Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah — Attraction in Mount Tomah

Feedback Regarding Parking and Staff Interaction - May 6, 2023

I wish to report a disappointing experience during our visit following a long journey from Sydney. The primary issues concerned parking availability and staff conduct.

Upon arrival, we discovered severe parking limitations due to 80 spaces being reserved for a wedding event. After searching for 20 minutes, we temporarily stopped, along with other vehicles, to wait for an available space. Our positioning did not impede traffic flow, as other cars could safely pass.

A ranger approached several waiting vehicles, including ours. When we politely explained we were waiting for a parking spot, her response and demeanor were unnecessarily confrontational. She was also observed reprimanding visitors for parking on grassy areas (not garden beds), despite the extreme parking shortage.

Suggestions for improvement:

Review staff training regarding visitor interaction and communication, emphasizing courteous and constructive approaches to managing difficult situations.

Implement better parking management strategies when hosting large events. This could include: Advance notice of reduced parking availability Temporary overflow parking arrangements Better coordination between event parking and general visitor parking

The gardens are a destination that many travel significant distances to enjoy. Ensuring adequate parking and positive staff interactions would greatly enhance the...

ZERO Stars - Avoid This Place Due to RACIST, RUDE and Mannerless Security

We drove 2 hours to visit this supposedly beautiful botanic garden, only to be met with extreme rudeness, racism, and a complete lack of basic human decency from the security guard.

Despite ample parking near the main entrance, the security guard refused to let us in, selectively allowing non-Asian visitors to pass. When confronted, he screamed at us and failed to provide a logical explanation. He said that he was Turkish and that he is just doing his job but his later planned actions against us proved otherwise.

The website doesn't mention dogs being prohibited, and the small sign at the gate was easily missed. We complied with the rules, leaving our leashed dog with our parents in the car while we finished lunch. However, the security guard invaded our privacy by taking pictures of our car, including our parents and dog.

The guard's aggressive behavior continued as he escorted us out, treating us like criminals. This experience was the most horrifying we've had since moving to Australia.

Until the management addresses the racist, mannerless and UNLAWFUL behavior of this security guard, I strongly advise against visiting this place.

Reasons to Avoid:

Racist security guard Mannerless staff Lack of clear signage regarding dog policies Invasion of privacy Aggressive behavior Unlawful behavior

Rating: ZERO Stars

Will not recommend for...

My very last visit on my recent glorious trip along the east coast of Australia was to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. My friend over in Katoomba had recommended a stop to see these gardens as I made my reluctant way back to Sydney, the airport and my return to Europe.

I parked for free and simply wandered about in these quiet, well laid out gardens. I particularly liked the easy trail into the rainforest area and marveled at the old trees and huge vines there. I guess that it being a Thursday morning explained why there were so few people visiting even though it was a gloriously sunny day. The only real congregation of people was a small group in the little clearing where a wedding was taking place. Two middle aged men were solemnly taking their vows together in a distinctive botanical environment supported by a small group of informally dressed guests.

I sat up on the terrace overlooking the well ordered vegetation in front of me, enjoyed a quick bottle of ginger beer from a vending machine and contemplated my luck at having spent just over two wonderful weeks of visiting this lovely part of this great country. Next step - the airport and home...