When Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden officially opened to the public way back in 1968, it set a new standard for urban gardens – it became one of the biggest protected spaces in Sydney, and among the first places to offer nature education programs to our kids. Decades on, it’s still one of the city’s most magical hidden gems – a huge, 123-hectare haven of protected native bushland on the outskirts of the city. Keen to explore? Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden?
You’ll find Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden on the traditional land of the Darramuragal people in the northern Sydney suburb of St Ives, directly adjacent to the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The vast garden stretches across 123 hectares of unspoilt bushland, and it's home to beautiful walking trails, dreamy picnic areas, and a huge native plant nursery.
What can you see at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden?
As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the natural beauty – the gorgeous, far-reaching garden is home to a vibrant tapestry of native plants. Walking trails wind their way through the bushland, past magical waterfalls and dramatic rocky outcrops, and the varied geographical settings – ranging from dark shrublands to dusty forests – provide perfect ecosystems for more than 90 species of birds (including the beloved rare honeyeaters) and other animals.
What can you do at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden?
As with many of the gardens and national parks in and around Sydney, this place is a hikers' paradise. The longest trail, the Mueller Track, will take you around the perimeter of the garden, passing by magical waterfalls and creeks that weave through the trees. This one takes around two to three hours to complete, but if you’d prefer a shorter stroll, the Senses Track is a delightful 30-minute walk designed to engage all the senses with the wildflowers providing stunning sights and scents.
Once you’ve explored, you can head to the on-site nursery, where you’ll find heaps of native plants and other garden goodies to take home to your own outdoor sanctuary. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, time your visit for one of the garden-based events that takes place throughout the year – these include regular children's workshops, guided walks and an annual festival dedicated to all things wildflowers (this one takes place every year on the last weekend of August).
Is there a café at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden?
While there’s no café on-site, you can pick up snacks and cold drinks from the Visitor Centre, and the gardens are dotted with picnic spots. If you’re looking for a café to hit after you’ve explored, we’d suggest heading to Somewhere North, a neighbourhood café in nearby St Ives, which serves up specialty coffee and seasonal dishes.
Is there parking at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden?
Parking at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is plentiful and free, with disabled parking available close to the Visitor Centre for easy access.
How to get to Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
The drive from the centre of Sydney takes around 40 minutes – head north on the M1 Pacific Motorway towards Chatswood, then continue onto the Pacific Highway until you reach a turn for Mona Vale Road (A3). Follow the road to 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives, and you’ve arrived.
No car? No problem – take the T1 North Shore line to Gordon, then jump on the 197 bus towards Mona Vale and you’ll be dropped just three minutes walk from the garden (the Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Gardens, Mona Vale Rd stop).
When is Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden open?
The garden is open daily from 8am until 5pm, and entry is free.