Tasmania may be known for its fresh produce and flourishing farms, but this small state is also bursting with incredible gardens and parks.
From flowers to fields, these gardens in Tasmania feature amazing flora and fauna you won’t find anywhere else.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are home to more than 6500 plants spread across 14 hectares. Established in 1818, this impressive garden features several unique elements including a sub-Antarctic plant house which mimics the conditions of Macquarie Island, 1500 km south of Hobart, where the plants were initially collected.
Wandering the grounds, visitors will also come across an edible garden featuring produce often donated to a community kitchen, as well as plenty of historic buildings. Whether you choose to participate in a guided tour or look around on your own, there’s lots to explore here. Plus, after a long day of walking, there’s nothing better than a coffee or lunch at the popular Succulent restaurant.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
Featuring more than 24,000 rhododendrons and several companion plants, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is an impressive sight. This privately owned garden is run by a group of dedicated volunteers, who are happy to point you in the direction of the lakes, waterfalls, bridges and pavilions dotted all around the property.
The best time to visit is between mid-September and mid-November, when the flowers are in peak bloom. However, there’s always lots to see on this 11-hectare property. For a more intimate experience, you can join a Shinrin Yoku forest therapy walk, designed to showcase how nature can promote good mental health through guided activities including stretching, mindfulness and a tea ceremony.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is a stunning farm featuring hundreds of kilometres of fields covered in colourful lavender. When the plants are in bloom between December and January, the estate comes alive with history talks and live music as thousands of visitors wander.
However, guests will find lots of exciting things at any time of year, such as the ornamental gardens and bushland. At the gift shop, gourmet lavender products made on-site, including lavender ice-cream, are always available.
Only 50 minutes from Launceston, this is a day trip definitely worth taking.
Inverawe Native Gardens
As the largest landscaped native Australian garden in Tasmania, Inverawe Native Gardens has a reputation that speaks for itself. This beautiful property boasts views across to Bruny Island and Mount Wellington, and it’s located only 15 minutes from Hobart.
Perhaps the best feature of the garden is the 110 species of birds that call it home, including 12 species only native to Tasmania. The property is landscaped to include paths and seats showcasing the colourful trees and plants all around. Stopping by the front desk, you can collect a bird list and a colourful map to accompany you on your walk.
Brickendon
This world heritage-listed site is more than just a farm and convict village. In fact, surrounding the Georgian homestead of Brickendon is four acres of stunning historic gardens, designed to mirror the picturesque gardens of the colonial period.
Here, you will come across roses, perennials, and ‘garden rooms’, each with a unique theme. The trees come from all around the world, some over 180 years old.
If you have time to spare, it’s worth checking out the convict-built Farm Village, which features barns, Gothic chapels, a blacksmith shop, cookhouse and more. QR codes found all around the site offer information about real-life convicts and their lives
Tasmanian Arboretum
Just south of Devonport lies the Tasmanian Arboretum, one of the best collections of trees you’ll find, including the world’s biggest collection of Tasmanian living woody plants. The Arboretum has also been named the best garden in Australia to see platypus in the wild. Stopping by Founder’s Lake, it’s hard to miss these wonderful animals moving through the water.
There are also lots of walking trails to choose from. The Limestone Heritage Walk takes visitors past incredible geological features, while others lead to picnic shelters perfect for a lunch in the sun.
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