Hobart Botanical Gardens: A Visitor's Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Aesthetically Pleasing Design and Layout: You'll find the gardens are exceptionally well designed with meandering paths leading through different sections. The map is very helpful for navigation.
• Diverse Plant Life: The location offers a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers, including local and plants from other origins. You'll see thematic sections such as the Japanese Garden, French Courts, and more. Many plants are labelled with their origins.
• The Japanese Garden: Shoppers can expect a must-visit area, described as a "pretty setting" and "breathtaking" by many visitors.
• Sub-Antarctic Plant House: A unique display, possibly the only one of its kind in Australia, featuring low-lying growth and short shrubs, kept at subzero temperatures. The conservatory is also a notable highlight, showcasing an amazing display of orchids in various colors and shapes.
• Relaxation and Serenity: The gardens provide a peaceful environment to unwind and enjoy nature, perfect for a relaxing walk, picnic, or simply hanging out.
• Free Entry: The location is a public area with no entry fee, making it accessible for all.
• Well-Maintained Environment: The gardens are clean and well maintained, with a prohibition on BBQs ensuring a pristine environment.
• Helpful Staff and Volunteers: You'll encounter friendly and helpful staff, including volunteers like Jennifer, who can explain the garden and its sections. Staff is happy to help with finding spots to relax, providing maps, and overall assistance.
• Variety of Facilities: The facilities include well-maintained restrooms and a garden gift shop for souvenirs. You may also find a pop-up cafe or kiosk for food and drinks. There is also an information center.
• Ideal for All: Great for relaxation, picnics, dates, or simply hanging out.
• Excellent Views: Shoppers can expect excellent views of the Derwent River and the Tasman Bridge.
• Parking Availability: The location offers ample parking space with recommendations for car parks closer to the entrance (e.g., car park #1/3).

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Seasonal Considerations: Be aware that the best time to visit for abundant flower gardens might be spring. The summer can have fewer flowers, and the trees may still be bare in early spring.
• Cafe and Kiosk Availability: The cafe and kiosk may be closed at times. In July 2024, the cafe and kiosk were closed.
• Potential Disruptions: Be aware of potential closures, either partial or full, due to events.
• Limited Food and Drink Options: The kiosk offers a limited variety of food and drinks.
• Renovations: There is a building undergoing renovation which will contain toilets and a cafe.
• Location relative to City Center: While Uber services are available, the gardens are approximately a 40-minute walk from the CBD.
• Active Wildlife: During breeding season, be cautious of baby Lapwings and their protective parents.