This 252 hectare botanic garden sits on the the summit of a basalt capped peak 1,000 metres above sea level in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains. The garden is home to a world class collection of plants from the cooler parts of the southern hemisphere.

The views are quite spectacular from this elevation and can be enjoyed from many vantage points and grassed picnic areas.

The land was gifted to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust in 1972 by the previous owners, Alfred and Effie Brunet. The land has since been developed and significantly extended.

This 252 hectare botanic garden sits on the the summit of a basalt capped peak 1,000 metres above sea level in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains. The garden is home to a world class collection of plants from the cooler parts of the southern hemisphere.

The views are quite spectacular from this elevation and can be enjoyed from many vantage points and grassed picnic areas.

The land was gifted to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust in 1972 by the previous owners, Alfred and Effie Brunet. The land has since been developed and significantly extended.

There are 12 separate feature areas.

1. Southern Hemisphere Woodland: 

Here you'll see species from Gondwana, South American and South African including the specatacular local prize blooms of the Waratah.

2. Conifer species and cultivars:

These plants flourish in the cooler, damper climate found here in the Blue Mountains.

3. Bog Garden:

This hanging swamp is a unique wetland habitat featuring a wide range of ferns and mosses.

4. Brunet Meadow:

The Blue Mountains are famed for the spring gardens in Leura, but the Brunet Meadow outdoes them on pure scale.  Daffodil heaven.

5. Proteaceae:

This family of plants mainly from Australia and South Africa including many spectacular Leucospermum, Banksia, Grevillea and Proteas.  This is one of the best collections to be found anywhere and a sight to behold in springtime.

6. Remnant rainforest:

Home of giant tree-ferns sassafras, blackbutt, coachwood, brown barrel and many other species naturally occurring in this location.

7. Rhododendron species:

The Blue Mountains offer the best environment in Australia for these normally nothern hemisphere plants, so for those that crave the large yet subtle blooms of the Rhodys then this is the place to see them.

8. Formal Garden:

The European influence on Australian gardens cannot be denied, we all love some parts of this heritage.  There are three terraces here with herbs, roses and formal lawns with low clipped hedges and summer annuals.  

But the ‘piece de resistance’ has to be the wonderful pergola of Rosa banksiae, quite possibly the best display of the best species rose ever.

9. Residence Garden:

Sweeping lawns, perfect for picnics are surrounded by many specimen trees, flower borders and ornamental graasses.

10. Eurasian Woodland:

An impressive collection of deciduous trees from Europe and Asia make this a delight in autumn where the cooler air promotes the best hues of red and gold.

11. Heath and Heather Garden:

A wide range of heaths and heathers laid out like colourful laundry to dry in the sun.  In full bloom this is a splendid sight and not to be missed.

12. North American Woodland:

Maples, Beech and other autumn colour trees grace the skyline making a striking contrast on a bright blue sky day.

Without doubt this is a world class garden by any standards and a visit will be well rewarded, especially in spring and autumn when it is at its absolute best.  

Bring your own picnic or enjoy the cafe fayre and make a day of it.