Our family holiday to Japan resulted in my infatuation for the country morphing into a full blown love affair. Having returned to Australia, I have been craving all things Japanese and discovered the Auburn Botanic Gardens which is the premier Japanese Gardens in Sydney. It’s an incredible find and the perfect space to take the kids. So today we introduce you to the Auburn Botanic Gardens with Kids.
Auburn Botanic Gardens | Exploring a Japanese Garden with Kids
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The Auburn Botanic Gardens is a Japanese garden in Auburn and the home of the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival. Opening over 40 years ago, this Japanese garden is only 18 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The site features an incredible Japanese gardens (the best place to see the arrival of spring in Sydney), a fauna reserve, sunken rose garden, scented garden, a reflection pool and an Equal Access Playground.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden at the Auburn Botanic Gardens is the centre point of the entire site. The Japanese garden is designed in Ryoan-ji style and built around a large lake with a central island and stocked with koi carp. The garden also features decorative bridges, ornamental trees, scented flowering Azaleas, traditional pine trees, and waterfalls. Make sure you visit the traditional tea house, tiled Moon Gate, Torii Gate, Zen Garden and worshipping stones to the kids. It reminds me so much of many of the amazing places we visited in Japan, and when spring arrives in Sydney, just like Cherry Blossom season in Japan.
Fauna Reserve
Opened in 1994 and set up in consultation with Taronga Zoo, the fauna reserve is home to Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Red-necked Wallabies, Swamp Wallabies, Emus and Common Wombat. It makes Auburn Botanic Gardens with kids a great weekend destination. This is one of the must visit spots in the Botanic Gardens in Auburn with kids. Don’t miss it!
Sunken Rose Garden
The Sunken Rose Garden is a lovely spot to stop for a moment. It features ceremonial arches and David Austin Roses in a variety of colours and fragrances. The Sunken Rose Garden is at its most beautiful between October and January.
Australian Native and Rainforest Garden
Built around a billabong and boarded by scrub woodland plantings, the Native and Rainforest Garden has numerous native plants and trees. Sit for a few minutes and the kids should be able to spot the resident Cape Barren Geese, Dusky Moorhens, peacocks and Australian Brush turkeys.
Reflection Pool
Lined on both sides by pine trees, the pine at the very end is a progeny of the Stone Pine at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Gallipoli. The Reflection Pool is at its most beautiful in autumn.
The Aviary
Opened back in 1988, the aviary features birds from both the Australian and the Asia Pacific regions.
Equal Access Playground
Opened in 2001, the Equal Access Playground features an interactive play structure, a maze and a Liberty Swing. My only gripe is the woodchip!
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival Sydney
There is a small window of opportunity to see the Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in full bloom in late September/early August. They don’t last long but are a sight to behold. Every year the Auburn Botanic Gardens hosts the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival in August in celebration of the Sakura bloom.
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival in Auburn is not just a celebration of the sakura, but an opportunity to celebrate the Japanese culture with the program extending to Japanese themed demonstrations including Kendo (Martial Arts), Ikebana (flower arranging), and dance/music performances.
Australian-Japanese and those that love or are interested in the Japanese culture flock to the gardens to participate in the festival. I’ve also heard that many dress in traditional dress and cosplay for the day! It sounds so exciting.
Auburn Botanic Gardens Details
Address: Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
Open: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Extended to 6.00 pm on weekends during the daylight savings months
Cost: $4.00 for no residents. FREE for children under 16 years of Age
Website: Auburn Botanic Gardens Facebook Page
Distance from Sydney: approximately 18km or 30-45 minutes by car
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