The Auburn Botanic Gardens was established in 1977 and designed by Eric Black, chief engineer of Auburn Municipal Council from 1949 to 1979.
In July 1968, Black presented a detailed report to the Council on proposing a mixture of sporting grounds and an intensive cultivation of the Duck River parklands. Black envisaged a series of gardens representing national styles from around the world.
This vision was later reduced, though some elements survived, including the Japanese Gardens, the formal gardens and reflection pool, and the different Australian habitats. The Gardens owe their origin to the Cumberland Planning Scheme (1946–1951) which set aside the area along the banks of the Duck River for recreation.
The next step was the Whitlam Government (1972–1975) pioneering Federal Government recognition of Local Government through direct funding. Through the regional development program, Auburn Council received funding in 1974 and 1975–76 to develop the gardens.
The Gardens were officially opened on 11 September 1977 by His Excellency Sir Roden Cutler VC. The Avenue of Remembrance was opened on the 12 September 1987 by the Hon Michael Cleary.
The Gardens also acknowledge the Federal Government’s role in the development of the parklands and pays tribute to Australia's servicemen and women. Two plaques are located at the northern end of the Avenue, commemorating Hon Tom Uren and the Victory in the Pacific in 1945, as well as the servicemen, women and civilians who gave service to our homeland in Australia’s hour of need.
Sometime after the opening of the gardens, an aviary was added to the garden's plan, while the native fauna reserve was set up in consultation with Taronga Zoo. The aviary was officially opened on December 5 1988 by the Hon Gary West. The aviary was supported as a Bicentennial Project by the Commonwealth Government.
The Auburn Botanic Gardens at 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn was listed on the National Trust Register in September, 2015. A Fauna Reserve was opened in 1994 and the equal access playground, a project supported by the Commonwealth Government, was opened by the Member for Reid, Laurie Ferguson MP on 28 May 2001.
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change has identified the gardens as part of the recovery plan for certain environments and species, including Cooks River clay plain scrub forest, Acacia Pubescens (downy wattle) and Wahlenbergia Multicaulis (Tadgell’s Bluebell).
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival was launched in 2011, as part Council's new arts festivals and events, and has since grown into the largest and most iconic events within the Cumberland Local Government Area.
