Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Australia's oldest botanic garden wraps around Farm Cove, a green amphitheatre of harbour frontage running from the Opera House forecourt to Mrs Macquaries Point. Established in 1816 on the site of the colony's first farm, its thirty hectares hold a living archive of the continent's flora among subtropical palms, a succulent garden and Moreton Bay figs old enough to have shaded generations of Sydneysiders. Paths follow the seawall past the Calyx glasshouse and the Palm Grove, and the sandstone bluff of Mrs Macquaries Chair frames the classic view of bridge and sails. Entry is free, the gates open at first light, and it remains the most beautiful way to walk between the city and the water.