Explore the Botanic Gardens at Night

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is a truly lush oasis in the middle of the CBD. It has streams of visitors each day, whether it’s to enjoy the expanse of birds, wildlife and insects that inhabit the Gardens, to take part in events or talks or just to have a wander through the waterfront green haven.

It is usually a destination linked to daytime activities but for just two nights in April, The Botanic Gardens is opening their gates for a nocturnal adventure, Garden Night-Life!

Led by torchlight by an expert guide, experience all the night-time happenings in the Gardens. You will wander the paths in search of a wide variety of nocturnal animals who live in the garden or are just visiting for the evening. While on the lookout for our after-dark friends your guide will tell some extremely interesting (and maybe a little spooky) stories about the history of the gardens and more.

Using your senses and some scientific technology, search for and spot animals such as Tawny Frogmouths, Brush-tailed Possums, Microbats, Flying Foxes and Golden Orb Spiders.

You might even see the Garden’s resident Powerful Owl, Australia’s largest nocturnal avian predator!

Prepare to be wowed by just how different the Botanic Gardens look in the dark! Don’t be scared though as this is a rare opportunity to experience such a well-known space like never before.

When: 6^th and 27 of April

Where: Meet at the Wooloomooloo Gate

Price: $39, suitable for children over 8-years-old

Note: You’ll need to wear walking shoes and be relatively mobile.

Book tickets here.

If you are looking for other things to do in the Botanic Gardens in April, here are some suggestions:

Easter – open throughout the long weekend, The Gardens are hosting lots of great activities including the Great Garden Egg Hunt.

Garden Art Month – a combination of vibrant exhibitions, installations, workshops, walks and children’s programs from 2-30 April.

Yoga in The Garden – enjoy a spot of outdoor yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

words by emily carstairs