From the sweeping expanse of the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan to the picturesque Japanese Garden in Cowra, NSW is fertile ground for plenty of lush green spaces that offer visitors a reprieve from the incessant hum of city life. Beautiful ponds, vibrant seasonal flowers, manicured gardens, native flora and picnic spaces make up these verdant landscapes. One cool climate garden within easy reach of Sydney is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah which features thousands of plants from around Australia and the world. Nestled amidst alpine rainforest and flaunting stunning mountain views, it is also the highest garden in Australia at an elevation of 1000 metres and Australia’s only botanic garden located in a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning a trip to this quieter and a lot less touristy part of the Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
Spread over 28 hectares, the garden overlooks the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and offers free entry all year round, with the exception of select ticketed events. There is plenty to explore here from native bird species, native wildlife, well-kept picnic areas, pavillions and themed lawns. Presenting a wonderful blend of native Australian bush atmosphere with botanic gardens, the space is a one-stop shop to experience the best of the Blue Mountains all in one expansive space.
Highlights of the gardens
After stopping for a bite at the cafe on-site, step outside to admire the sprawling space. Highlights include the Ornamental Gardens, which contain four garden spaces, perfectly harmonised with ornamental plants and horticultural designs. The four spaces include the World Heritage Viewing Deck and Rooftop Garden which boasts a stunning panoramic view of the Blue Mountains and a green-roof garden replete with local flora and the Formal Garden which features an enchanting outdoor space influenced by European gardens with manicured lawns and a lovely display of ornamental plants. The Residence Garden here is best visited during autumn as it brightens up the space with seasonal hues and the picture-perfect, Brunet Meadow and Garden, consists of colourful daffodils, jonquils, hydrangeas and camellias that are in peak bloom in mid-August.
Another highlight of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the Rock Gardens, one of NSW’s best-kept secrets and a space that boasts a staggering collection of southern hemisphere plants. It’s the biggest such space in the southern hemisphere and flaunts a vast collection of alpine plants from around the globe including from South and North America, Africa, Australia, Eurasia, and New Zealand. Keep an eye out for vivid Australian waratahs, grevilleas, banksias, and South African proteas. It’s also home to the South American puyas and fascinating carnivorous plants such as the Venus Fly Trap and Pitcher Plants.
A major feature of the gardens is its Woodlands area, a path abutted by towering Coast Redwoods, Giant Sequoias and Norfolk Island Pines. Also found here is the Wollemi Pine, a critically endangered plant that flourished in the age of the dinosaurs millions of years ago. Walk along the secluded quiet of the Plant Explorer Walk and see up to 400 species of plants on the meandering trail like camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.
When should you visit the Blue Mountain Botanic Garden Mount Tomah?
The cool climate garden is open all year long except Christmas day and a fail-safe garden to visit any time. In late spring, around October and November, the weather is warm offering ample opportunity for bushwalks and to see colourful blooms, while April and May are excellent months to see bright autumnal hues. In winter the weather can be brisk, but great for devouring the rugged maze of pathways and soaking up the cool, crisp air. Due to its high elevation, it is also known to occasionally snow in the Blue Mountains and the gardens present a magical sight on such days.
The garden hosts plenty of events over the year including astronomy and star gazing events, guided walks, plant sales and gorgeous floral displays. Keep an eye out here for upcoming events and read more about the gardens on the Botanic Gardens website.
Getting there
The garden is located less than a 2-hour drive from Sydney and driving is the fastest way to get there. If you’re driving via the CBD, cross the harbour heading north and follow on to the M2 motorway and the M7 motorway. From here, take the Richmond Road exit towards Richmond and follow Bells Line of Road from Richmond to the Garden.
Public transport options are available but this is a bit more of a winding route and you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of walking. Hop on the train from Central to Richmond then catch the bus towards the Berambing Picnic Area.