Delivering the biggest upgrade in decades for much loved icon

A $7.6m Visitor Experience Project to revitalise and improve the nation’s second oldest botanic gardens is well underway.

Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to delivering several important amenity and accessibility improvements to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

“This is the biggest capital works program at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in decades. It is a very exciting time of renewal,” Minister Duigan said.

“The Welcome Hub at the entrance has been refurbished, with a new roof, cladding, and utility upgrades completed in September 2025.

“Improvements to the All-Access Pathway Loop are underway, improving safety and accessibility for visitors.

“Extensive new plantings have been established near the Visitor Centre, including a Tasmanian Rainforest Collection, which includes towering tree ferns and rare endemic species. The new collection is planned to open to the public in mid-December, before the Christmas holiday season.”

The recently completed works join a list of upgrades already delivered earlier this year.

“Major renovations to the visitor centre were completed at the start of this year, along with wheelchair access ramps and renovations to the main toilet block,” Minister Duigan said.

“Importantly, there is more to come. The restaurant refurbishment is underway and is expected to open in early 2026.

“All of these improvements are being carefully planned and delivered to minimise impacts on the Gardens’ natural, cultural, and Aboriginal heritage values.

“The Gardens play an important role in the Tasmanian visitor economy, and the growth in visitation in recent years is consistent with Tasmania’s increase in tourism numbers overall.

“Our Government is delivering for Tasmania by ensuring a great visitor experience at one of Tasmania’s most beloved and valued tourism destinations.”