Heritage Gardens, Art & Tastes of Tasmania

Discover Tasmania’s remarkable gardens in full bloom; its cooler climate and approach to cultivation bringing to mind the gardens of England. The heritage properties of Brickendon Estate and Woolmers Estate provide insight into Tasmania’s colonial history. Visit The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Australia’s second oldest botanical gardens, then admire the multi-tiered Russell Falls. Along the way, enjoy music and art experiences.

Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston City Tour, Cataract Gorge and Winery Visit

Our tour starts in Launceston at 2pm as we depart for a city tour of historic Launceston, also known as Tasmania’s ‘Garden City’ due to its numerous gardens and parks. We will visit beautiful Cataract Gorge, found surprisingly close to the city centre. Afterwards, enjoy fine local produce and a glass of wine at a nearby winery before we reconvene for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Old Wesley Dale, Private Garden Tour and Ashgrove Cheese Factory

Explore two private gardens, including Old Wesley Dale, a peaceful English garden where hedges and walls abound, along with productive potager and lovely vistas that draw upon the ‘borrowed landscape’. A ‘ha ha’, walled topiary garden and conservatory all enhance the property’s English-style garden theme. We will also make a stop at Ashgrove Cheese Factory to sample their locally made cheeses. 

Day 3: Brickendon Estate, Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden

Today, we explore the heritage gardens of Brickendon Estate, a magnificent family-owned property offering a unique insight into Australia’s colonial history. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the house at Woolmers Estate, which provides a fascinating reflection upon Tasmanian colonial life—it is also one of the most historically significant heritage properties in Australia. We will also have time to explore its National Rose Garden. 

Day 4: Historic Villages of Central Tasmania driving to Hobart – Oatlands, Richmond and Ross.

Discover the delights of central Tasmania with a visit to a private garden near Launceston. Continue on to admire the cottage gardens in the historic towns of Oatlands and Richmond. Arriving in the town of Ross, we pause to view its convict-built bridge, as well as the township’s cottage gardens, before making our way to Hobart.

Day 5: Hobart – Earthenry Farm, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Henry Jones Art Hotel Private Art Tour

This morning we are treated to a visit to Earthenry Farm where we participate in a guided tour and flower arranging activity.  Later in the day we tour the grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, a cool-climate garden with several unique collections, including Australia’s only subantarctic plant house. The gardens are also Australia’s second-oldest botanic gardens after Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Later, take a tour of the Henry Jones Art Hotel’s private art collection. This evening, enjoy free time to explore Hobart. 

Day 6: Corinda House Private Garden and Russell Falls

After breakfast, visit the private garden of Corinda House and admire the symmetrical parterres and box hedges. Afterwards, see the spectacular multi-tiered Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park’s cool temperate rainforest, one of Tasmania’s oldest. Enjoy dinner out tonight at a local restaurant. 

Day 7: Salamanca Market and MONA

Wander through Salamanca Market and browse the local arts, crafts and produce on sale. This vibrant outdoor market is a firm fixture on Hobart’s weekend calendar. Afterwards, perhaps make your way across the water to visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), whose eclectic collection has been internationally acclaimed. You may prefer to taste the delicacies at Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to finish your tour at 2.00pm.