Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Hobart)
#7 in Best Things To Do in Tasmania
Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 3.5Facilities
- 4.0Atmosphere
When you're in need of a low-key activity after spending multiple days trekking through Tasmania's national parks or along the Three Capes Track, spend an hour or two at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Nestled within Hobart's Queens Domain neighborhood by the Derwent River, this outdoor oasis features multiple gardens – including ones that house indigenous species, herbs and cactuses – spread throughout more than 34 acres. A conservatory, a lily pond and the world's only subantarctic plant house (which mimics the cold, wet conditions plants native to the subantarctic islands thrive in) are also located on-site.
Past visitors praised this attraction's relaxed atmosphere and beautiful gardens, adding that the regional gardens (filled with plants from Tasmania, New Zealand, China and Japan) were especially impressive. However, a few who visited in winter (between June and August) felt let down by the property's lack of blooming plants. To increase your chances of seeing flowers, arrive during Australia's spring season (September through November).
The gardens are open every day, but hours vary seasonally. From May to August, the property welcomes visitors between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; in April and September, the site is open until 5:30 p.m.; and from October to March, travelers are permitted to visit until 6:30 p.m. Hours for the on-site restaurant and gift shop vary by day and season. There is no fee to enter, but donations are encouraged. Free guided tours led by volunteers can be arranged, and complimentary parking is provided near two of the attraction's entrances (by the Lower Domain Highway and the Derwent Highway). Several Metro routes also stop within walking distance. For more information, check out the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden's website.
More Best Things To Do in Tasmania


#1 Freycinet National Park (Coles Bay)
Occupying a peninsula just south of Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park is a prime spot for bird-watching, camping and scenic drives. The park also features white-sand beaches surrounded by pink granite peaks that are just as popular with photographers as they are with swimmers, kayakers and snorkelers. If you'd rather hike while exploring this protected area, you'll find multiple trails for short, half-day and overnight hikes on-site.
Visitors rave about this national park's scenery, adding that locales like Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach are so breathtaking that you could spend several hours admiring your surroundings. If you're short on time or new to hiking, travelers recommend trekking the Wineglass Bay Lookout path; for a more challenging hike, several suggest taking the path to Mount Amos. Reviewers also rave about the sunsets at Honeymoon Bay and Cape Tourville's lighthouse.
Occupying a peninsula just south of Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park is a prime spot for bird-watching, camping and scenic drives. The park also features white-sand beaches surrounded by pink granite peaks that are just as popular with photographers as they are with swimmers, kayakers and snorkelers. If you'd rather hike while exploring this protected area, you'll find multiple trails for short, half-day and overnight hikes on-site.
Visitors rave about this national park's scenery, adding that locales like Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach are so breathtaking that you could spend several hours admiring your surroundings. If you're short on time or new to hiking, travelers recommend trekking the Wineglass Bay Lookout path; for a more challenging hike, several suggest taking the path to Mount Amos. Reviewers also rave about the sunsets at Honeymoon Bay and Cape Tourville's lighthouse.
Explore More of Tasmania
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.