About Botanical Gardens
These gardens were established on slopes beside the River Derwent in 1818. Now in the 13.5 hectare site there are 6500 species and varieties of plants, including the largest public conifer collection in the southern hemisphere.There are more than 400 Tasmanian plant species on display, Peter Cundall's (of the ABC's Gardening Australia TV Show) vegie patch, a stunning conservatory and a Japanese garden. Beds of annuals provide a changing display four times a year - in late September the Tasmanian Tulip Festival is held in the gardens.
The Arthur Wall, near the main gate, could be internally heated so that exotic trees and plants could be grown for the kitchen garden. Although it's many years since the fires have been lit, the wall retains the suns warmth for days. Now it supports flowering creepers. Near the wall is a traditional herb garden. A new attraction is the sub antarctic plant house featuring plants from Macquarie Island.
Although over 300,000 people a year visit the gardens, the impression of peace and solitude, not crowds, is the one that remains with the visitor.
At the Botanical Discovery Centre are interactive displays that include information of the rich and diverse Tasmanian flora, including their distribution and how to propagate them.
The Friends of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens conduct guided tours. There is a restaurant and kiosk located within the Gardens
Text and Images Courtesy of ATDW
Features & Facilities
- Disabled Access
- Parking
- Functions