This painting looks back from the eastern point of Farm Cove to the new Government House and Fort Macquarie (the site of the Sydney Opera House). The lushness of the Botanical Gardens is emphasised by the eclectic array of exotic and indigenous plants (such as the Gymea lily) in the foreground.

This small painting is one of a set of six charming, atmospheric views of Sydney Harbour painted by Peacock for a Thomas Wise, thought to have been Sydney publican.