The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is undergoing works to enhance the visitor experience. These works have been funded by the Tasmanian State Government.
Stage one and two works are now complete, with stage three expected for completion in late 2026.
These upgrades will allow us to better serve our visitors and provide modern facilities. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve our facilities.
New Restaurant by Bird in Hand Winery
Major renovations of the Visitor Centre's kitchen, dining room and take-away kiosk areas by new restaurant operator Bird in Hand are now complete. The much-anticipated new venue officially opens to visitors on Friday 1 May 2026 for casual dining and private event bookings.
Australian Rainforest Expansion
The Australian Rainforest Collection has been developed to showcase a uniquely Tasmanian botanical landscape that redefines the visitor entry experience. Spanning the area from the Australian Rainforest Collection to the heritage listed 1845 Gatekeeper’s Cottage, this project aligns with the Living Collections Master Plan 2025–2035, furthering the RTBG strategic purpose to enrich Tasmania by curating, securing and displaying a diverse living collection.
Stage 2 Works Complete
Stage 2 upgrade works, consisting of Visitor Centre renovations, new wayfinding signage, renovations to the Information Hub and conservation work to the gatekeeper’s Cottage are now complete.
Visitor Centre Renovations
Renovations to the Visitor Centre include refurbishments to the building's covered entrance, atrium, bathrooms, function room and deck. Improvements also include important upgrades to the building exterior, power, fire and water services.
The Oak Room, one of our corporate hire spaces, has been refurbished with enhanced lighting, audiovisual equipment, and new furnishings.
Around the Visitor centre footpaths have been widened and modified to improve accessibility and a sandstone staircase has been installed.
A new rainforest collection showcasing unique Tasmanian species has been planted at the northern end of the Visitor Centre, featuring a stunning display of large soft tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica)
Wayfinding Signage
A new suite of directional and collection signage has been installed throughout the Botanical Gardens to guide visitors to key areas and collections.
Information Hub
The Information Hub inside the main gates has been refurbished and upgraded with new external cladding and an extended awning to provide shelter for visitors and staff.
Gatekeeper's Cottage
The 1845 Gatekeeper’s Cottage has been conserved and restored to its original appearance and layout.
Carriageway Upgrades
The Carriageway is the main entrance road to the Botanical Gardens, lined with towering conifers and bordered by the iconic Arthur wall (c1827).
A dedicated footpath has been installed along the length of the Carriageway, to provide a safe pedestrian pathway to the entrance gates of the Botanical Gardens.
A raised pedestrian crossing has been installed from Lower Domain Road to the footpath. The disabled parking spaces in the Carriageway have also been upgraded to improve safety and meet current standards.
These improvements make the Carriageway safer for all visitors.
Toilet Facilities and Footpaths
Toilet blocks across the site have been refurbished to improve accessibility and the overall aesthetics of the buildings' exteriors.
Footpath resurfacing and levelling has been completed in key locations of the All-Access Pathway Loop and around the Lily Pond, improving path accessibility for visitors.
Stage 3 – Works Update
Conservatory upgrades & more to come
Significant improvements to the Conservatory are planned for 2026. Watch this space for updates and further announcements.