If you're short on time but want regular exercise and a chance to meet new people, Solemates guided hikes and walks are ideal. Joggers will love the self-guided, three-kilometre Domain Running Trail that winds along the harbour.
For a deeper connection to the land's history, the Aboriginal Cultural Tour offers a remarkable experience. Led by local guides, you'll learn about the Cadigal people—the traditional owners of this area. Tours run every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (except public holidays), starting from the Garden Shop. You'll get to hear stories of the land, understand indigenous perspectives, and even taste seasonal bush foods. As a bonus, the shop sells honey straight from the garden's own beehives. These tours aren't just walks—they're a way to understand the landscape's rich cultural layers and connect with Sydney's living history.
Who is this walk perfect for?
As we ran out of time, we cut through The Domain Phillip Precinct from the National Art Gallery to Hospital Road, making our way down to The Rocks for lunch. We ended up at the Fortune of War pub, which claims to be Sydney's oldest. It's nestled among cobblestone streets and historic buildings, giving you a real sense of old Sydney.
The pub was founded in 1828, and it's got that lived-in feel you'd expect. We grabbed a table outside, which and ordered some classic pub grub. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, chatting with friends or solemates!
What's notable about the Fortune of War is its connection to Anzac Day. Apparently, veterans have been meeting here every year since 1948. It adds another layer to the pub's long history and makes you feel like you're part of something bigger than just a casual lunch stop.
Onto the Rocks
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully explore the Botanic Gardens, National Art Gallery, and Hyde Park. If you're visiting with kids, bring along "Alexander's Outing" (no affiliation) by Pamela Allen—it's a great way to make the walk interactive and fun.
As a single parent, I was always hunting for affordable adventures that would capture my son's imagination. Reading this book during a park picnic, then tracing Alexander's journey through the gardens, turned our outings into memorable experiences. My son would get excited about finding the same spots from the story, turning a simple walk into an adventure.
These shared moments become the stories children carry with them. Years later, my son still talks about those walks, proving that the best family experiences don't need to cost much—just a bit of creativity and connection.
One of the highlights was the Wishing Tree, a Norfolk Island pine. There’s a lovely tradition of walking around it three times while making a wish. It’s a simple act, but it feels meaningful and connects you to the moment. The Succulent Garden was another favourite, with its fascinating plants catching our interest at every turn.
Birds play a big role in the garden's appeal. Keep an eye out for Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Kookaburras, Noisy Miners, Rainbow Lorikeets, and various wading birds. Their lively presence adds to the garden's charm and makes each visit feel vibrant and alive.
As you wander through the Botanic Gardens, you'll find some great spots to grab a bite. Botanic House serves up modern Asian dishes in a lovely setting, and if you’re looking for something quick, head downstairs to Farm Cove Eatery. And don’t forget Leaf Dept. Café—it's a perfect place to take a coffee break while enjoying the greenery around you.
We entered the gardens at the Waterside Fountain, where the lily ponds near the café create a quiet sanctuary in the middle of urban chaos. The Royal Botanic Garden, established in 1816, spans 74 acres and represents a living museum of botanical diversity.
Native Australian plants mingle with international species across rolling lawns and beneath ancient trees. Each visit reveals something different - a hidden pathway, a rare bloom, or the way sunlight filters through the canopy. Despite being in the heart of Sydney, this garden feels like a world apart, where time seems to slow and nature takes centre stage.
The garden isn't just a collection of plants; it's a living, breathing ecosystem that tells stories of botanical history, conservation, and the delicate beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime local, there's always a new detail waiting to be discovered.
Entering the Royal Botanic Gardens
The harbour foreshore reveals a landscape sculpted by time and human hands. Massive sandstone rocks line the path, some with natural footholds that invite curious kids to scramble and explore. These stones seem to tell their own silent stories of the landscape.
A little further along, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair emerges - a historic vantage point carved by convict labour in 1810. Perched on a small rise, this sandstone seat stands as a complex symbol of Australia's colonial past, reminding us of both the personal stories and the broader, often painful history of this land. It represents a period of significant change for the Indigenous peoples who had long been the custodians of this harbour. As you walk this foreshore, you're traversing layers of history - from ancient geological formations to the more recent impacts of European settlement. This living landscape invites reflection on the intertwining of natural beauty with a challenging historical narrative.
As you walk along the foreshore, keep an eye out for the Native Rockery on your right. It’s a beautiful display of Australia’s unique plants, showcasing a variety of species that thrive in rocky areas. This spot offers a peaceful escape where you can take in the different textures and colours while appreciating the resilience of our local ecosystems. It’s definitely worth stepping off the main path to explore some of the lovely hidden corners of the gardens that you might miss if you stick to the guided hike.
Sydney foreshore & native garden
Return Distance: approx. 7.1km
Elevation Gain: 166
Difficulty: Easy (Grade 2)
Track Type: Loop
Start of trail: Circular Quay
End of trail: Circular Quay
the details
This hike begins at Circular Quay and follows the harbour foreshore until we veer off into the gardens. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, which makes this walk easy for just about everyone. We visited on a weekend, so it was quite busy—just a heads up about the crowds. However, once we passed Circular Quay and the Opera House, things calmed down, and we enjoyed a much quieter experience. Keep in mind that public and school holidays might be busier!
Sydney’s Royal Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and cost-effective destination for a day out. We took a bus to Manly Wharf and started our walk with a ferry ride to Circular Quay. If you're not from the northern beaches, I suggest using public transport to get to Circular Quay. Parking at Manly can be tough, and it’s pretty pricey if you don’t have a Northern Beaches parking permit.
If you do need to drive, the best place to park at Circular Quay is Wilson Parking at the Opera House. If you book online, it costs $18 for the day, while the 'Drive Up' fee is $25. This can be a good option if you're going with friends and carpooling.
Solemates is an inclusive hiking group perfect for anyone looking to stay active, get fit, and connect with like-minded adventurers. Join us for your first hike free and experience the joy of exploring nature with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Our membership subscriptions offer exceptional value, providing access to 8+ guided hikes every month and a supportive community dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals while making lasting friendships. Embrace the adventure—your next journey starts here!
