The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney © Tourism Australia

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney - Aboriginal Heritage Tour, Bush Food Experiences & Art Classes

Discover the rich Aboriginal heritage of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden on the Aboriginal Heritage Tour. Led by an Aboriginal Education Officer, the tour gives every member the unique opportunity to learn about the diverse history and culture of the Aboriginal people in Sydney prior to European settlement.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is an oasis of 30 hectares of world-class botanic gardens in the heart of the city. Surrounded by a stunning collection of plants from Australia and overseas, visitors will enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

On the traditional land of the Cadigal people, one of twenty nine clans of the Sydney region, the Garden was, and continues to be, a significant cultural site for Aboriginal people.

Designed with respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol, the Aboriginal Heritage Tour is a unique opportunity to learn about the Garden’s flora and fauna and its connection to the Aboriginal people of Australia.

Learn about traditional Aboriginal uses for the Garden’s variety of native trees and plants with demonstrations of plants used for bush food, medicines and shelter, as well as a range of Aboriginal artefacts and tools.

Other experiences include an Aboriginal bush foods experience that will tempt the taste buds, and Aboriginal art classes.

Experiences

Aboriginal Heritage Tour (Fit Schedule Tour)
Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a 1.5 hour walking tour and discover the rich Aboriginal heritage of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Days Operating: Wed, Fri, Sat
Season: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Min Numbers: 1
Max Numbers: 25

Group Aboriginal Heritage Tours
Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a walking tour and discover the rich Aboriginal heritage of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Days Operating: On request
Season: Year round
Duration: Can be tailored, minimum 1 hour
Min Numbers: 10
Max Numbers: 25 per group, multiple groups can operate at one time

Aboriginal Bush Food Experience
Join an Aboriginal guide on a unique foodie experience that will tempt the tastebuds while providing a deeper understanding of Aboriginal heritage and culture and the connection to country.

Days Operating: On request
Season: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Min Numbers: 10
Max Numbers: 25

Aboriginal Art Class
Using traditional materials collected from the Gardens, create an artwork inspired by the stories shared by your Aboriginal guide and the garden environment.

Days Operating: On request
Season: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Min Numbers: 10
Max Numbers: 25

Getting there

Wrapped around the edge of Sydney Harbour, The Gardens are located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. It is an easy walk from Circular Quay, the Opera House and other key tourist attractions. There are several railway and bus stations on the door step.