Shopping Guide: Inverawe Native Gardens
An Insider's Guide to the Native Garden
Why You Should Visit
- A Botanical Paradise: You'll find an extensive collection of over 12,000 native plants spread across 20 acres. This is a fantastic location to get ideas for your own native garden.
- Explore Diverse Landscapes: The garden boasts a terraced upper garden, bush tracks, and trails, offering opportunities to walk, explore, and immerse yourself in nature. The garden extends all the way to the bay.
- Whimsical Art and Poetry: Scattered throughout the garden are quirky installations, ornaments, and artistic pieces. You will encounter poetry, adding a unique dimension to your visit. Be sure to ask about the book of poems, especially the one about odd socks.
- Easy Access and Amenities: The location offers easy access and parking, a short drive south of Hobart. You can also enjoy tea, light beverages, and plants for sale.
- A Birdwatcher's Haven: This is a paradise for birdwatchers, a great location for a peaceful and quaint experience.
- Knowledgeable Owners: Bill, the owner, is a veritable encyclopedia on scientific and horticultural information. Expect to find enthusiasm and dedication, and make sure to say hi to Bill and Margaret!
- Worth the Price: The $12 entry fee offers access to a large and impeccably maintained garden, a good value for what you're getting.
- Inspiring Story: Discover a beautiful spot with an inspiring story of reclamation and restoration of a degraded area.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Variable Owner Interactions: Be aware that some visitors have reported less-than-positive interactions. One review mentioned the owner seemed to be in a bad mood and appeared to be bored.
- Potential for Safety Concerns: If you have mobility problems, you might find the hilly walking and the lack of guardrails unsettling.
- Limited Refreshments: Morning tea can be basic, as noted in one review, suggesting that for the price, it might be a bit underwhelming (e.g., lamington fingers and monte carlo biscuits).
- Lack of Plant Labeling: While the garden is beautiful, there might be a lack of labels on the shrubs and trees, which could be a drawback for some.
- Seasonal Differences: If you are interested in seeing the garden at its best, consider visiting in spring or autumn.
