SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: In this video I show you a trip from the suburb Zetland to the center at the bus stop Museum and on to the Botanical Garden. After a walk through the garden I go to the Sydney Opera and on to the Circular Quay. The video was taken in October 2019 and unfortunately it was not purely sunny.
In this video, I go on a walk through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden and Circular Quay, two of the most beautiful and iconic areas of the city. Together, they combine stunning natural landscapes with some of the world’s most famous landmarks, making them must-see highlights for anyone visiting Sydney.
The journey begins at Circular Quay, the busy hub of Sydney Harbour. Ferries, buses, and trains all meet here, and the wharf is always alive with movement. Standing at Circular Quay, the views are unforgettable: on one side, the Sydney Opera House with its distinctive white sails; on the other, the Harbour Bridge, one of the city’s defining landmarks. Street performers, visitors, and locals all fill the promenade, creating an atmosphere that’s vibrant and full of energy.
From Circular Quay, the walk continues into the Royal Botanic Garden, a green oasis in the heart of Sydney. The garden stretches along the harbour, offering peaceful lawns, shaded paths, and colourful displays of plants from around the world. Walking here is a complete change of pace from the busy waterfront, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty.
As you wander through the gardens, there are countless highlights. The Palm Grove showcases a collection of tropical palms, while the Herb Garden and Succulent Garden display fascinating plant varieties. The Rose Garden is especially beautiful in bloom, filling the air with fragrance. For those interested in botany, the gardens are a living museum, with plants carefully curated and labelled.
But the Botanic Garden is more than just plants. It is also home to wildlife—ibis birds, fruit bats, and colourful parrots are often seen among the trees. The open lawns invite picnics and relaxation, and the winding paths always seem to lead to a new view of the harbour or a quiet corner away from the city noise.
One of the most spectacular spots within the gardens is Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench carved in the early 19th century. From here, the view stretches across the harbour, perfectly framing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge together. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Sydney and a must-stop for anyone walking through the gardens.
The connection between Circular Quay and the Botanic Garden makes this walk special. In just a short distance, you move from the busy harbour with ferries and city energy into a green sanctuary full of calm and natural beauty, all while being surrounded by some of Sydney’s most iconic views. The contrast is what makes this area so memorable.
This video captures the impression of a walk through Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Garden: the harbour views, the famous landmarks, the variety of plants, and the relaxed atmosphere of this green space by the water. It is not a detailed guide but an overview of the highlights and the unique blend of nature and city that this part of Sydney offers.
For travelers, this walk is one of the best introductions to Sydney. It brings together everything the city is known for—its harbour, its landmarks, and its love of outdoor living. Whether you are here for the history, the gardens, or simply to enjoy a stroll with world-class views, the Royal Botanic Garden and Circular Quay provide an unforgettable Sydney experience.