Port Arthur - Garden attractions amongst Australian convicts

Attractions

Government Garden at Port Arthur is one of Tasmania’s most historically important gardens

A view of Government Gardens at the Port Arthur Historic Site(Credit: PAHSMA (photo by Andrew Ross), 2009)

Grounds and Gardens

Exploring Port Arthur’s beautiful gardens and grounds is one of our most commented-on and valued visitor experiences.

A number of distinct gardens can be explored and enjoyed within the Site, including the reconstructed Commandant's Garden which was originally planted in the 1850s.

The reconstructed Government Gardens, originally established in the 1830s, is a stunning formal garden. Trace the steps of the ladies and officers who resided at Port Arthur and strolled along these paths, shielded from view of the convicts behind the garden’s fences and plantings.

Plan You Visit:

You can also visit the early 20th century flower and vegetable gardens and orchard at Trentham Cottage, wander along avenues of magnificent oaks, elms and conifers and see native Tasmanian species in the bushland surrounding the Site.

The Port Arthur Heritage Seed Nursery gives you the chance to grow a little piece of history for yourself. The nursery offers a selection of seeds collected from 19th century plant varieties grown at the Site. Seeds are available in the Gift Shop from November to January.

Access to Port Arthur’s gardens is included in the cost of site entry.

Special guided tours of the Gardens may be organised by prior arrangement—please call 1800 659 101 several days prior to your visit.

Blooming Tasmania

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority is proud to be a member of Blooming Tasmania.

To discover more of Tasmania's garden treasures, visit the Blooming Tasmania website and download the current Blooming Tasmania guidebook.

Australia's Open Garden Scheme

The Port Arthur Historic Site is also a proud participant in Australia's Open Garden Scheme. Visit the AOGS website to discover more gardens that are open to visitors.

Blooming Tasmania [external link]
Blooming Tasmania is a non-profit association promoting Tasmania's open gardens and garden tourism.
Australia's Open Garden Scheme [external link]
Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening across Australia.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens [external link]
Both a magnificent gardens and an exceptional heritage site in its own right, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens has many historical and horticultural links with Port Arthur.