Budget-friendly School Holiday Experiences in Sydney For Garden Gurus

Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour

Nature lovers and green thumbs will find their happy place at one of Sydney’s tranquil gardens. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is an oasis of calm in the middle of bustling Darling Harbour where bridges over reflective pools lead to ornate pavilions and hidden sculptures.

A little further out of the city, the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden comprises 123 hectares of untouched bushland. It’s beautiful all year round but bursts into a riot of colour in spring. There are walking trails and waterfalls to explore, resident swamp wallabies, and programs including nature play for little ones under the age of six and a junior ranger option for primary-school-aged kids. Here, they’ll learn how to navigate the park, use specialised equipment, and understand the balance between humans and nature.

Cost: Entry to the Chinese Garden of Friendship is $12 for adults, $8 for children (though kids under the age of five enter for free) and $30 for a family (two adults and three children). Entry to the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is free. Junior Ranger sessions are $20 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult, who receives free entry.

The best part: There’s an on-site nursery at the Wildflower Garden, so budding gardeners can pick up some of their favourite plants and start growing at home.