A Botanical Tour of Tasmania with the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Run in association with the with the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, this boutique tour to Tasmania explores the many and varied botanical, historical, culinary and scenic offerings of this small but richly endowed island state.

The diversity of Tasmania’s vegetation is remarkable and includes some of the most ancient plant species on Earth, the tallest flowering trees, the oldest plant clones and a high proportion of endemic species. Its pristine natural beauty and outstanding local food and wine form an ever-present backdrop to its rich culture and history, and of course its many beautiful and historic gardens.

This bespoke tour examines the diverse botany of Tasmania. The tour includes a range of tours and specialist visits, many accompanied by expert guides, gardeners and speakers, who will share their botanical, historical and cultural knowledge with the group.

Early November is a lovely time to visit, with many flowering plants amidst pleasant spring weather. At the end of the tour there is the option to extend in Hobart and take part in Open House Hobart (7 - 8 November, 2026).

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Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

AUS1126-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Profession

Botanical and Natural History

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Launceston

Sunday

November

Arrive and check in to The Sebel. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Launceston

Monday

November

Visit City Park in Launceston, including the historic John Hart Conservatory, for a private tour with a gardener. Onto Cataract Gorge Native Reserve for a guided walk with native plant specialists, Roy and Louise Scabo. Visit Brickendon and Woolmers, two UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict sites whose estates tell 200 years of convict and colonial history through the Archer family.

Launceston

Tuesday

November

Drive to Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, known for its design with over 24,000 rhododendron and companion plants. Drive to Kaydale to enjoy a light lunch and explore two hectares of diverse gardens, lovingly designed, built, and maintained by one family for more than 40 years.

Launceston / Hobart

Wednesday

November

Visit Riverside Park and the native plants nursery. Meet with the horticulturalists and members of the Tasmanian Native Plants Society. Onto Patterdale, the homestead of artist John Glover, explore the house and gardens and have lunch. Visit Ross with time at leisure, continue to the Callington Mill Distillery, visit the historic windmill and take part in a gin tasting. Check in to hotel.

Hobart

Thursday

November

Take a short Hobart orientation tour including the Hobart waterfront, Salamanca and Battery Point. Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for a hosted tour. Visit Corinda House and Garden in Glebe. Take a tour of the magnificent private house and its lavish gardens followed by high tea on the veranda in the afternoon.

Hobart

Friday

November

Take the ferry to North Bruny Island and drive across the neck to South Bruny Island and Adventure Bay, visited by Captain Cook and others. Visit the Inala Jurassic Garden and see examples of the flora of Gondwana and learn of the relationships, similarities and differences between the plants of the southern continents that made up Gondwana, on a guided tour with the gardener.

Hobart

Saturday

November

Depart Hobart, with the option to visit the famous Salamanca Market, Mona, and Open House Hobart (7 – 8 November).

What to expect

Tour highlights

Experience Tasmania’s Finest Gardens with Botanical Experts

Launceston / Hobart

Visit some of Tasmania’s most beautiful and historically significant gardens, including the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.

Historical, Culinary and Scenic Highlights

Launceston / Hobart

Explore scenic Adventure Bay, tour a whisky distillery and explore historic homesteads that have been home to artists and local families for generations and serve up a fabulous afternoon tea.

The Remarkable Diversity of Tasmania’s Flora

Launceston / Hobart

Visit Inala Jurassic Garden and discover the diversity of Tasmania’s vegetation, this includes some of the most ancient plant species on Earth, the tallest flowering trees, the oldest plant clones.