Gardens of Tasmania

A trip to Tasmania is a delight at any time of year, but visit in spring and you are in for a real treat. The landscape is lush and green, the air is cool and invigorating, and the gardens are overflowing with blooms that thrive in Tasmania’s gentle temperate climate. I had the pleasure of travelling there last spring. Here are some of the garden highlights I enjoyed along the way. Start planning your spring visit!

Devonport

Driving through the countryside around Devonport, on Tasmania’s north coast, you’ll marvel at the verdant paddocks, which stretch across rich soils. Rolling hills rise and fall, revealing glimpses of Bass Strait glistening on the horizon. It’s a garden lover’s dreamscape, blending fertile farmland with coastal beauty. 

A must-visit spot is Table Cape Tulip Farm, with dazzling fields of flowers that come alive in spring – row upon row of them – in reds, pinks, yellows and purples, stretching as far as the eye can see. 

The Roberts-Thomson family has been growing tulips here for over 40 years. If you fancy growing your own, you can grab a few bulbs while you’re there.

A short 40-minute drive along the coast lies the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. What began as an old cow paddock in 1981 is now an 11ha wonderland of more than 24,000 rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and conifers. The garden, owned by the non-profit Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden Inc, is a testament to the dedication of its team of volunteers, whose passion for the place is absolutely infectious.

Speaking of passion projects, Kaydale Lodge Gardens is another gem you won’t want to miss. Crafted by the Crowden family over four decades, this garden has a little bit of everything: impressive stone walls, tranquil water features, woodland areas, maples, ferns and an eclectic mix of rare bulbs and alpine plants. Pop into the cafe for some of their homemade treats – it’s the perfect way to round off your visit.

Launceston

Still in northern Tasmania, the countryside around Launceston offers a mix of history and horticulture. Rolling hills cradle estates dating to the 19th century, while the rich alluvial soils and cool climate create perfect conditions for vibrant spring gardens.

Visiting Woolmers Estate is like stepping back in time! It’s one of Australia’s most significant convict-era sites, with buildings including the main homestead, workers’ cottages and a woolshed preserved as they were in the 1800s. The jewel in the crown is the Rose Garden, which features more than 5000 plants spanning 500 varieties, from heritage roses to modern hybrids. Surrounding the estate, plantings of majestic elms, oaks and conifers add grandeur to the already stunning landscape. 
Another historical treasure is the National Trust-listed Panshanger. A long, tree-lined drive leads to the grand, Grecian-inspired home. The gardens are equally impressive, with mature trees, orchards, vegetable gardens, a pretty courtyard garden and a beautifully manicured cottage garden.

Hobart

In the south of the state, Hobart is a hub for cool-climate city gardening. Nestled beneath Mount Wellington, the surrounding landscape is beautiful, with the Derwent River winding through. Nearby, the Huon Valley offers orchards, vineyards and lush, productive gardens.
Right in the heart of the city, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of Australia’s oldest, dating back to 1818. Highlights include the tranquil Japanese Garden, the vibrant community garden and charming English-style rose and perennial gardens. There’s something delightful to discover around every corner.

Hidden away in the Huon Valley, the 3ha Crawleighwood Garden is a true oasis. The owners, Penny Wells and Pav Ruzicka, have created a horticultural haven filled with cool-climate treasures such as camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias, along with plants native to Tasmania, including rare species such as the Tasmanian pencil pine, cedar and deciduous beech. There’s also a gorgeous vegie patch.

Closer to Hobart, Janette and Jason Good’s private garden is a true gem. It’s a cleverly designed series of garden rooms showcasing ornamental grasses, perennials and flowering shrubs, all of them thriving in the temperate climate. A must-see if you get the chance.

Another highlight is Corinda, a heritage mansion surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. Laid out in charming rooms, the gardens feature formal yew and box hedges, antique urns, espaliered limes and delightful topiary. Victorian-era plants such as hydrangeas, roses and camellias add old-world elegance, and there’s a kitchen garden, too.