The Royal Botanic Gardens

Governor Arthur Phillip established a government farm on this land in 1788 commemorated in the name of the nearby bayof ‘Farm’ Cove. Governor Macquarie transformed the site into a garden in 1816 as it has continued until today making it the oldest continuous garden in Australia. The site of the Royal Botanic Garden has significant examplesof the early history and development of Sydney since European settlement. Australia’s oldest bridge nestles in the foliage practicallyunnoticeable until brought to your notice by an enthusiastic volunteer guide. The bridge was built under the instructions of Governor Macquarie for his wife to cross the freshwater stream on her way to her favourite spot - Now referred to asMrs Macquarie’s Point or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Her pathway was shielded by a stone wall that still stands near two majestic trees believed to have been planted by her. (Taswegians will have you know that they own Australia’s oldest bridge - The Richmond Bridge across the Coal River that dates back to 1823) Some of the historic trees such as the Queensland Kauri, one of the tallest trees in the garden, and the rainforest trees date back to the 1800’s. There are trees planted by royalty namely King George V, Prince Albert Victor of Wales andPrince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. Alongside one of the world’s rarest trees - the recently discovered Wollemi Pine, is the final resting place of Joseph Gerrald, a Scottish Martyr and Barristerwho was convicted of sedition, transported for 14 years and later permitted to farm here. The Royal Botanic Garden boasts an array of superb statues, fountains, steps, walls, gates and reminders through all the years of European settlement.