Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden

Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden

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Posted 2016-10-19 by Sue Hincheyfollow
The crisp inviting air of spring just demands our senses to get outside and engage with nature. And if you don't have the time to get out of Sydney for a weekend then just find some green space closer to where you live. For us on the northern beaches of Sydney, that space is Stony Range Botanic Garden. Part-rainforest, part-bushland, this patch of the planet has more flora and fauna than you'd think, given its tiny corner near the intersection of Warringah Road and Pittwater Road.



The entrance is framed by the stunning red flowers of the towering Queensland Tree Waratah



Inside your senses are immediately engaged. Informative signs invite you to taste, smell, sniff and see. Crush the leaves of the mint bush and have a sniff. It can be used to flavour food.



There are themed areas, such as the Bush Tucker Walk. Look up at the beautiful and imposing Angophora trees — the red trunk makes them easy to spot — or rub your hands over the papery trunk of the paperbark tree and feel the aromatic oil on your hands.



The large fronds of the Cabbage Tree Palm were used by early settlers to weave into such things as hats, and pretty heath plants, gigantic birds nest ferns and staghorns attract birds and wildlife.







The tireless team of volunteers have also created interactive exhibits, displays and information for children to get involved, such as 'Find Me' brochures listing the frogs and lizards that can be seen amongst the habitat, or the fairy house that needs decorating, a job passed on from one visitor to the next.



Stony Range was once a sandstone quarry and portions of overhanging cliff faces have been preserved and kept as part of the environment.



Closed in 1961 when suburban subdivisions started taking place in the area, the local council retained the 3.3 hectares and enthusiastic green-thumb locals have filled it with Australian Native plants, created micro-climates like the rainforest gully, and eco-systems of small waterfalls, meandering paths, covered seating and a free-to-use barbeque area.





Stony Range in spring is a delightful and intimate place right in our own backyard. Some of the tracks are wheelchair accessible, plus a limited amount of off-street parking is available. Buses to Dee Why from the city, Manly and Palm Beach stop nearby, and it's open every day of the year. Public toilets are available, and entrance is free except if you want to make a gold-coin donation towards the upkeep of this special sanctuary.





Don't let spring pass you by without partaking in some of the highlights of the season.



#picnic_spots
#northern_beaches
#north_sydney
#new_south_wales
#gardens
#family_attractions
#escape_the_city
#dee_why
#australian_bush_tucker
#places_of_interest
%wnsydney
182731 - 2023-06-16 02:02:08

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