The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

An open-space day out within reach, and free unless there is a ticketed event on. Entry costs nothing, parking is on site, and the scale of the place means it absorbs a whole afternoon with a picnic and a bike.

The seasonal hours follow daylight saving. The garden’s Plan Your Visit page gives 2025 changeover dates, so the pattern of 8am to 7pm through the warmer months and 8am to 5pm from April to September looks current, but confirm the exact changeover with the garden before an early or late visit.

Public transport is not a realistic option from Menangle Park. The nearest bus stop is on Narellan Road opposite Kenny Hill Road, a two kilometre walk from the Visitor Centre.

Sources: Plan your visit; Getting here.