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In terms of size Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney is counted amongst the top three gardens in Sydney- the other two being the Mount Annan Botanic Garden and the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden. The supervision of Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney falls under the same trust that maintains The Domain. About Royal Botanic Gardens Royal Botanic Gardens is located in the same place which in 1816 Governor Macquarie had marked as part of the Governor’s Domain. In pursuant of his visions, Governor Macquarie appointed Australia’s first botanist Charles Fraser in 1817. Thus Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Australia. Sydney’s first zoo, which was opened to the public in 1862, was situated within the Royal Botanic Gardens. The zoo was transferred to Moore Park in 1883. For the construction of the magnificent Garden Palace a sizeable land was claimed from the Domain. Garden Palace, after its construction, became one of the most outstanding buildings of its time. When it hosted the International Exhibition in 1879, one million people appeared for the occasion. Unfortunately the palace was razed to the ground by fire. The area, now known as the Palace Gardens was incorporated within Royal Botanic Gardens. The soil in the area that comprises Royal Botanic Gardens was never considered very fertile. Some of the illustrious botanists of the age, armed with their vast knowledge and undying optimism, tackled the unyielding soil, low funds and inadequate water, and created what stands as one of the most famous gardens in Australia. Royal Botanic Gardens: Activities Over the years Royal Botanic Gardens has been hired for weddings, press conferences, meetings, cocktail parties etc. There are many indoor venues within Royal Botanic Gardens which are open for hire. Some of these buildings are- - Rathborne Lodge- It can be used for various occasions like meetings, conferences, presentations. The lodge is a heritage sandstone building.
- Lion Gate Lodge- It recently underwent renovation and has come out looking more stunning than ever. Lion Gate Lodge was built in 1878 and wears a typical Victorian look. It is ideal for cocktail parties, small weddings etc.
- The Palm House- It was built in 1876 and is the oldest glass house in New South Wales. Royal Botanic Garden is a favorite picnic destination of most Australian families. It also has adequate facilities for sporting activities. Royal Botanic Garden made a silver screen appearance in the final scenes of the famous The Matrix Trilogy.
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