Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is sited on the Queens Domain (a ridge of modified remnant grassy woodland adjacent to Government House) and is just a short walk of approximately 2 kilometres from Hobart's CBD. The Domain is a significant natural and cultural heritage landscape. Sandstone quarries within the Domain supplied building material for the Gunpowder Magazine, Government House as well as three significant structures within the Gardens; the Superintendents Cottage, the Friends Cottage and part of the Arthur Wall. Built Heritage The Gardens contain some of Tasmania's most significant built heritage. These structures form the bare bones around which the Gardens have waxed and waned over the years. Plant Collections - History The RTBG reflects the Twentieth Century focus of many botanic gardens on collections showing world flora and extolling botanical curiosity and diversity. Plant Collections - Current Practices Latterly, as with other older botanic gardens worldwide, the RTBG has been reassessing its relevance in the context of the need to manage an important and sensitive cultural heritage site in conjunction with the need to meet the multi-faceted demands of today. Environmental and Conservation Initiatives The RTBG holds conservation collections of over a dozen threatened species.Lomatia tasmanica Major collections of plants listed as endangered under Tasmanian legislation are bearded heath (Epacris barbata), Freycinet wax flower (Philotheca freyciana), shy Susan (Tetratheca gunnii) and Davies wax flower (Phebalium davesii). Reaching Out - State Wide Significance Geographically the RTBG has often been regarded principally as a Hobart institution. To reverse this perception and reinforce our state-wide relevance the Gardens has expanded upon a series of outreach programs. Community Engagement The RTBG engages with its visitors and the local community through a variety of major events. These include the Tulip Festival, now in it's twentieth year. Our Vision To be internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in southern hemisphere cool climate plants, and to enrich Tasmania's social and cultural environment Our Mission To manage, conserve and enhance the RTBG by delivering sustainable and relevant programs in plant collections and displays, tourism and recreation, cultural heritage, research, and learning for Tasmania and the broader community.