Blue Mountains' best kept secret

The lid is set to be lifted on the Blue Mountains best-kept secret – the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah – as it celebrates its 30th Birthday on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 November with the free Garden of Earthly Delights community event.

Over 50 live performers, musicians and visual artists will engage in song, dance, poetry, theatre and exhibition in a culmination of creativity to transform Australia’s best-loved cool-climate botanic garden into a vibrant stage for the weekend.

"The Garden of Earthly Delights will be a unique fusion of nature and culture for all the family to enjoy,” said Lisa Grieve, Visitor Experience Manager, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

Come along at 9.30am when the gates open, grab a coffee and laze beneath the Instagram-worthy floral tunnel, before checking out the wedding dress woven entirely from plant materials and the beautiful polychrome seed pod installations from Orla Faye.

Head to the Formal Lawn from 10.00am to be entertained by harpists, bands, and human dragonfly Tahmour. All stages have wet-weather options so don’t let the wet keep you away!

Crowds will also be treated to a live ‘Q&A’ discussion on Saturday 11 November from 1.20 – 2.00pm with local art experts Jenny Kee, Dr Shane Smithers and Dr Susan Cochrane, covering topics such as ‘the role of nature in artistic expression’ as well as ‘connection to country’ from the perspective of a Darug artist.

Entry to The Garden of Earthly Delights is free on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November with delicious gourmet food options from local vendors. Dressing up, whether as a steampunk, fairy, unicorn or Greek god or goddess, is strongly encouraged!

For more information about The Garden of Earthly Delights, see the website.