some of our most vulnerable and significant trees. There are estimated to be up to 20,000 flying foxes roosting in the Gardens, and while the Botanic Gardens Trust has made every effort to allow the flying foxes to coexist within the Gardens, the huge number is proving to be unsustainable. The Trust has approval from all relevant authorities to use this interim, non-harmful method of disturbance and is seeking approval to relocate the flying foxes permanently from the Gardens next year.

Dracaena draco

Our magnificent old specimen of the Dragon's Blood Tree (Dracaena draco) fell over last week. It stood for more than 100 years on Lawn 70 (not far from the seawall in the north-west part of the Royal Botanic Gardens), but now it is lying more or less on its side, propped up by its very large canopy. More than two-thirds of the trunk diameter is unbroken so we are hopeful that it will survive.

Must See - July 2008

Must See in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney - as recommended by our Volunteer Guides. Just follow the Must See route using the grid references on the coloured map available at gates and from the Gardens Shop.

>> Download Must See - July 2008
>> Click here to view the Winter 2008 Calendar

World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08)

Monday 14 July–Sunday 20 July

World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Monday 14 July to Sunday 20 July. Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD08 is expected to attract more than 125,000 international visitors. An extensive program of events is planned, managed by the event organisers. There are also a number of associated events being organised by other parts of the Catholic Church. A program of events can be found at www.wyd2008.org

Further information about public transport system changes and what to expect during WYD08 will be provided during the coming months. In the meantime, to find out more about WYD08 please go to the WYD08 website at www.wyd2008.org or call the Infoline on 1300 993 793. You can also visit the NSW Government’s World Youth Day Coordination Authority website at www.wydca.nsw.gov.au. This website has been created to provide the community with the information they will need to plan and manage their lives and businesses during the WYD08 celebrations.

Artist in Residence

The Botanic Gardens Trust Artist in Residence Program provides practising artists the opportunity to work at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney from February to December in the year it is offered. Click here for more information.

Click here to find out about Emma Robertson, the Artist in Residence for 2008

Margaret Flockton Award 2008

Click here for winners of this year's Margaret Flockton Award.

Our Botanic Bicentenary

The Botanic Gardens Trust is heir to almost 200 years of knowledge and expertise in plant sciences, dating from the founding of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney in 1816. For two centuries it has led the discovery of Australia’s amazing plantlife, and inspired generations to care for their natural world.

>> Click here to view Our Botanic Bicentenary web pages
>> Click here to download brochure (pdf file)

Visitor surveys for Royal Botanic Gardens

Red Box Gallery

The Red Box Gallery at the National Herbarium of NSW at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is open weekdays 10 am - 4 pm when there is an exhibition on. The Replant Art Exhibition - a new generation of botanical art runs from 5 July until 15 August 2008.

Pesticide Notification Plan

>> View Pesticide Notification Plan

Automatic weather station at Mount Annan Botanic Garden

>> Click here for more information on the Automatic weather station

Passion for Plants

Passion for Plants - read about Tim Entwisle's column on 702 ABC Sydney. This new column captures the latest research, new species and other fascinating facts about plants and gardening.

Personal Trainer Policy

Sex and Death

The Sex and Death exhibition tells the story of plant sex by exploring the fascinating pollination mechanisms of orchids, one of the largest and most complex families of plants. The concept of death is a great excuse for us to display our extensive nursery collection of bizarre-looking carnivorous plants. This exciting new exhibition is in the Sydney Tropical Centre.

Water restrictions

The Botanic Gardens Trust is a leader in sustainable horticulture practices and strives for responsible water use. Click here to view information on water restrictions in the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain.