Elise Archer,Minister for Heritage
The Tasmanian Government is a strong supporter of protecting the State’s heritage values.
I am delighted to announce that the historical importance of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (RTBG) is being recognised through a new replacement entry in the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
This new entry replaces the original entry for the RTBG and is part of the work being done to review, amend and update existing entries for Tasmania’s most iconic and significant historic heritage places.
The RTBG is one of a group of nationally significant botanic gardens established in each capital city in Australia in the 19th century. It is the only one in Tasmania, the second oldest botanic gardens in Australia, and is a much-loved attraction for locals and visitors alike.
The area where the RTBG is located was initially cultivated as farmland and a Government Garden in 1818, where food was acclimatised for the fledgling colony of Van Diemen’s Land.
It became a popular place of recreation on Sundays for the residents of Hobart Town and in 1828, Governor Arthur wrote of his desire to establish a ‘botanical garden’ on the Domain to collect plants and shrubs ‘with which the colony abounds.’
In the following year both the Arthur Wall, a heated brick and sandstone wall, and the Superintendent’s Cottage were constructed, and the Gardens began to develop into the gem we know today.
Over its 200-year history, the RTBG has grown and evolved to become one of Australia’s premier cool climate gardens, with a highly significant plant collection, including the world’s only subantarctic plant house.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of the RTBG staff and Board, who help to keep it such a visually appealing and significant site for all to enjoy.
