1. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Isle of Tasmania is a botanists paradise with its unique flora and National Parks.  Amidst all this is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – a contemporary mix of parkland, woodland and ever evolving range of specialised collections that tell the story of Tasmanian plant species.  Many rare and threatened Tasmanian species are preserved here in full view so the eco-traveller can identify and learn about what they have seen in the wild.  Constantly evolving this space has continued to shine with new features and facilities being added every year. This is treasured space is now a jewel among Australian gardens and another good reason to put Tasmania on your itinerary.

Must-see experiences include…

• The Fuscia House – Best seen from October to March this collection boasts some 190 species from around the world.
• The Burrow – A cosy space full of donated books and records for people to read and enjoy.  The Burrow also includes a large TV screen continually showcasing Tasmania’s best short films.
• Wombat One – A beautifully warm building showcasing Tasmanian timber.
• French Explorers Collection – The centrepiece of this display is the French Memorial Fountain, surrounded by species that the early French explorers collected on early trips to the state.
• Tasmania Fernery – An awe inspiring display of provenanced ferns and related species.
• The Conservatory – A stunning flower-filled room combining high glass ceilings with recycled sandstone.
• Historic Heated Walls – Built by convicts these walls were built in 1829 to protect plants from frost and extend growing times of fruit trees. In the end they were not needed but they make for a stunning feature in the garden
• One of the most loved features is the Lilly Pond, complete with romantic bridge that belongs in a Monet painting

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

2. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

A close contender for the top spot, this is the place to see the exotic, the rare and the endangered from every continent.  Surprizingly the main attraction is a rose garden showing over 1600 individual plants.  Set in a semi-arid woodland, with read loamy soil, the landscape around you is dotted with eucalypts.  Keep an eye out for the “Wow Tree” estimated to be older than Christ.

Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

3. Australian National Botanic Gardens

A befitting a garden in the capital of the Nation, this treasured space offers the largest collection of Australian Native plants in the world.  This is in a setting where views of Canberra City and Parliament House abound. You will need a day to do this one properly.  Don’t miss the Eucalyptus Discovery Walk, the Flower to Tower and the stunning Rainforest Walk.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

4. Chinese Garden of Friendship

Designed by Chinese Architects for the Bicentenary, this garden is a unique and welcome oasis in the bustling centre of Sydney.  Ducks mingle with golden carp as you wander along winding paths that place you in front of waterfalls, lake views and exotic plants.  Lined by a dragon wall this space includes a Tea House which must be visited.

Chinese garden of Friendship

5. Adelaide Botanic Garden

Adelaide goes all out in this architecturally stunning space complete with Conservatory, Palm House and Amazon Waterlilly Pavillion.  See also the International Rose Garden, and our favourite – The Garden of Health – where you can learn about the plants that cure and prevent disease.

Botanic Gardens of South Australia

6. Royal Botanic Garden of Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Garden of Melbourne takes a truly international approach showing camellias, roses, herbs, perennials, and succulents at its main location.  A favourite of visitors is the Australian Rainforest Walk, Long Island, and Fern Gully.  This space has been adopted by the city as a cultural arena, so it is always worth checking what events are on in the garden.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

7. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Very close to Brisbane City this sub-tropical haven boasts several waterfalls, a bamboo plantation, fragrance garden, Japanese garden and a rainforest.  There are greenhouses full of ferns, bonsai, cacti and tropical plants from Northern Queensland and the region.  A well planned hide and seek trail will entertain the kids.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

8. Kings Park Perth

Western Australia boasts an eccentric number of wildflowers that you just can’t see anywhere else, and they are given ample display at Kings Park in Perth.  This is actually the largest inner-city park in the world, offering hours of wandering with spectacular views. The Pedestrian bridge is a must-see with triumphant views of the city.

Kings Park Botanic Garden

9. Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Wrapped around Sydney Harbour these gardens offer stunning views and extensive walking right at the base of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.  On the bucket list are a spectacular Succulent Garden, Rare and Threatened Plant Garden, Begonia Garden, Old Mill and Herb Garden and of course the Australian Native Rockery in the Bennelong Precinct.  You can also see the largest living green wall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

10. Cowra Japanese Garden

A garden that abounds with Asian iconography in a very Australian inland landscape. This well-loved space offers alleyways that frame up lakes, waterfalls and exquisite tea houses.

Cowra Japanese Garden