A Royal Day Out at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens!
August 4th, 2010 | 
Author: We’ve just been to the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, because we have a new passion: hobby photography. We needed a place with lots of things to shoot, and the gardens turned out to be just perfect for the exercise!!
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
First photo shoot: Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
And of course I just have to write about it for Think Tasmania, because it was such a good experience, I think everyone should go! Here’s why…
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Something for All Ages
Even if you’re not into gardens and plants (or hobby photography!); there’s huge areas of lawn for kids to run and roll and play. The winding paths and different garden rooms provide the perfect setting for chasing and hiding. We saw the steam carousel fired up to maximum speed (although I don’t think it operates every day), perfect for pre-teens and costing $5-00 per rider.
The carousel, surrounded by lawns at the Botanical Gardens
Great Hobart Location
The Sunday picnic is a popular past-time for the local Tasmanian; Botanical Gardens provide a fantastic setting on the Queens Domain overlooking the Derwent River. A short walk from Hobart’s city centre, there are tracks that lead the pedestrian to the entrance.
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens & Derwent River
Hobby Photography and Indoor Options
Aside from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Restaurant, which has a souvenir shop attached, there are several buildings to escape to in the case of inclement weather.
The Conservatory and Cactus House were our favourites and great for the hobby photography. We even managed to find some splashes of colour in the Fuchsia House, and the Japanese Garden has a lovely, sheltered gazebo with seating.
The Cactus House: great textures for hobby photography
A splash of colour in the Gardens' Fuchsia House
Japanese Bridge in the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Gardens: Always Changing with the Seasons
I must admit, this visit was not my first to the gardens. But somehow last time I missed the Lily Pond with its ducks and waterfall area behind. And it was only upon researching the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens website that I realised I will need to visit again to see the Subantarctic Plant House (can’t believe I missed that!!).
The Lily Pond, with ducks and waterfalls
Almost Free Entry
Needing to re-visit is not such a huge problem. Entry is free, although I would suggest popping a donation into one of the collection boxes. It’s definitely worth a few dollars of spare change, and when you consider the history of the garden development (as displayed in Friends Cottage), a few dollars hardly does the attraction justice.
Entrance to Friends Cottage, Botanical Gardens
History of the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Friends Cottage
Map: Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Hobart…
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Posted in Hobart, Tasmanian Things to Do | 
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