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This sandstone bench was carved in 1816 for the governor’s wife, Elizabeth Macquarie. The landmark offers breathtaking views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison.

Named for a 16-year-old Olympic winner, this glorious 50-m (164-ft) pool overlooks Woolloomooloo Bay and Garden Island. Its patrons take their laps and suntans seriously, but the toddlers’ pool is perfect for those who just want to dip their toes.

Discovered in 1994 in a Blue Mountains canyon, this botanical curiosity was earlier thought to be extinct. The Botanic Garden’s specimen was planted in 1998.

This award-winning presentation of the Eora people’s story offers an intriguing look at white settlement, Sydney’s environment, and the Eora’s spiritual connection with their land.

James Barnet (see Martin Place) is thought to have designed this quaint 1876 glasshouse, once housing tropical plants. It is now a nice venue for art exhibitions and educational displays.

The AGNSW contains exhibits from the Garden Palace, which burned down in 1882.

Tropical ecosystems are recreated in the centre’s two glasshouses , the Pyramid and the Arc. The Pyramid features Australian natives, while the Arc houses the “exotics”. Follow the walkways up to the canopy level to admire plants from the tropics.

Designed by Francis Greenway, this building was one of the first casualties of the enquiry into the cost of Macquarie’s public works. “The Con” has been training future musicians since 1915.

Gipps was the first governor to occupy this Gothic Revival structure in 1845. It ceased to be the governor’s residence in 1996, and the house and grounds are now open to the public.

The Botanic Garden’s enthusiastic volunteers conduct free tours which depart from the Visitor Information Centre at 10:30am and 1pm Mon–Fri, except Dec–Feb. There are also self-guided walks focused on art, sculpture and the Aboriginal heritage: pick up a map from the Information Centre before you embark on an educational stroll.