Five things to see in the Blue Mountains
Immerse yourself in a cool climate Botanic Garden, with mountain maples, starry nights and magical mountain heights for a weekend roadtrip like no other.
Located within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is the ultimate getaway location for autumn, with 234 hectares of cool climate plants, basalt cap forests, and the iconic Japanese maples.
Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness this garden is a hidden gem tucked away on the quiet side of the mountains – near the small town of Bilpin but just 90 minutes from the CBD.
Enjoy the tranquillity on the walking trails, wander through autumnal plantings, or take a pitstop at the new forest boardwalk with sweeping scenic mountain views from Australia’s highest botanic garden.
Here are the top five things you must see and do during your next visit to Mount Tomah:
The first signs of autumn is when the colour changes in the leaves, which is a result of photosynthesis not working
Picnic under the Japanese maples at the Residence Garden
The Residence Garden is known for its seasonal beauty, with camellias adding vibrancy in winter and carpets of cherry blossoms arriving in spring. The arrival of the Japanese maples in autumn creates a transformative patchwork of gold, russet, and merlot.
Plan your visit for after Anzac Day to enjoy the burgundy hues of Acer palmatum in their prime.
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of these towering trees and surrounding perennials is to admire them from up high. Pack a picnic and aim for the lawn right in front of the seasonal meadow for a multi-sensory Mount Tomah experience.
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) tree in Residence Garden
Why do autumn leaves change colour?
As the trees prepare for a rest period in winter, nutrients in the leaves are removed and used as a reserve energy source. The leaves also stop the process of photosynthesis. With no need to produce energy the green pigments are removed leaving behind only waste products the tree no longer needs. Its fortunate for us that these so-called ‘waste products’ are the vibrant colours we all love to see in autumn foliage.
Explore the new Forest Boardwalk
In summer 2024, a new accessible forest boardwalk was opened for all visitors to experience the unique eastern viewpoint in the mountains.
Here you can look out above Sydney, Parramatta, and the stunning wilderness of the Blue Mountains all at once. As you stroll along the boardwalk, take a moment to appreciate the panels that depict the fern life cycle unfurling.
The choice to feature ferns links back to Country: in the Darug language of this land "Tomah" means “tree-fern".
The Boardwalk offers an accessible unique garden adventure perfect for every visitor 
Magical view of the Blue Mountains from the Boardwalk 
The new boardwalk offers a unique eastern view of the Blue Mountains
Discover historical plant gems in the Gondwana Walk
Located on the south-east edge of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, the Gondwana Walk is a true journey through time, weaving under towering eucalypts and through lush rainforest plants that can trace their origins to this prehistoric time when dinosaurs still roamed the earth.
A true Australian icon also hides within this shady retreat – the Wollemi Pine, one of the world’s rarest and oldest conifer tree species.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden has an extensive collection of these ancient trees planted in Gondwana Walk
Explore the stars with Astronomy at Mount Tomah
If you’re more of a night owl, join us after dark for an immersive night of astronomy and star gazing for Astronomy at Mount Tomah on Saturday 3 May from 5:30pm to 8pm. Discover the wisdom of the night sky over a glass of wine with distinguished Astrophysicist Dr Ángel Lopez -Sanchez.
Enjoy the clarity of the stars as seen from a secluded mountainside with minimal light pollution, and allow our team of experts to take you on a journey to these strange other worlds.
Powerful telescopes from the Northern Sydney Astronomical Society will allow a discovery into the world beyond Earth.
Wind down with nature journalling
Pack a notebook and art supplies along with your picnic for a Nature Journalling session destined to transport you into a magical autumn oasis.
Observe the delicate details of the seasonal plant displays as you join our educators for a series of hands-on workshops that foster mindfulness, creativity, and deep observation.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone Hupehensis) in the Residence Garden provide the perfect inspiration for Nature Journaling
Plan your visit
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is open daily from 9am – 5pm (except Christmas Day).
Enquire for your picnic booking and explore the what’s on section for more botanical adventures.
Share the plant love and tag @BotanicSydney on social media when you visit this season.
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