When Captain James Cook first landed the Endeavour in Botany Bay in 1770, the ship’s botanist, Joseph Banks, was astonished at the amount of previously unknown plant specimens that flourished in the area. While Banks spent the next few days collecting samples, Cook decided to name the bay Sting Rays Harbour. He changed his mind once he laid eyes on Banks’ booty, and decided Botanists Bay was more appropriate – then it became Botany Bay. The suburb name ‘Botany’ comes from the bay it stands on.

Originally planned as an agricultural district, Botany was popular for its market gardens and fresh produce. However, the excellent bayside location with good access to fresh water made it desirable to a rush of industry including a fell-mongers and a slaughter-works.
Business grew and expanded, with some of the biggest and best known international corporations setting up factories in the area. Some, like General Motors Holden, prospered in the post World War II era but have since moved elsewhere. Others, like Kellogg's, ICI, Johnson & Johnson and Westfield Eastgardens Shoppingtown are part of the modern industrial environment.
The attraction of employment brought a vast working population to the suburb and the demand for housing increased. Botany now displays a nice balance between industrial and residential properties and is popular among families who like a bit of space in an affordable price range.

The shopping strip along Botany Road offers a range of supermarkets and general stores for provisions but for more specialty products, it’s only a couple of minutes to the Eastgardens Shoppingtown where you’ll find everything you could possibly need.

Located just 10 km from the CBD, Botany is well serviced by bus routes to the city, Eastgardens shopping and neighbouring beaches. It also enjoys close proximity to Kingsford Smith Airport at Mascot.

Botany Public School enjoys an excellent reputation for outstanding academic achievement plus there are numerous fine education institutions such as the University of NSW within easy reach.

Botany is a land of many freestanding homes. There are large Federation style houses, Californian bungalows and expansive level blocks of land. There is also an array of small apartment blocks and, more recently, some designer apartment developments for the young and upwardly mobile. It’s still relatively affordable and for many, Botany is the first choice for an entry into the Sydney property market.

Being located on one of Sydney’s most famous bays, Botany attracts water sport fanatics from far and wide. Here you can try your hand at windsurfing, water-skiing or a relaxing day of fishing. Locals also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Sir Joseph Banks Pleasure Gardens for an interesting look at some exotic and native plant life.

For a more invigorating workout, there’s the Bliss Fitness Systems gymnasium on Margate Street.

The Copacabana Restaurant on Botany Road offers Brazilian cuisine along with traditional entertainment. The Botany Golf Club specialises in Chinese and local fare or there’s a cluster of village cafés along among the local shops.