Mr Green was shocked! He'd just had a tip off about a suspicious canister set to go off at midnight. A poisonous gas, harmless to humans but deadly to plants would destroy the Botanic Gardens. He needs help, fast and only you have the skills to unravel the clues to disarm the device! Can you save the day?
Add the excitement of solving a mystery to your outdoor adventure with our self-guided puzzle-based walking trail through the natural, relaxing beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens to the legendary Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Nestled next to the Opera House and overlooking a sparkling harbour, you find 74 acres of peace, fun, exploration and education, making it one of Sydney’s most visited locations. On this site in 1788, Governor Phillip established the first farm on 'Terra Australia' and named the bay, Farm Cove. The farm failed but work to improve soil fertility and cultivation has been ongoing. In 1816 Governor Macquarie established the Botanic Gardens here. A succession of botanists continued to develop these gardens into today’s stunning surrounds. Land was reclaimed from Farm Cove to increase the space and the cove 'wall' remains today. The Botanic Garden was home to Sydney's first zoo (1862-1883) before it moved to Moore Park. It is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and one of the world’s most important historic botanical establishments. It is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset and access is free. Enjoy its stunning beauty and s
eek out clues on the way as you start to work on cracking the secret code. Can you complete the mission to reveal the 4 digit code needed to disarm the devise?
- This trail is one of two Botanic Gardens circular PuzzleTrails, focusing on the northern end
- Your 3km PuzzleTrail starts and ends at the Botanic Garden's "Opera House Gate" (a smaller gate to the right of the main QEII Gate) near the Sydney Opera House. Allow at least 2hrs for your clue hunting.
- It takes you from the Opera House, via stunning harbour views to the historic Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, hand carved by convicts from sandstone in 1810 for Governor Macquarie's wife Elizabeth.
- Expansive lawns (which you are encouraged to walk on!) great harbour views and many shady trees mean you can pick your own special spot for a picnic or even take a ball or Frisbee! Just don’t feed the birds, or you might have more lunch guests than desired!
- Pass under limbs of giant fig trees and uncover statues in the exotic Oriental Gardens.
- Search for the eels under massive leaves in the Lily Pond!
- Feel the history at Fleet Steps.
- Then for added amusement, search for clues, cracking the secret code and thwarting a dastardly plot!!
- Closest train/ferry/bus stop is Circular Quay with a 5 min walk along Bennelong to the Opera House. It is also walkable from Wynyard Train station. (see https://transportnsw.info/ for timetables)
- There are plenty of city carparks (google Wilson Parking for online deals)
- Sydney CBD also has free street parking on Sundays.
- Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, there are a few grassy banks to navigate and a few spots where a slope is offered as an alternative to steps
- Garden rules prohibit bringing in ‘non-service’ animals
- Further info on RBG opening times, maps and events on the day, see www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
- Why not also explore the Sydney Opera House: Entry to the foyer is free, or you can choose an official tour from their booking office.
- Remember “Slip, Slop, Slap” ...and have lots of fun!!
