Royal Botanical Gardens - Sydney The Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens are just a short walk around the foreshore from the Opera House. Many Sydney office workers retreat to the garden for lunch for a bit of peace and quiet from the noise of the city. The Gardens were open to the public in 1831 and covers 30 hectares of land on what could be described as Sydney most prime real estate. Strolling around the foreshore path gives some breathtaking harbour views. Onsite there are some beautiful garden landscapes including: Rose Garden, Palm Grove, Herb Garden, Oriental Garden, Sydney Tropical Centre and Fernery. Restaurants and Cafes are scattered throughout the gardens and there are free daily guided tours through the park. Admission to the gardens is free and access is open to the public from 7am - 6pm.