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The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of Hobart's most beautiful and peaceful attractions. Located just a short distance from the city center, these gardens are a place of natural beauty, education, and relaxation. Established in 1818, they are the second-oldest botanical gardens in Australia and are home to a wide variety of plants from Tasmania and around the world. With stunning landscapes, themed gardens, historic structures, and scenic views of the River Derwent, it’s the perfect place for nature lovers, families, photographers, and anyone looking to escape into a green oasis.
The gardens are located about 2 kilometers from the center of Hobart. It’s easy to reach by car, public transport, bike, or even on foot.
- By Car: From the Hobart CBD, drive along Brooker Highway or Domain Highway. There is a car park located at the main entrance on Lower Domain Road. - By Bus: Metro Tasmania buses run regularly from the city to stops near the gardens. - By Walking or Cycling: You can enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride from the city along the Queens Domain area. - Taxis or Ride Share: These are widely available in Hobart and take around 5–10 minutes from most city hotels.
Hobart enjoys a mild oceanic climate, which means the gardens can be visited comfortably throughout the year. Each season offers a different view:
- Spring (Sep-Nov): One of the best times to visit, with blooming flowers and fresh green growth. - Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 12°C and 25°C. - Autumn (Mar-May): Beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures. - Winter (Jun-Aug): Quiet and peaceful with crisp air, though some plants are dormant.
It’s best to check the weather forecast before visiting, especially in winter. A hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended during summer, and a jacket or umbrella might be needed during cooler or rainy days.
The gardens are open every day of the year, except on Christmas Day. Usual opening hours are:
- Opening Time: 8:00 AM - Closing Time: Varies seasonally (usually between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM)
The visitor centre, café, and gift shop have their own operating hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The gardens are famous for their unique collection of cold-climate plants and for preserving Tasmania’s botanical heritage. They also feature a rare Subantarctic Plant House, which recreates the cold and misty conditions of Macquarie Island, a subantarctic region. This exhibit is one of only a few in the world.
The gardens are also known for their scenic views, beautiful seasonal displays, and as a place of learning and conservation. It’s a popular venue for weddings, picnics, festivals, and community events.
Entry to the gardens is completely free, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly attractions in Hobart. There are maps and signs to help you explore, and free public guided tours are sometimes offered during certain seasons.
- Address: Lower Domain Road, Hobart, TAS 7000 - Parking: Available onsite. Free, but may be limited on busy days. - Accessibility: Many paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Mobility scooters are available to hire.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens were established in 1818 and have evolved into one of the most respected gardens in Australia. They feature historical elements such as original convict-built walls, heritage greenhouses, and a historic gatekeeper’s cottage. The gardens were officially granted "Royal" status in 1967.
The architecture in the gardens reflects colonial-era design and is blended with modern structures like the Subantarctic Plant House. Many areas retain traditional garden layouts, while others reflect more modern and natural landscaping.
- Explore Themed Gardens: Including the Japanese Garden, Lily Pond, Succulent Garden, and French Memorial Garden. - Visit the Subantarctic Plant House: A cold-climate exhibit showing rare plants from Macquarie Island. - Enjoy a Picnic: There are many grassy areas with views of the river. - Photography: Beautiful in every season, with photo-worthy landscapes and flowers. - Visit the Restaurant and Café: Enjoy local produce at the on-site café with garden views. - Attend Events and Workshops: The gardens regularly host gardening workshops and cultural events. - Learn from Interpretive Signs: Every garden has signs explaining the history and plant species.
- The gardens cover about 14 hectares (35 acres). - It’s one of the few places in the world to see living Subantarctic plants in a controlled environment. - Great place for families — kids can enjoy open space and nature walks. - Free entry makes it perfect for budget travelers. - Bring a reusable water bottle — refill stations are available. - Toilets, baby changing facilities, and a gift shop are available at the visitor centre. - Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours exploring, but it’s easy to spend half a day if you enjoy walking and relaxing. - Wear comfortable shoes — paths are mostly paved, but some garden areas have gravel.
