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Parliament House Gardens

4.4
·261 reviews·Hobart, Australia

Serene public gardens offering seasonal floral beauty and peaceful urban escapes in Hobart and Canberra.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings (Canberra)

Wisteria in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Parliament House Gardens - Image 1

Parliament House Gardens

Best Time

Spring mornings (Canberra)

Wisteria in full bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Serene public gardens offering seasonal floral beauty and peaceful urban escapes in Hobart and Canberra.

4.4
(261 reviews)

"A lovely green space, perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break, especially near the Salamanca Market."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wisteria Blooms

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 .

Instagram+1
Rose Gardens

Rose Gardens

Canberra (Old Parliament House Gardens)

Beautifully maintained rose gardens offer a picturesque setting for strolls and wedding photos .

Instagram+1
Salamanca Market Hub

Salamanca Market Hub

Hobart

The gardens are a perfect spot to relax with food and drinks from the bustling Salamanca Market on Saturdays .

Reddit+1
Winter Flower Displays

Winter Flower Displays

Hobart

Vibrant snapdragons, violas, and pansies add color to the Hobart gardens during cooler months .

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Parliament House Gardens are beautiful year-round, consider visiting during spring for blooming wisteria Instagram or autumn for vibrant foliage. Weekends, especially during Salamanca Market days, can get busy, so aim for weekdays if you prefer a quieter experience.Reddit

Hobart or Canberra?

Parliament House Gardens exist in both Hobart, Tasmania TikTokInstagram and Canberra, ACT.Instagram Ensure you're planning for the correct city, as attractions and surrounding areas differ significantly.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings (Canberra)
Why
Wisteria in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Saturday mornings (Hobart)
Why
Vibrant market atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spending the day in Hobart, Tasmania exploring the Botanical Gardens, lunch at In The Hanging Garden, wine at Molto and dinner at Templo 🇦🇺 #australia
@amfoskey
9.4K likes • 220.1K views

🌸 Canberra Wisteria Watch

Catch the wisteria at Old Parliament House Gardens in spring for stunning photos.Instagram+1

🧺 Hobart Market Picnic

Grab food from Salamanca Market for a picnic in the gardens on Saturdays.Reddit+1

Happening at the Parliament Lawns, Tasmania.✨🇳🇵❤️ #fyp #reshasapkota #laligurans #tasmania #nepalfestivaltasmania2025 #hobart #nepaliinaustralia #nepali #dresswithresh
@resha_sapkota
4.6K likes • 107.7K views
🌸 Parliament House Formal Gardens are spectacular right now 🌸 📍Parliament House ~ Canberra, ACT, Australia 🎥 2023 *can someone tell me why the colours in this reel wash out after I post? So much more vibrant in real life and my original video. #postcardsandpoetry #parliamenthouse #canberra #canberralife #canberralocals #australiancapitalterritory #travellerau #dametraveler #cntraveler #sprin...
postcardsandpoetry
89 likes • 1K views

🚶‍♀️ Free Garden Tours

Check the Parliament House website for free garden tours.Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

Leashed dogs are welcome in the Canberra gardens.Instagram

Free tours of the Parliament House gardens are available throughout the year. Check our website at parliament.vic.gov.au/visit for dates, times and booking information.
victorianparliament
57 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Canberra Wisteria Watch

Catch the wisteria at Old Parliament House Gardens in spring for stunning photos.Instagram+1

🧺 Hobart Market Picnic

Grab food from Salamanca Market for a picnic in the gardens on Saturdays.Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Free Garden Tours

Check the Parliament House website for free garden tours.Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

Leashed dogs are welcome in the Canberra gardens.Instagram

📸 Wedding Photo Spot

The rose gardens in Canberra are popular for wedding photography.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(261 reviews)

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

Beautiful floral displays
Peaceful atmosphere
Convenient market location

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

In Canberra, dogs on a leash are welcome in the Old Parliament House Gardens.Instagram 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,Instagram+1 relax on benches, and take photos. In Hobart, it's a great spot to unwind after visiting Salamanca Market.Reddit

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 Instagram and roses.Instagram Hobart gardens are lovely year-round, with winter flowers Instagram and the buzz of the market on Saturdays.Reddit

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.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The rose gardens in Canberra are a prime spot, especially during bloom season.Instagram The wisteria-draped arches in Canberra are also incredibly photogenic.Instagram+1 In Hobart, the gardens offer lovely harbour views and are picturesque during market days.Reddit

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,Instagram+1 the manicured flower beds,Instagram 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

Parliament House Gardens in both Hobart and Canberra offer ample open space for children to run and play. The Hobart gardens are conveniently located near Salamanca Market, providing easy access to food and entertainment for a family outing.Reddit+1 In Canberra, the gardens are a safe and beautiful environment for kids to explore, with plenty of room for a picnic or a game of catch. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near water features or busy pathways.

🐶 Dog Owners

If you're traveling with your furry friend, the Old Parliament House Gardens in Canberra are a fantastic choice as they are dog-friendly! Your pup can enjoy a sniff and a stroll on a leash through the beautiful grounds.Instagram While specific regulations can vary, dogs on leashes are generally welcome in Hobart's public parks, making the Parliament House Gardens a pleasant spot for a walk with your canine companion.

📸 Photographers & Influencers

For those seeking stunning visual content, the Parliament House Gardens in Canberra are a dream. The wisteria blooms in spring are legendary,Instagram+1 and the rose gardens offer endless photographic opportunities year-round.Instagram+1 The architectural backdrop of Old Parliament House adds to the appeal. In Hobart, the gardens provide a picturesque setting, especially with the vibrant atmosphere of the Salamanca Market on Saturdays,Reddit offering a different, more urban-centric photographic experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Tale of Two Gardens: Hobart vs. Canberra

Parliament House Gardens are a feature in both Hobart, Tasmania, and Canberra, ACT, but they offer distinct experiences. The Parliament House Gardens in Hobart are a lovely green space situated near the waterfront and the bustling Salamanca Market.Reddit+1 They are known for their Tasman fountains, statues, and open grassed areas, providing a relaxing spot to enjoy the harbour views or a picnic, especially on market days.Reddit The City of Hobart's parks team actively maintains these gardens, replanting seasonal flowers like snapdragons and violas to add vibrant color.Instagram

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.Instagram+2 These gardens are a popular spot for photographers, wedding photos,Instagram 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.Instagram 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

The Parliament House Gardens transform throughout the year, offering unique beauty depending on the season. In Canberra, the absolute highlight is spring, when the wisteria cascades in vibrant purple hues, creating an almost magical atmosphere.Instagram+1 This is also when the rose gardens are at their peak, bursting with color and fragrance, making them a prime location for photographers and romantic strolls.Instagram+1

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.Instagram 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.Reddit+1 Regardless of the season, both locations provide a refreshing natural escape within the city.