Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens featuring a bridge, a pond and a park
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens showing a park
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens showing a garden
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens featuring a garden
Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania


See rare and ancient plants, edible landscapes and exotic specimens at one of Australia's oldest public gardens.

If you’re driving into Hobart, you can’t miss the lush landscape of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, located at the junction of the Tasman and Domain Highways. Step inside the 14-hectare (34.6-acre) gardens and explore the world’s only Subantarctic Plant House, as well as an extensive collection of Tasmanian plants, and everything from a Japanese garden to a vegie patch.

Hobart is a hub for Antarctic explorations and scientific investigations, and this has allowed the gardens to collect an incredible array of plants from subantarctic Macquarie Island. Kept in climate-controlled areas, the collection includes the strange King’s lomatia, which reproduces by cloning itself, and is only known to have one colony in the world.

Wander across the red lacquered bridges and past the cascading water in the Japanese gardens. Sit by the Lily Pond, created in 1840, or pick your way through the vegie patch run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Gardening Australia programme. Sample some of the garden’s specimens and produce at the restaurant.

The Cactus House is a great place to compare the different types of succulent plants that grow in different regions of the world, while the Greater Hobart and Tasmania East Coast collections give visitors a chance to identify plants they’ve seen locally. Stunning colour is on show in the flowering displays at the Conservatory and the Fuchsia House.

For those interested in sustainability, the Rain Garden demonstrates a simple way to purify run-off water, before it reaches waterways. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens also carries out important conservation work, which includes saving seeds and propagating plants that were once plentiful in Tasmania but in recent times have become rarer.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are located two kilometres (1.2 miles) from central Hobart and there is free on-site parking. The gardens are open 365 days a year. Tours can be pre-arranged with a minimum of five people.

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Top Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

4.5 out of 5
1 Davey St, Hobart, TAS
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
Doubletree By Hilton Hobart

Doubletree By Hilton Hobart

4 out of 5
179 Macquarie St, Hobart, TAS
Doubletree By Hilton Hobart
Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

4.5 out of 5
28 ELIZABETH STREET, Hobart, TAS
Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1 Macquarie St, Hobart, TAS
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hobart by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hobart by IHG

4.5 out of 5
110 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS
Crowne Plaza Hobart by IHG
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

5 out of 5
12 MURRAY STREET, Hobart, TAS
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart
Vibe Hotel Hobart

Vibe Hotel Hobart

4 out of 5
36 Argyle Street, Hobart, TAS
Vibe Hotel Hobart
Allurity Hotel

Allurity Hotel

3.5 out of 5
96 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS
Allurity Hotel
RACV Hobart Hotel

RACV Hobart Hotel

4 out of 5
154-156 Collins Street, Hobart, TAS
RACV Hobart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

At the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including historical walks that delve into the rich heritage of the gardens. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped areas, explore diverse plant species, and partake in guided tours to enhance your experience. Additionally, nearby shopping options offer a chance to pick up local souvenirs and delights, making for a well-rounded visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Salamanca Market, only 1.6km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Eastlands Shopping Centre, 3.2km away, combines shopping with entertainment. The Cat & Fiddle Arcade, 1.4km away, is perfect for family fun and unique finds.

Recreation

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Hobart Aquatic Centre, just 966m from the gardens, perfect for families. For some energetic fun, head to Tasmanian Hockey Centre, 1.6km away, or North Hobart Oval, 966m away, both offering vibrant sports atmospheres.

Adventure

The Domain Tennis Centre, a short 483m from the gardens, offers energetic tennis matches in a vibrant atmosphere. For a thrilling experience, Tas Laser Skirmish, located 9.7km away, provides action-packed gameplay. Families will love navigating the Amaze Richmond maze, situated 17.7km from the gardens, perfect for fun and adventure.

Nightlife

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offers a delightful nightlife with nearby venues. Enjoy a show at Theatre Royal, just 1.1km away, or unleash your adventurous side at Zone 3 Laser Games, 1.6km away. For a relaxed evening, head to Willie Smith's Apple Shed, 24.1km away, for drinks and good vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

When visiting the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, you'll find a delightful mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Explore the stunning gardens, enjoy nearby beaches, or relax at the local jetty. This area caters to families and nature lovers alike, making it an ideal spot for your Tasmanian getaway. Don't forget to check out local hotels for a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in the beauty of Hobart's botanical treasures.

  • Salamanca Place: Located 1.6km from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Salamanca Place is a vibrant street known for its lively atmosphere. Experience a mix of cafes, galleries, and boutiques, all set against beautifully preserved sandstone buildings that echo Hobart's rich history.
  • Franklin Wharf: Just 1.4km away, Franklin Wharf is a charming jetty where you can enjoy stunning waterfront views. The area is filled with friendly locals and offers a historical vibe, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat at one of the nearby eateries.
  • Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: Also 1.4km from the gardens, this natural history museum boasts an impressive collection that highlights Tasmania's unique culture and heritage. It's ideal for families looking to explore and learn in an engaging environment.

Best time to go to Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The best time to visit Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry). July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.0°F (12.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

To save on your visit to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, plan your trip during the off-peak months of May or July to August, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays for the best rates. Use filters to find eco-certified hotels and arrange a package deal for accommodation, flights, and activities to get great savings. Additionally, opt for public transport or explore the gardens on foot to save on travel costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are May and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make some savings by combining your accommodation at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.