The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens lie within the Queens Domain, about two kilometres north of central Hobart, on a gentle slope beside the Derwent. The gardens date from the early nineteenth century and are among the oldest botanical gardens in Australia, with mature trees, themed beds, glasshouses and lawns that suit a slow stroll. The plant collections show off the flora of Tasmania and of cool temperate regions across the world, and the setting gives views over the river and the Tasman Bridge. The gardens are open seven days a week all year, which makes them a dependable choice when other sights are closed. They are a calm, green contrast to the museums and the mountain, and they work as a morning walk, a picnic spot or a rainy-day wander under cover.
What to do
Enter through the main gate and wander at your own pace along the paths between the garden beds. Look for the Tasmanian plant collections, which include native eucalypts, tree ferns, alpine plants and the unusual species that grow only on the island. Glasshouses and themed gardens, including a conservatory and plantings from colder parts of the world, add variety, and the details of what is on show change with the seasons.
The Botanical Shop sells plants, books and gifts, and the Abundance Pop-Up Cafe offers coffee and light food. Many visitors bring a picnic to the lawns, and families will find plenty of space for children to run.
Planning
The gardens are open from 8 am to 5 pm from April to September and from 8 am to 6.30 pm from October to March, every day of the year. The Botanical Shop is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and the cafe from 9 am to 4 pm, with both closed on Christmas Day. Parking is available at the main top entrance on Lower Domain Road and at the bottom entrance on the Domain Highway.
Bikes and scooters must be walked through the grounds. Entry to the grounds is free, though special events and some guided activities may charge, so check the gardens' visit page before you go. For help on the day, the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre can answer questions.
Fitting it in
The gardens are about a 30-minute walk from the city centre, a five-minute drive or a short bike ride, so they are easy to add to a day in town. Allow one to two hours for a relaxed visit, or longer if you linger over a coffee and a book from the shop. Spring brings blossom and bulbs, summer offers shade and long evenings, autumn colour appears in the deciduous trees and winter highlights the conifers, ferns and the glasshouse plantings.
Wear comfortable shoes, because paths include gentle slopes, and bring a rain jacket, since Hobart showers can pass quickly. The gardens suit gardeners, photographers, families and anyone who wants a quiet hour. They pair well with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in the city or with a drive up kunanyi, because the Domain lookouts give another angle on the same views.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through historic gardens, glasshouses and lawns, with a cafe and a botanical shop on site.
Best time
Spring for blossom, summer for shade and long evenings, and any dry morning for quiet paths.
How long
One to two hours, or longer with a picnic or coffee.
Tips
Check the seasonal opening hours, walk bikes and scooters through the grounds and bring a rain jacket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Gardeners, photographers and anyone wanting a calm, green hour close to the city.
- Families
- Open lawns and shaded paths suit children, and a cafe is on site for breaks.
- Couples
- A relaxed stroll and a picnic, with river views from the upper paths.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Battery Point or a drive up kunanyi.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
When are the Botanical Gardens open?+
They are open seven days a week, all year. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm from April to September and 8 am to 6.30 pm from October to March.
Where are the gardens?+
They are in the Queens Domain, about two kilometres north of central Hobart. It is a walk of roughly 30 minutes or a short drive.
Is there parking?+
Yes, car parking is available at the main top entrance on Lower Domain Road and at the bottom entrance on the Domain Highway.
Is there a cafe?+
Yes, the Abundance Pop-Up Cafe and the Botanical Shop are on site. Both are closed on Christmas Day.
Can I bring a bike?+
Bikes and scooters must be walked through the gardens. Leave them at the entrance if you prefer.
