Member for Camden Sally Quinnell welcomed the release of the master plan. “Only 20km from Western Sydney International Airport, this master plan will guide the Garden to become a key tourism attraction for interstate and international travellers and fulfil the need for more quality green and open space for local people,’’ Ms Quinnell said.
BOTANIC GARDENS MT ANNAN MASTERPLAN OFFICIALLY UNVEILED
23 Sep 2025
The McGregor Coxall Masterplan for the Mt Annan branch of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney has officially been released, with plans to transform Australia’s largest botanic garden into a world class visitor destination in Western Sydney.
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan (ABGMA) spans an enormous 416 hectares, making it bigger than Central Park in New York City. The Garden, which is free to visit, showcases Australia’s unique native flora while also providing essential green space in Sydney’s growing South West. McGregor Coxall were engaged to develop a visionary masterplan and business case to reposition the site as a globally significant destination and important open space asset for the growing Western Parkland City.
Utilising Biourbanism principles, the Masterplan outlines a strategic vision for the future, setting out a clear pathway for nature-based developments aimed at inspiring health, research, biodiversity and education through connections with the nature. The design involves the creation of a new lakes precinct, world class biodomes, a First Nations Garden, a native farm, walking trails – including a breathtaking tree top experience, as well as ecotourism and event facilities. The car-free site utilises an advanced e-mobility, walking and cycling network that connects key entry points.
McGregor Coxall CEO Adrian McGregor said “the Sydney Botanic Gardens masterplan sets the vision for the parkland to become a world class visitor destination and important environmental research centre for Australia."
The Masterplan proposes restoring the Pre-Colonisation vegetation mosaic of woodlands and grasslands as a framework for the ABGMA’s future landscape structure. Additionally an Australian Native Plants Farm, First Nations Garden and Centre is proposed to allow First Nations Australians to gather, share knowledge and practice on Country.
One of key features is a Coolamon Lake, a 7-hectare series of cascading central lakes that are united inside a loop walk shaped in the form of a Coolamon; a drinking vessel. The new lake will become a central hub for a range of activities creating a calm and tranquil area for people to get together, rest, relax, and connect with country and culture.
Featuring a central visitor precinct that maximises value from recent investments in the PlantBank and National Herbarium of NSW, it will house a botanical research and innovation cluster that unites science with industry. These changes will strengthen ABGMAs role in sharing the study of botanical sciences and plant conservation.
