Once a stone quarry, Stony Range Flora Reserve is now a sanctuary. The area is full of native wonders and peaceful views. It officially became a botanic garden in 2007. Before that in the 1950s, Stony Range was a stone quarry. It fell into disuse.
Now, imagine this disused quarry transformed. Picture green thumbs planting trees. See native plants flourishing.
Stony Range is special because it was regenerated. It rose from an abandoned stone quarry. Volunteers poured their hearts into making Stony Range what it is today. They helped make Stony Range special.
Stony Range Botanic Garden specializes in native Australian flora. You’ll find it in Dee Why, New South Wales. The garden is wheelchair accessible. Walking tracks vary in length and inclination.
The garden is jointly administered. Northern Beaches Council and a voluntary advisory committee manage it. The garden also gets support. Public donations and volunteers help care for it.
Stony Range is open every day except Christmas. A Spring festival occurs during Spring. It is also open on public holidays. During Daylight Saving Time from October to April, it is open from 8 AM to 8.30 PM. During Eastern Standard Time from April to September, it is open from 8 AM to 5.30 PM.
The name Stony Range comes from its location. It sits on 3.3 hectares of Hawkesbury Sandstone escarpment. Visionary locals established the reserve. In 2007, it became a Regional Botanic Garden of Native Bushland.
Since opening, Stony Range has been extensively weeded. Volunteers have regenerated and revegetated it. They used public donations and council funding. Native plants from all over Australia have been planted. Local indigenous species grow here as well.
Intricate walkways invite visitors to explore microclimates. The main circuit takes about 20 minutes. In 2013, the accessible sensory track was added. Now, people of all abilities can experience the Australian bush. The sensory track has signs. They point to plants you can touch, taste, smell, and look at. Observe the garden with all your senses. Side tracks cater to the energetic and inquisitive.
Stony Range Botanic Garden has several microclimates. Discover the rainforest gully, the sandstone heath, and the Federation Cascades.
The rainforest gully has grown for about fifty years. It is considered one of Alec Blombery’s greatest achievements. He was one of the garden’s founding members. When Stony Range was created, noxious weeds infested the area. Lantana and privet were rampant. Today, it is a cool oasis. Cedar, coachwood, flame trees, hoop pine, lilly pilly, ferns, and palms thrive here.
The sandstone heath sits on the upper area of the reserve. It was part of the old stone quarry. Soil fill reclaimed it. Now, grasses, grevilleas, and baeckias create a picturesque display. They bloom at different times of the year.
Volunteers constructed the Federation Cascades waterfalls in 2001. It commemorated 100 years of Federation in Australia. Since then, they have created their own ecosystem. Lush plants and ferns abound.
Stony Range volunteers work with the council. They maintain the garden. Plants are propagated from seeds and cuttings. The garden’s nursery provides them. Volunteers of all ages participate. Activities suit all levels.
Stony Range Botanic Garden can be booked. Small functions like weddings are welcome. A decorative pond separates the stage from the seating. Buses to Dee Why leave regularly. They depart from the city, Manly, and Palm Beach. A parking area with disabled parking spots is available.