Tasmanians are fond gardeners (it’s no coincidence Peter Cundall, the nation’s favourite gardener, calls Launceston Tamar Valley home), with its garden history firmly established in European settlement, witnessed by many superbly preserved heritage gardens.

Launceston’s Cataract Gorge gardens (built in 1896 with daffodil walks, picnic grounds, a music pavilion, cliff top promenades, and giant exotic trees) pay homage to the grand yet elegant style of the English Victorian garden.  The surrounding native bushland is laced with pathways for walks with seasonal contrasts, all just minutes from the city centre.  Explore for yourself, or enjoy a range of Gorge Walks with guides or gardeners, depending on your interest (book through the Launceston Travel & Information Centre).

There’s also the magnificent tree-lined City Park, once known as the People’s Park, which was initially created by the early horticulturalists of Launceston. The parkland features annual display beds, a Japanese Macaque Monkey Enclosure, the John Hart Conservatory, duck pond, senses garden, monuments, chess board, barbecue area and playground. Once a year City Park becomes the venue for Festivale, Launceston’s festival of food and wine, where outdoor wining and dining is shared by thousands of picnickers under the generous shade of century old trees. City Park is also the venue for Symphony Under The Stars, a free concert held annually in the golden light of a warm summer’s evening and performed by the acclaimed Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Outside Launceston, among the West Tamar highlights are The Lavender House at Rowella, which features aromatic gardens planted with over 60 varieties of lavender, the Glengarry Bush maze and café, and the eastern-flavoured Tranquillity Gardens at Legana with café overlooking the Tamar River.

Tour to Longford for the must-see National Rose Gardens at Woolmers Estate (est 1817), where 4000 roses have been planted, and there’s also an impressive Kitchen Garden, promoting the distribution and growth of heritage vegetables.  Also of heritage interest is Entally Estate at Hadspen with its originally planted trees (1819), Clarendon, Evandale and Franklin House, Launceston. 

A stroll through the largest lavender plantation in the southern hemisphere, at Bridestowe Estate Nabowla, is also a must see for garden lovers, especially when the lavender is at its summertime peak.

The Open Garden Scheme is an enjoyable way to absorb local knowledge and view hidden and seasonal garden treasures. Or, simply strolling through the streets of Launceston’s most elegant neighbourhoods, such as East Launceston and Trevallyn, will transport you to a world of garden glory. Particularly in summer when roses are at their most bountiful - even to English sensibilities.

For more information on gardens across the State, pick up a copy of the Blooming Tasmania Guide available from local Visitor Information Centres, or click here to order a copy.