Parliament House Gardens
Serene public gardens offering seasonal floral beauty and peaceful urban escapes in Hobart and Canberra.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wisteria in full bloom
Parliament House Gardens
Best Time
Wisteria in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene public gardens offering seasonal floral beauty and peaceful urban escapes in Hobart and Canberra.
"A lovely green space, perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break, especially near the Salamanca Market."
🌸 Canberra Wisteria Watch
Catch the wisteria at Old Parliament House Gardens in spring for stunning photos .
🧺 Hobart Market Picnic
Grab food from Salamanca Market for a picnic in the gardens on Saturdays .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wisteria Blooms
Canberra (Old Parliament House Gardens)
Cascading purple wisteria flowers create a magical spectacle in spring. A must-see for photographers and romantics alike .
Rose Gardens
Canberra (Old Parliament House Gardens)
Beautifully maintained rose gardens offer a picturesque setting for strolls and wedding photos .
Salamanca Market Hub
Hobart
The gardens are a perfect spot to relax with food and drinks from the bustling Salamanca Market on Saturdays .
Winter Flower Displays
Hobart
Vibrant snapdragons, violas, and pansies add color to the Hobart gardens during cooler months .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Hobart or Canberra?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Canberra Wisteria Watch
Catch the wisteria at Old Parliament House Gardens in spring for stunning photos.
🧺 Hobart Market Picnic
Grab food from Salamanca Market for a picnic in the gardens on Saturdays.
🚶♀️ Free Garden Tours
Check the Parliament House website for free garden tours.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome in the Canberra gardens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Canberra Wisteria Watch
Catch the wisteria at Old Parliament House Gardens in spring for stunning photos.
🧺 Hobart Market Picnic
Grab food from Salamanca Market for a picnic in the gardens on Saturdays.
🚶♀️ Free Garden Tours
Check the Parliament House website for free garden tours.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome in the Canberra gardens.
📸 Wedding Photo Spot
The rose gardens in Canberra are popular for wedding photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Parliament House Gardens to be lovely, peaceful green spaces perfect for relaxation and picnics. They are particularly appreciated for their beauty during bloom seasons in Canberra and their convenient location near Hobart's Salamanca Market. Some visitors note that the gardens can become crowded on market days or during peak tourist times.
"This is a public garden and park space near Salamanca Place and Parliament House. There is a monument to late Premiere Ogilvie, park benches and open grass to enjoy and nice weather days. This is a good spot to grab a seat and enjoy food and drinks purchased at the Salamanca Market vendors on Saturday market days."
Brad
"This lovely green space is located down near the waterfront, in front of parliament house as the name suggests, it adds to the beauty of the overall area."
V H
"Nice gardens with a few Tasman fountains and statues! A great resting place when the Salamanca market is on. Some decent views over the harbour area, and definitely a point of interest when in Hobart! Parliament House on one side and the Sullivan’s Bay boat docks on the other. Plenty of seating, and a lovely place for a picnic of break."
Kerbray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Parliament House Gardens in Hobart are located near Salamanca Place and the waterfront. They are easily accessible on foot from the city center and are a short walk from the Salamanca Market.
Old Parliament House Gardens in Canberra are centrally located. You can reach them by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transport. Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling to the gardens.
Yes, parking is generally available near both the Hobart and Canberra Parliament House Gardens, though it can be busy, especially on market days or during peak tourist seasons.
Both locations are well-served by public transport. In Hobart, buses frequently stop near Salamanca Place. In Canberra, various bus routes will take you close to Old Parliament House.
Absolutely! Both Hobart and Canberra city centers are within walking distance of their respective Parliament House Gardens, offering a pleasant urban stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to both the Parliament House Gardens in Hobart and the Old Parliament House Gardens in Canberra is free. They are public parks and gardens for everyone to enjoy.
The gardens are generally open from dawn till dusk, year-round. However, specific access might vary slightly, so it's always good to check local council or parliamentary websites for any updates.
Yes, free guided tours of the Parliament House gardens in Victoria (and sometimes other states) are available. Check the official Parliament House website for booking information and schedules.
In Canberra, dogs on a leash are welcome in the Old Parliament House Gardens.
In Hobart, check local council regulations, but generally, dogs are permitted on a leash in public parks.While the gardens themselves are free to enter, any special events or festivals held within them may have separate ticketing requirements. Keep an eye on local event listings.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, have a picnic, admire seasonal blooms like wisteria and roses,
relax on benches, and take photos. In Hobart, it's a great spot to unwind after visiting Salamanca Market.Restroom facilities are usually available within or near the gardens. Cafes and food vendors are often found in the vicinity, especially near Salamanca Market in Hobart or in the city center of Canberra.
Spring is spectacular in Canberra for wisteria
and roses. Hobart gardens are lovely year-round, with winter flowers and the buzz of the market on Saturdays.Yes, the open grassy areas and beautiful scenery make them great for children to explore and play in. Parents should supervise them closely.
Absolutely! The Parliament House Gardens are perfect for picnics. Bring a blanket and enjoy the green spaces and pleasant atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The rose gardens in Canberra are a prime spot, especially during bloom season.
The wisteria-draped arches in Canberra are also incredibly photogenic. In Hobart, the gardens offer lovely harbour views and are picturesque during market days.Yes, personal photography is generally allowed and encouraged in the public areas of the Parliament House Gardens. For commercial or professional shoots, you might need to inquire about permits.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing image.
Look for the seasonal blooms like wisteria and roses,
the manicured flower beds, statues, fountains, and the architectural backdrop of Parliament House itself.Drone usage is typically restricted in areas around government buildings and public parks for security and privacy reasons. Always check the specific regulations for Canberra and Hobart before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers & Influencers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tale of Two Gardens: Hobart vs. Canberra
In contrast, the Old Parliament House Gardens in Canberra are renowned for their more formal landscaping, particularly the stunning rose gardens and the breathtaking wisteria blooms that appear in spring. These gardens are a popular spot for photographers, wedding photos, and leisurely strolls, offering a picturesque backdrop with the historic Old Parliament House building. The gardens are also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to explore with their canine companions. Both sets of gardens provide a peaceful urban escape, but the Canberra location leans more towards floral spectacle, while Hobart's offers a vibrant market-adjacent relaxation spot.
Seasonal Spectacles: Blooms and Beyond
Hobart's Parliament House Gardens also showcase seasonal beauty, with the parks team diligently replanting winter flowers like snapdragons and pansies to add cheer during cooler months. While not as famous for specific floral events as Canberra's, the Hobart gardens offer a consistent green oasis, especially vibrant when complemented by the energy of the Saturday Salamanca Market. Regardless of the season, both locations provide a refreshing natural escape within the city.
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