The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is undergoing works to enhance the visitor experience. These works have been funded by the Tasmanian State Government.
Stage 1 works are now complete, with stage 2 expected for completion in 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 currently underway. The much-anticipated new venue is expected to open its doors in October 2025.
Australian Rainforest Expansion
Development Period: June 2025 - Summer 2025/26
The Australian Rainforest is being redeveloped to create a uniquely Tasmanian botanical gardens experience.
The area spanning the Australian Rainforest Collection to the Gatekeeper's Cottage is being transformed in accordance with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Living Collections Master Plan 2025-2035. The rear weatherboard addition will be removed, and conservation work will be carried out to the Gatekeeper's Cottage.
We are creating an immersive landscape, adorned with diverse plant species unique to Tasmania's cool temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Visitors will experience a walk beneath arching fronds of centuries old soft tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), and discover species such as leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida), King Billy pine (Athrotaxus selaginoides), pencil pine (Athrotaxus cupressoides), and the ancient Huon pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii). These plants occur nowhere else in the world, making them true Tasmanian icons.
This exciting new landscape development furthers our objective to showcase the beauty and diversity of Tasmania's flora.
Stage 1 Works Complete
Stage 1 upgrade works,
consisting of Visitor Centre renovations, Carriageway upgrades, toilet block
refurbishments and footpath upgrades 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.
Around the Visitor Centre, footpaths have been widened and modified to improved accessibility, and a new featured stone staircase has been installed.
A new rainforest collection of beautiful Tasmanian species has been planted at the northern end of the Visitor Centre, featuring several large soft tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica).
We hope you enjoy these collections and the beautiful Visitor Centre.
Carriageway Upgrades
The Carriageway is the main entrance road to the Gardens, lined with towering old trees and bordered by the iconic Heritage Arthur Wall.
A dedicated footpath has been installed along the length of the Carriageway, so that visitors no longer need to share the road with vehicles.
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
The main toilet block has been refurbished to improve accessibility and the overall aesthetics of the building's exterior.
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 2 – Works Update
Welcome Point Upgrades & More to Come
Planning for improvements to the Welcome Point near the Main Gates is ongoing. Watch this space for updates and more development announcements.