Comprising all green spaces and trees within an area – the urban forest supports diverse assemblages of plants and wildlife. Gain a new appreciation or urban trees in our city, and learn how to recognise some of Sydney’s most common trees.

The Royal Botanic Gardens covers 30 hectares of important habitat including remnant Eucalyptus trees, planted Australian Rainforest and diverse horticultural displays that produce flowers and nectar all year round. The Royal Botanic Garden has the highest biodiversity values across the Sydney Local Government Area and contains more than 27,000 plants from around the world.

This tour visits some of the Royal Botanic Garden’s most iconic trees – towering and ancient Araucariaceae, iconic fig trees of Mrs Macquarie’s chair and endangered and rare exotic trees.

Experts share the benefits of urban trees, future climate challenges and the resilience of the urban landscape. It is estimated that within the city of Sydney, trees remove 6 tonnes of pollution each year, sequester 440 tonnes of carbon and help cool the city.

This walk is part of our seasonal program, inspired by the winter garden and our living collection of plants from around the world.

This 60 minute walk includes stairs and some uneven terrain. This tour meets at Victoria Lodge Gate along Mrs Macquarie’s Road. The tour finishes at the Woolloomooloo Gates. Paid parking is available along Mrs Macquarie’s Road. Recommended for Ages 12+

Bios

Catherine Polcz is a creative producer and educator whose work creates connection to nature, climate and plants. Since 2024 she has worked as a Learning Lead at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney specialising in engaging adult audiences in the wonder and science of the garden. Drawing on her background in field botany and ecology, she has conceived and produced content for exhibitions, science festivals, podcasts and talk series.

Please see our website for full terms and conditions.

For any enquiries, please contact us on programs.info@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au

Contact the host of Urban Forest Walk