Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hobart is well renowned by its unique collection of Tasmanian plants and tree species. You can just simply bring along a picnic basket and mat while enjoying the exquisite landscape and views. My partner and I went there in early summer and thank goodness most of the flowers bloomed, including the magnificent magnolia. Apart from the plant species, I was also able to spot beautiful bird species and wild rabbits lurking in the bushes. I took the chance to take as many photos as I can. 

HOW TO GET THERE:

The Gardens is located in the Queens Domain, along Broker Hi-way approximately 2 km from Hobart CBD. The best way to get there is to drive along Broker Hi-way or start a walk from Hobart for about 25 minutes.

ADMISSION/TICKET FEES:

The Gardens is free for everyone as long as you abide by their rules and regulations, like littering, playing ball games, picking flowers, lighting up fires, climbing trees, and other hazardous activities. However, in the entrance you may donate a few dollars or become a donor for $2 for the further improvement of the Gardens.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Gardens is for those who love nature at its best. You can definitely expect to have a glimpse of the Tasmanian fauna, including specialised collection of wild and highly endangered species in Tasmania. You can expect a panorama of beautiful trees, including the “Sequoladendron giganteum” or better known as the Big Tree. In the entrance lies the oldest tree in the Gardens, which arrived in Tasmania some 120 years ago. I must say that the tree radiates an aura of mystical feel. Simply amazing!

Here are some of the attractions of the Gardens:

• The Japanese garden - designed by Kanjiro Harada, a landscape architect from Yaizu, Japan, Hobart.
• The Chinese Collection garden - tailored to traditional Chinese gardening practices allowing the artistic placement of rocks to be prominent in the landscape design.
• The Conservatory
• The Lily Pond - formed in 1840. Considered to be one of the most popular spots in the garden. Enjoy the natural stream that drained the adjacent hill. Local species of duck usually lingers in these waters.
• Subantartic Plant House – One of the most unique collections at the Gardens, displaying the rarest of plant species.
• The Vegie Patch - The most publicised part of the Gardens, being featured in ABC’s Gardening Australia by Tino Carnevale.
• The Herb Garden - A collection of medicinal and culinary herbs.
• Historic Walls - Signifying the Garden’s historical feel and heritage value
• Easy Access Garden - For those visitor with special needs; officially opened in 1983 as project for the Year of the Disabled (1981).
• Cactus House - One of my favorite spots. As far as I know cactus can thrive only in humid and arid environments. Well, they sit lively in this house. Very beautiful.
• Greater Hobart Collection - Displaying native bush plants around Hobart.
• Tasmanian East Coast Collection - Displaying a wide array of plants and trees uniquely found in the spectacular mountains of Tasmania’s North East.
• Tasmanian Fernery - Another favorite collection of mine. The uniquely crafted landscape displays beautiful fern species, which gives a you calming state of mind.
• Other Collections: The Salvia Collection, Rain Garden, Fuchsia House and a number of fountains designed by renowned artist over the century. 

AMENITIES/FACILITIES:

There are fully equipped amenities for disability visitors like wheelchair request. There’s also disability access map and information including accessible entrance points and disability access toilets and parking. There is also a restaurant and a café for those who wanted to indulge lunch or snacks while watching the beautiful views.  I believe they also have wireless Internet access for those techy people.


OPENING/CLOSING HOURS: Open all throughout the year

PERSONAL RATING: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: recommended for local residents, photographers and tourists.

For more information check out: http://www.rtbg.tas.gov.au