National Poetry Month 2024 – CSL: Ginko Haiku Walk

Join award-winning poets Eileen Chong and Lulu Houdini on a Ginko (haiku nature walk) through the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney as they share and inspire haikus in response to the unique flora of the gardens including meeting the resident Ginkgo trees. Coffee will be provided on-site from The Calyx.

Presented as part of Contains Strong Language by Red Room Poetry and BBC, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.

Event details:

Meet at the Garden Shop Visitor Centre at  9:45am in the centre of the garden, number 20 on the online map. The Ginko walks will leave promptly at 10am. Approximate walking times from main gates are:

• Woolloomooloo Gate Mrs Macquaries Road: 5-10 minutes, accessible entrance

• Henry Lawson Gate Mrs Macquaries Road: 5-10 minutes

• Victoria Lodge Gate Mrs Macquaries Road: 10-15 minutes, accessible entrance

• QEII Gate next to Opera House: 10-15 minutes, accessible entrance

• Morshead, Palace Gate and Conservatorium Gates all on Macquarie Street: 10-15 minutes, long flight of steps

For more information on accessible paths and entrances please visit Accessibility

Please come prepared for a slow 1.5 hour walk. 

What to bring :

• comfortable walking shoes

• water

• sun protection and hat 

• wet weather gear

• note pad and pen/pencil

The walk will go ahead in all weather except during extreme weather events involving electrical storms, gale force winds and/or torrential rain. Please call Visitor Centre staffed between 10-3pm and leave a message on 9231 8327 or email tours.Info@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au if you are unsure whether this walk is proceeding.

Artist bios:

• Eileen Chong is an award-winning Australian poet and the author of nine books. We Speak of Flowers is forthcoming with UQP in 2024. 

• Lulu Houdini is a Gamilaroi poet and midwife. Her poetry has been published by Meanjin, Overland, Red Room Poetry and Wakefield Press, with her debut poetry collection winning the 2024 black&write! Fellowship. Lulu currently creates and lives with Jerrinja, Wandi Wandandian Country.

Red Room Poetry is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and by the NSW Government in association with Create NSW. This event is supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the British Council, the City of Sydney, and the Copyright Agency's Cultural Fund.