Succulent Garden
📍 Sydney, NSW 2000 · Managed by Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
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Succulent Garden is a walled cactus and succulent rockery inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney at Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000. Its standout feature is plants arranged in geographical zones, with African aloes and euphorbias in the old world beds and Joshua trees and agaves in the new world beds.
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About Succulent Garden
Plant Collection at Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden has a plant collection arranged in geographical zones within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The old world beds hold mainly African plants, including Aloes, Euphorbias and Stapelia. The new world beds hold plants from the Americas, including Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), Agaves, giant Furcraeas and the Golden Barrel cactus (Echinocactus grussonii). Succulent Garden has a large collection of African Aloes, and some of its older plants are slow-growing and loom over eight feet high. Because the rockery is divided into geographic ecozones, Succulent Garden lets visitors compare how arid plants from different continents differ in form.
Walking Paths at Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden has a short walking loop through statuesque gardens that begins at its entrance. Succulent Garden has pathways suitable for visitors with disabilities, so people using mobility aids can follow the loop. The walled rockery sits within a compact area, which makes Succulent Garden an easy visit for a short stroll. Succulent Garden also has benches where visitors can rest along the way, and the tall CBD towers rise above its eastern entrance as a backdrop to the walk.
History of Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden was built on the site of Australia's first zoo, which operated from 1862-1883. The zoo was started by the NSW acclimatization society, and its first residents included an anteater and Chinese deer. In 1883 the zoo moved to Moore Park, south of the gardens. The first succulent and cacti rockery was built on the site in 1936, and a larger Succulent Garden was completed in 1983. A rustic sculpture garden by landscape designer Jamie Durie was added to Succulent Garden in 2007, using coloured planting and rusted metal.
Activities at Succulent Garden
Facilities at Succulent Garden
Visitor tips for Succulent Garden
- ✓Visit in the morning, when the garden is bathed in morning sun.
- ✓Go in winter, when the garden is a good place to warm up in the sun.
- ✓Look up at the older plants, some of which loom over eight feet high.
- ✓Stop at the garden nursery nearby to buy plants.
- ✓The garden's tortoise is housed in the education classroom, not in the garden itself.
Getting to Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden is located at Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. A wheelchair-accessible car park is available on site.
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Frequently asked questions about Succulent Garden
What are the opening hours for the Succulent Garden?
Succulent Garden is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Visitors can check the official Royal Botanic Garden Sydney website for the latest updates before visiting.
Where can I park near the Succulent Garden, and is parking free or paid?
Succulent Garden is located at Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. A wheelchair-accessible car park is available on site.
Are there walking paths or trails through the Succulent Garden?
Yes, Succulent Garden has a short walking loop through statuesque gardens. Its pathways are suitable for visitors with disabilities.
Is the Succulent Garden wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and accessible toilets?
Succulent Garden has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park. Its pathways are suitable for visitors with disabilities.
What makes the Succulent Garden unique compared to other parks in the Sydney CBD?
Succulent Garden is a walled cactus rockery in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, divided into geographic ecozones. Its African and Americas beds display plants such as Aloes, Joshua trees and Golden Barrel cacti, and a sculptural garden by Jamie Durie was added in 2007.
What kinds of succulent and plant species can I see at the Succulent Garden?
Succulent Garden displays Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), Agaves, giant Furcraeas and the Golden Barrel cactus (Echinocactus grussonii). Its African beds include Aloes, Euphorbias and Stapelia, with a large collection of African Aloes.