Botany, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BotanySydney, New South Wales |
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Botany School of Arts (1867), Botany Road
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| Population | 12,960 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 1,066.6/km2 (2,762/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 6 m (20 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 11 km (7 mi) south of Sydney CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Bayside Council | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Maroubra | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Kingsford Smith | ||||||||||||||
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Botany is a suburb located in the Inner Southern Suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's a busy area known for its port and historical ties to Captain Cook's first landing in Australia.
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Where is Botany?
Botany is about 11 kilometres south of the main Sydney city centre. It is part of the Bayside Council area.
The suburb sits right on the northern shore of Botany Bay. It's also located east of Sydney Airport. Nearby suburbs include Mascot, Banksmeadow, Pagewood, and Port Botany.
Botany's Past
Botany Bay, which is south of the suburb, is a very important historical spot. It's where Captain James Cook first arrived in Australia on April 29, 1770. He was exploring the coast on his ship, the Endeavour.
Cook's ship had two amazing botanists on board: Joseph Banks from England and Daniel Solander from Sweden. They spent several days on shore. During this time, they collected many plant samples that had never been seen in Europe before!
Captain Cook first called the bay "Sting Rays' Harbour." Later, he thought about calling it "Botanist Bay." In the end, he decided on "Botany Bay." The suburb of Botany gets its name from this famous bay.
Botany was first planned as a farming area, much like the suburbs around it. However, it quickly became an industrial hub. Early businesses included places that processed animal hides and slaughterhouses. In 1809, Mr. E Redmond was one of the first people to settle here.
A key developer was Simeon Lord (1771–1840). He built a special mill in 1815. He received large land grants, and parts of his estate were later divided into smaller areas in 1859 and 1887. The Sydney Waterworks, which supplied water to the city, was also set up in Botany in 1858.
Historic Buildings
The Sir Joseph Banks Hotel was a very popular place on the shores of Botany Bay. By 1850, it even had a private zoo! Visitors could enjoy horse riding, cricket, and football. There was also a racetrack where international athletes competed.
Today, the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel is a heritage-listed building. In 1988, the Sir Joseph Banks Pleasure Gardens were updated. The old racing track was even restored! An event called the Botany Bay Gift brought international athletes back to the area.
Another important historic building is St Matthew's Church of England. It's located on the corner of Botany Road and Lord Street. This church was built in 1862 and is also a heritage-listed site.
Old Tram Lines
Long ago, trams were a major way to travel in Sydney. A tram line to Botany opened in 1882. At first, steam trams were used, but electric trams started running in 1903.
This tram line connected Botany all the way to Circular Quay in the city. It ran along Botany Road. There was even a branch line that went to the old Ascot Racecourse, which is now where Sydney Airport is.
The tram line from the city to Botany closed in 1960. Today, the Transdev John Holland bus route 309 generally follows the old tram path.
Special Heritage Places
Botany has several places that are listed for their historical importance:
- 23 Anniversary Street: The Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel
- 2 Banksia Street: The Botany Post Office
Who Lives in Botany?
The 2021 census found that 12,960 people live in Botany.
- About 1.9% of the people are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
- The most common backgrounds are Australian (25.7%), English (25.5%), and Irish (12.7%).
- Most people (62.9%) were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces include England, New Zealand, and China.
- About 69.6% of homes speak only English. Other languages spoken include Mandarin, Greek, and Spanish.
- The most common religions are Catholic (34.2%) and No Religion (29.8%).
Businesses in Botany
Port Botany is Sydney's main port. This means Botany is a busy area with many businesses related to shipping and moving goods.
Botany also has a large chemical production facility. This plant has been around since the 1940s. Companies like Huntsman and Orica (which used to be ICI) operate here. The plant used to make paints, plastics, and industrial chemicals.
The main shopping area in Botany is located along Botany Road.
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The Sir Joseph Banks Hotel in 1920
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The Captain Cook Hotel on Botany Road
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The Fire Station, built in the Arts and Crafts style
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St Matthew's Anglican Church
Sir Joseph Banks Park
Sir Joseph Banks Park is a great place to visit. It includes the Foreshore Reserve and the Sir Joseph Banks Pleasure Gardens.
The Foreshore Reserve is a large bushland area. It has walking tracks through sand dunes and wetlands with ponds. The Pleasure Gardens show off the area's history. You can find a playground with life-sized animal statues and a mosaic showing Banks's journey. There's also a special garden with Banksia plants and a running track. A statue of Sir Joseph Banks looking at plants is also in the gardens.
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The historic Sir Joseph Banks Hotel next to the Pleasure Grounds
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An arbour in the Sir Joseph Banks Pleasure Gardens
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A statue of Sir Joseph Banks
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Fun elephant sculptures
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The boat ramp at Foreshore Beach
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Botany seen from above
Sports and Fun
Botany is home to several well-known sports teams and clubs. These include the famous NRL club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the Botany Rams. Other teams are the Pagewood Botany Soccer Club, Botany Golf Club, Bonnie Doon Golf Club, Eastlake Golf Club, and The Lakes Golf Club. Lady Robinsons Beach is also a popular beach in the area.
Schools in Botany
Botany Public School is located on Botany Road. The original school building is a small brick building with a unique Gothic style. It was built in 1868.
