The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Must-see plants

Our volunteer guides share their top picks on what plants to see and which Garden areas to visit right now.

Tropical orange flowers hanging elegantly from lush green tree

Each month our volunteers put together a seasonal list of the exotic and native plants that are currently looking their best at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Our friendly team of volunteer guides share the Gardens' remarkable history, botany, and wildlife with visitors every day. See just a few of their most recent top picks below.

 

  • News-Alloxylon-flammeum-web-1024x676.PNG
    The Tree Waratah, Alloxylon flammeum, delights in summer at the Garden.
  • Tree with purple flowers along a sunny garden pathway
    The Spring Walk showcases Wisterias, Rhododendrons and other spring flowering perennials.
  • Yellow fan-shaped leaves of Gingko biloba
    Gingko biloba is a fantastic seasonal standout at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  • Camellia tree in bloom
    Winter means the camellias are looking their best.

December: Red Tower Ginger

Scientific name:Costus comosus var. bakeri (K.Schum.) Maas

In the Americas, where this plant grows naturally, hummingbirds often visit the Red Tower Ginger's nectar-rich flowers. While these birds don’t occur here in the Garden, you may see Noisy or Indian Miners visiting the flowers.

Download the must-see tour

Two ruby-hued beauties are in flower at this time of year

November: Norfolk Island Hibiscus

As we head into summer, the Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) is a coastal beauty in its element. It's graceful yet tough... Perhaps a little how you're feeling as we approach the end of the year?

October: Tree Waratah

Alloxylon flammeum is a spectacular member of the Proteaceae family and in the wild, it is only found growing in Queensland’s Atherton Tableland.

See more seasonal picks

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Syzgium moorei flowering

Garden Explorer

Trying to find a particular plant or want to follow the must see self-guided trail?
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See the best of the Garden in every season.

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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Plant of the month

Download more information on our volunteers' top plant pick for this month.
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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Daily guided walks

Join a guided walk led by our knowledgeable volunteer guides.
Yellow golden penda flower
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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Self-guided tour

Download a map of this month’s must-see tour to take on your Garden visit (PDF)