Got a question about The Tasmanian Arboretum?
Here is what you need to know
An arboretum is a botanical garden or living museum focused exclusively on growing and maintaining various species of trees and other woody plants for public display, education and scientific study.
Location and access
How far is it from Devonport or from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal?
About 12km/16 minutes from Devonport and about 13km/18 minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania.
Is there public transport that will get me there?
Unfortunately, no.
How much does it cost?
Entry is $10 per adult. For children under the age of 18 and Tasmanian Arboretum Members entry is free.
How do I pay?
There is a PayMate on the outside of the Kiosk that accepts major credit, debit, and EFTPOS cards. There is also the option of paying by cash in the yellow boxes by the car park and by the Kiosk. During the warmer months, when the Kiosk is open between 11am and 4pm, you can also pay inside by card.
What are your opening hours?
We open at 9am every day of the year. Closing time depends on the season. We close our gates at 8pm during daylight saving and 5pm otherwise.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but they must be on a leash at all times and any droppings bagged and taken away with you.
Is there all ability access?
We have designated disabled parking spaces and the Kiosk, toilets and rotundas are wheelchair accessible. Many of our trails are rough and uneven but we allow vehicles to take disabled and elderly people around the Sylvan Circuit. A 10kph speed limit applies.
Is there parking for buses and vans?
We have a special large vehicle parking area. It is separate from the main car park and access is clearly signed.
My visit
How much time should I allow for my visit?
With luck and a brisk walking pace you could possibly manage a platypus sighting in about ½ an hour. But we have so much more to offer, so to enjoy our international tree collection a visit of 2 – 4 hours would be best.
What are the best times and seasons for visiting?
The warmer months are always favourable, offering drier grass for walking on and a chance to view bud burst, flowering, fruiting and autumn colours as the seasons progress. The autumn colours are very popular from late February to June. But there is always something to see, including the wild platypus, at any time of the year and any time of the day.
Is it worth visiting more than once?
Absolutely. With our plant collection being from every continent with woody plants every season has something different to offer. Sometimes it only takes a matter of weeks for noticeable changes to occur.
Can I get in more cheaply if I visit regularly?
No. But by becoming a Tasmanian Arboretum Member you would gain unlimited free entry as long as your membership is current. Please visit the Membership page if you want to learn more.
Are there first aid facilities?
There is an AED (automated external defibrillator) on the side of Kiosk. A First Aid kit is available in the Kiosk but only during opening hours.
Do you have a cafe?
We currently do not have the resources to operate a fully-fledged cafe. But the Tree Park Kiosk is open during the warmer months and offers a warm welcome as well as light snacks and refreshments. Please click here for more information about the Kiosk.
Will we see a platypus?
Almost certainly. All it takes is a bit of time and patience. In fact The Australian Platypus Monitoring Network reports that Founders Lake "currently holds the honour of being the most productive single site [in Australia] to see a platypus".
Is it a good place for birdwatching?
Yes. Many different birds are attracted to our varied environments - tall trees, shrubs, open grassland, the lake etc. In fact bird-watching experts have recorded 81 different species. Check out this page for the full list.
Can I see other animals there?
Yes. Marsupials are also present in the form of possums, macropods (pademelons, Bennetts wallabies, potoroos and betongs) and (very rarely) Tasmanian devils. Echidnas (a monotreme relative of the platypus) can be seen on occasions. Very infrequently snakes may be sighted but are very shy if left alone.
Can I take videos/do drone photography?
Videos, absolutely! What better way to capture a platypus in action? Drone use is only allowed with approval from the management.
Do you have guided tours?
Yes but they need to arranged in advance. See here for more information.
Do you have a self-guided (audio) tour?
Yes. Headsets are available from the Kiosk when it is open.
Can school and other groups visit?
Groups are welcome and we have an area set aside for bus parking. Schools are encouraged to participate in our Arbor Week activities during May but are welcome at any time. Refer to our Education page for more information.
Activities, events etc
What facilities are available, e.g. rotundas, BBQs?
We have three rotundas (sheltered large covered facilities), two with electric BBQs, and an indoor centre. Follow this link to learn the details of booking, hiring costs and conditions of hire.
How do I find out about activities hosted by The Tasmanian Arboretum?
Your best option is to keep an eye on our Events page or follow the Events section on our Facebook page.
Other things
Who owns and runs The Tasmanian Arboretum?
The Tasmanian Arboretum Inc. is an incorporated association and is owned by its members. The general committee oversees management. All aspects of operations are carried out by volunteers, currently numbering about 50 or so.
How can I get involved?
The best way is through volunteering. The volunteer workload is steadily increasing and the cohort is not getting any younger, so more volunteers would be most welcome. Find out morehere.
Do you have a newsletter?
One of the advantages of membership of The Tasmanian Arboretum is that you receive of an informative newsletter 4 times a year.
How do I find out more about the trees, e.g. where they're from?
Display labels for trees in our collections are slowly appearing especially along the most well-trodden pathways. These indicate common names, botanical name, family name and endemic locations. Lack of staff and financial resources are limiting factors. Every plant has a scientific label on a stake but many are hard to find as they have been somewhat overwhelmed by plant growth.
Can I plant a tree?
No. Because the Collections are held for scientific purposes, each plant having an accession record that allows it's heritage to be traced. However, it is possible to sponsora a tree and have some details recorded on a plaque.
Do you sell plants?
No. Because we have a number of agreements with other botanical gardens in getting our plant material that prohibit commercialization.
Is camping available?
No. We have no support facilities and the gates are locked at closing time, viz 8pm during daylight saving and 5pm otherwise.
Is there nearby accommodation?
Yes, the Lakeside Tourist Caravan Park adjoins our property to the east and there are plenty of accommodation options, to suit all styles and budgets, in the surrounding area.
How do I tag the TAI on social media?
Simply type in @The Tasmanian Arboreum for Facebook. Choose this option when it comes up. For Instagram go to the “Share to” option in your post and type in +Tas Arb. Click on TasArb when it comes up. A Moderator will be notified and will then be able to share part or all of your post on the social media platforms. With You Tube you can add a comment in the comment section when logged in as yourself.