Tasmanian Bushland Garden

Introduction

As the name indicates the Tasmanian Bushland Garden (TBG) is a garden dedicated to native Tasmanian plants, particularly from the southeast of the island. It was established in 2010. It is a 20 hectare reserve of natural bushland 4 kms south of Buckland, 50 kms northeast of Hobart, close to Tassie’s east coast. It has 1.5 hectares of display gardens linked by well-maintained tracks and featuring a sculpture trail.

We saw an item on it in the popular TV program Gardening Australia so decided to check it out.

The Garden

The gardens were developed and are maintained entirely by volunteers. The aim is to showcase and educate people about the impressive native flora of the region.

We visited on a weekday and there was no one else there. We took our dog, Frida as dogs are allowed on leads in the lower part of the gardens.

Adjacent to the carpark are a series of beds where the plants are grouped according to the conditions they prefer. This includes native grasslands, plants that thrive on dolerite soils, sandstone floras, riverine floras and a number of other situations.

There is a section for rare and endangered plants.

Throughout the gardens are many fascinating sculptures.

Brian the dinosaur was our favourite.

brian

Closely followed by a spider and web made from old bike chains.

Before visiting a handy map can be downloaded from the garden’s website. Otherwise, there are maps displayed at the gardens. Here is a link to the website – click here.

The main focal part of the site is an old quarry which has been landscaped with a pond at its base.

Here we found some excellent facilities. A picnic shelter.

Information about the site and its history are provided, as well as toilets.

A children’s play area.

And more great sculptures.

eagle sculpture

There are also some longer walks, but dogs are not allowed on these walks.

sorry frida, you can’t go on the hill top loop track walk.

This includes the Hill Top Loop Track.

on the hill top loop track (without frida)

It has a pleasant viewing area where you can survey the surrounding areas.

hill top loop track lookout

Conclusion

The gardens are interesting and they’re free. Visitors are able to leave a donation via several donation boxes, which we recommend.

This was an enjoyable and inexpensive outing and one easily incorporated into a trip to or from the east coast.

Ken and Cally

PS Here is the link to the Gardening Australia story about the gardens. Tassie Bush Treasures - Fact Sheets - Gardening Australia - GARDENING AUSTRALIA (abc.net.au)