Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is a 2.2-hectare garden at Manooka Place, Kareela, devoted entirely to Australian native plants. It is one of only a few specialised native gardens in Sydney, and its standout feature is a collection of over 600 plants labelled with their botanical names.
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About Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Native Plant Gardens at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve has themed gardens for acacias, sun-loving plants, rainforest, silver foliage, bush tucker, shade, ferns and lilies, plus an unplanted natural area of original Sydney sandstone vegetation. The collection includes most local east coast banksias, some Western Australian species, and Aboriginal food and medicinal plants, with Angophora costata as the signature tree. Birds and other native fauna live in the garden. The reserve is named after Joseph Banks (1743-1820) and was established as a bicentenary project.
Picnics, Barbecues and City Views at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve has picnic tables and barbecues stocked with wood, as well as electric BBQs. A seating garden with a timber deck gives visitors a place to rest, and the sloping, north-facing site offers city views and several water features. An undercover information stand has details about the plant collection, so a picnic can be combined with learning about the species on display.
Events, Weddings and Volunteering at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve hosts Scamper through the Jungle, a school holiday event for kids run by Sutherland Council Bushcare. The reserve holds an annual Seniors Week walk in March. A paved terrace overlooking a pond can be booked for weddings, wedding photos and other civil celebrations. Volunteers from the Australian Plants Society Sutherland Group help maintain the garden, and bi-monthly workdays to plant and tend garden beds always welcome new helpers.
Facilities at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Visitor tips for Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
- ✓Book early for Scamper through the Jungle, as the school holiday event always books out quickly.
Getting to Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
Manooka Place, Kareela NSW 2232, with an on-site car park. A pedestrian entrance is on Bates Drive, Kareela.
Open in Google Maps →Frequently asked questions about Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve
What are the opening hours of Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve?
The reserve is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, and closes on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Is Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the paved paths have no steps, and some of them suit people with mobility impairments.
Are there toilets at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve?
Yes, there is a public toilet with disabled facilities.
Is there parking at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve, and is entry free?
Entry costs nothing, and the reserve has its own car park.
How long are the walking paths at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve?
Sealed paths cover 4 kilometres across the reserve.