A Private Tour of Australia's Oldest Botanical Research Library

A Private Tour of the Daniel Solander Library at Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney 

Step into a world of botanical knowledge, history, and discovery with our esteemed Librarian, Miguel Garcia. 

Enjoy an exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes 2 hour tour of the Daniel Solander Library, home to over 250,000 rare books, journals, maps, illustrations, and scientific treasures - collection spanning centuries of botanical exploration.  

With Miguel as your guide, explore some of the Library’s most remarkable and historically significant works, including Australia’s only known presentation copy of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1879), to a 1550 printed volume of Dioscorides' Materia Medica by a 1st-century Greek physician - our oldest book in the collection!

Whether you’re a history buff, a plant enthusiast, or simply curious about the treasures that underpin the science of the Gardens, this is a rare opportunity to wander among pages that have shaped centuries of botanical and medical knowledge. 

About your host 

Miguel brings a passion for science, history, and storytelling to the library, where he plays a vital role in managing the collections. With a BSc in Geology and a Diploma in Library and Information Science, he has a strong foundation in both scientific and archival expertise. A skilled information and library manager, Miguel excels in conducting comprehensive literature searches, managing historical and archival collections, and supporting research initiatives - all while sharing his knowledge in an engaging and approachable way. 

Location: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney 

No. of tickets for the winner: x4 

Ticket expiry: 2 years 

Time: Mid-week 

Duration: 2 hours 

Guide: Miguel Garcia – Librarian at Botanic Gardens of Sydney 

Please note: Minor details of this experience may be adjusted due to staff availability, weather, or other circumstances. If any changes are necessary, we will contact you directly to confirm. Availability to book in this experience before the end-of-year holidays may be limited and cannot be guaranteed.