Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of the world's oldest botanic gardens. It is also one of the best, biggest, and most beautiful botanical gardens in Hobart, Tasmania. There are many things to do within its 14 hectares, and below are some of the highlights.

Japanese gardens

A local favourite and a highlight for new visitors is Hobart's Japanese Garden within the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Landscape architect, Kanjiro Harada, from Hobart's sister city, Yaizu in Japan, designed the garden with an emphasis on traditional garden elements of wood, water, and stone. Relax among the beautiful trees and flowers as you stroll along the garden paths and Zig Zag bridge.

Discover many stunning native species from Japan, during all seasons:

• In autumn: impressive Japanese maples
• In winter: camellias, azaleas and conifers of all shapes and sizes
• In spring: lovely cherry blossoms
• In summer: gorgeous irises and water lilies.

Tasmanian collection

As you explore the gardens, you will encounter many species native to Hobart and the many unique regions of Tasmania, including the rainforest, mountains, and coast.

Tasmanian Community Food Garden

Pete's Veggie Patch, now called the Community Food Garden in Hobart, is a great place to learn more about how to grow your own vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants, and the best organic gardening principles of today.

French Explorers Memorial fountain and garden

This section of the Garden houses the historically significant French Memorial Fountain, which shows the bow and sails of an early French sailing ship, marking the arrival of the first French voyagers that discovered Tasmania in 1792.

Lily pond

This popular spot is a family favourite. Kids and parents will love the views of the water, with ducks and fish swimming around and beautiful lilies and trees galore.

Subantarctic garden

The Subantarctic Collection is the most unique section of the botanical gardens in Hobart. Explore the range of flora of the Sub Antarctic region, specifically Macquarie Island.

This garden offers an immersive, sensory experience. You will hear sounds of wildlife from the region, such as elephant penguins, seals, albatross, and skuas, as well as sounds of the ever-present wind and rain. The chilly conditions of this garden mirror the real, cold, windy, and wet environment.

Sprout cafe and Succulent restaurant

The Royal Botanical Gardens cafe, Sprout takeaway, and restaurant, Succulent, serves delicious meals, snacks, ice cream and drinks daily. See the menu for the restaurant specialties here.

Gift shop

The Botanical shop sells great Tasmanian-made gifts, souvenirs, plant pots, and more. They also sell plant seeds to take home, such as tomatoes and beautiful flowers.

Events

What's on at Hobart's best botanic gardens? There are often public outdoor events for families and kids, including the Teddy Bear hunt.

Map

A detailed Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens map is available here and one with more info on accessibility is here.

Parking

There are two carparks in the Gardens: one at the main top entrance on the Lowed Domain Highway, and the other on the Derwent River side, bottom entrance of the Derwent Highway.

Accessibility

Most sections of the botanic gardens are accessible and pram and wheelchair-friendly. These paths are clearly marked on the gardens map here.

Toilets in the garden are accessible. These are located at the visitors centre, the Easy Access Garden and next to the gate at the lower carpark.

Wheelchairs are available for hire at the visitor centre for free. Call (03) 6166 0976 to book in advance.

Opening hours

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hobart, Tasmania are open daily, all year round.

• From 1 April to 30 September, the grounds are open from 8am to 5pm
• From 1 October to 31 March, the gardens are open from 8am to 6.30pm

The botanic gardens Succulent cafe and restaurant is open daily, all year round.

• Snacks and coffee is available from 10am to 3.30pm
• Lunch is served from 11.30am to 2.30pm

The giftshop is open daily and all year round too.

• From 1 April to 30 September, the grounds are open from 8am to 5pm
• From 1 October to 31 March, the shop is open from 8am to 5pm

Entry fee

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens entry fees are a gold coin donation for maintaining the park.

Photo credit: Royal Botanical Gardens Tasmania website and Facebook