Hobart: Parks and Gardens

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

On the fringe of the city centre, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are Australia's second oldest botanical gardens. Prior to European settlement local Aboriginal tribes used the site, and traces of their occupation are still apparent. A number of historic structures, including two convict-built walls, date back to the Gardens' earliest days.



St David's Park

A short walk up from Salamanca Place, St David's Park is located on the site of St David's cemetery. St David's Park is a formal English style walled park and dates from the beginning of European settlement in 1804. This was the site of the first burial ground in Tasmania. The park was laid out in its present format in 1926 and contains numerous memorials, including one to First Fleet convicts who came to Tasmania and were buried here.



The Queens Domain

The Queens Domain, an area of elevated bushland close to the city, is the last remnant of Hobart s original native grassland. The natural woodlands and grasslands of the Domain provide habitat for native fauna and flora  as you enjoy the walk, listen for the cry of yellow wattlebirds and eastern rosellas, enjoy the cool shade of the casuarinas and learn about the area's variety of endemic



Franklin Square

Franklin Square is a pleasant, small park in the centre of Hobart, diagonally opposite the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre. A statue of Sir John Franklin stands at its centre. He was Governor of Van Diemen's Land from 1837 until 1843, and was also a polar explorer. He perished while trying to locate the North-West Passage. Location: bounded by Macquarie, Davey and Elizabeth Streets, Hobart.



Princes Park, Battery Point

Walk east along Salamanca Place and you will find yourself in Prince's Park. Originally part of the strategic Mulgrave Battery in 1818, it was renamed Prince of Wales Battery in 1855 when and expanded to include the Prince Albert Battery higher on the hill. The modern Hobart suburb of Battery Point takes its name from the Mulgrave Battery.



Inverawe Native Gardens

Contains an impressive display of over 6000 water wise, low maintenance plants on the shores of North West Bay. The gardens were created primarily as a showcase for the natural flora of Tasmania. Plants have been placed in a semi formal landscaped design and walking paths give access to the vast array of plants in a natural woodlands remnant and a former tidal swamp that has yielded to rich, grassy flats.



Alexandra Battery Park

The Alexandra Battery was part of Hobart colonial coastal defence network of now defunct coastal batteries, some of which are inter-linked with tunnels, that were designed and built by British colonial authorities in the nineteenth century to protect the city of Hobart, Tasmania, from attack by enemy warships. During the nineteenth century, the port of Hobart Town was a vital re-supply stop for international shipping and trade, and therefore a major freight hub for the British Empire. As such, it was considered vital that the colony be protected. In all, between 1804 and 1942 there were 12 permanent defensive positions constructed in the Hobart region.



Risdon Brook Reservoir

Risdon Brook Reservoir provides drinking water for Southern Tasmania. Accessed from Grasstree Hill Road, a short distance from the roundabout on the East Derwent Hwy at Risdon, areas around the reservoir have been landscaped, with toilets and picnic facilities provided. There are views to Mount Wellington and Mount Direction from the eastern side of the reservoir and bush views around the whole reservoir perimeter. Around the lake is a 4 km track which is an easy walk for the whole family (around 90 minutes). Cycling is allowed. Follow the vehicle-width track all the way around the reservoir in either direction. The track is mostly flat but undulates around the eastern bay and at the approach to the northern end of the reservoir.



Cartwright Point Reserve and Truganini Reserve

Cartwright Point Reserve is approximately one hectare of grassland, which slopes down from the Channel Highway to a fence along the cliff top. There is no parking available in this reserve and limited street parking is available. A car park is located approximately 100 metres further south on the opposite side of the Channel Highway. A short steep track at the southern end leads down to a stony beach. The Truganini Track, which gives access from Cartwright Reserve to Truganini Reserve, is a steady uphill climb, first along a sheltered gully and then through open forest, is rewarded by great views from the historic Mt Nelson Signal Station. Just before the summit is the Truganini Memorial, dedicated to Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their descendants. From the historic Signal Station there are expansive views across Storm Bay to the Tasman Peninsula and beyond.



Kangaroo Bluff, Bellerive

Displays a collection of approximately 800 Greek vases. The Museum's collection contains representative examples of the art and culture of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Greece, Etruria and Rome. Collection is the realisation of the vision in 1954 of the then Professor of Classics, JR. Elliott, to create a collection which would both serve as a teaching adjunct to the courses in the Department of History and Classics and provide an exhibition of original antiquities accessible to all Tasmanians. Contact: (03) 6226 2235. Location: University of Tasmania, University Centre, Churchill Avenue, Hobart.



Rosny Hill

While Mt Wellington offers you spectacular views of Hobart and the Derwent Estuary from high up, Rosny Hill gives you a more down-to-earth persepective. As well as the scenic panorama of Mt Wellington, there are views up and down the darwent, the Hobart Central Business District the Cruise Ship Terminal, South Arm Peninsula as well as Tasman Bridge, which is adjacent to the psrk. The reserve has informative signage telling the story of eastern shore colonial settlement. Location: 49 Leura St, Rosny, Tas.



Cascade Gardens

One of the City's Classic Parks, Cascade Gardens lies against the Hobart Rivulet, near the historic Cascade Brewery. This parkland venue has a rich history dating back to the establishment of the Female Factory in 1827, when the gardens were planted to halt development around the site. Known then as the Cascade Tea Gardens, the Gardens were at the terminus of the Cascades trsm route. The Gardens are closely connected to the Hobart Rivulet, a creek running through the site. An easily accessed area, this venue would provide a perfect backdrop for light installations, promenade theatre, poetry readings, creative community projects. It is popular for weddings and family gatherings. Facilities include a drinking fountain, BBQs, picnic tables, play equipment, seating, toilets, shade trees and walking tracks. Location: Cascade Road, South Hobart, Tas.



University Rose Gardens

The grounds of Tasmania’s first University Campus are a wonderful place to visit during the day and, well, literally stop and smell the roses.On the City corner of Queens Domain, between the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre and the quirky Railway Roundabout Fountain, these formal arrangements of gardens have a large variety of roses. Location: Cnr Liverpool and Aberdeen Streets, Glebe, Tas.





Hobart Linear Park

Following Hobart Rivulet upstream from the city to the foot of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart Linear Park is a bushland walking trail. It has a gentle uphill grade and is well suited to bikes and dogs on lead. Along the way are glimpses of the city’s history. Until the 1860s Hobart Rivulet was the main source of fresh water for the new settlement and so the colony grew up along its banks. You will pass the World Heritage Listed Female Factory, an institution used to house convict women and their children. Further upstream is the historic Cascade Brewery. The playground and barbecue facilities in Cascade Gardens make this an ideal spot to take a break before retracing your steps to the city. Location: Tiara Street, South Hobart, Tas.