Name: Government Gardens, Port Arthur Historic Site
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Natural Monuments

Government Gardens, Port Arthur Historic Site

Natural Monuments

Government Gardens, Port Arthur Historic Site

Recommended by 7 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Port Arthur Historic Site

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Location: Tasmania, Australia

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Best Hikes to Government Gardens, Port Arthur Historic Site

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1. St David's Church, Port Arthur – Port Arthur Visitor Centre loop from Port Arthur

2.04km

00:33

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Port Arthur Visitor Centre – St David's Church, Port Arthur loop from Port Arthur

3.98km

01:06

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Ulrike

January 21, 2024

Government Gardens

A model and symbol of civilised behaviour

GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT GARDENS

The Government Gardens were first developed in 1846-47 by Commandant Champ. They were much admired as an ornamental garden, where important visitors and resident families could take the air, free from the disturbing presence of convicts.

The gardens were laid out on the principles of symmetry, and topiary was used to create a sense of neatness and control, appropriate to a military establishment. It served as a model and symbol of civilised behaviour and idealised womanhood – ordered, peaceful and beautiful.

The gardens today are a reconstruction of the originals. After the Settlement was closed in 1877, the original gardens were neglected. Reconstruction began in 1991. Photographs, drawings and descriptions from the mid 19th century were interrogated, archaeological and botanical studies performed, and the remaining fabrics repaired until a faithful replica was finished in 2001.

The plants present have been cross referenced against those growing at the Queens Domain in Hobart during the late 19th century. They range from the familiar plants of England, such as violets and fox gloves, privet and box, to the novel and exotic plants that were collected from trade ports across Africa (agapanthus), South America (canna lilies) and Asia (camellia).

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Elevation 20 m

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Today

Thursday 9 October

14°C

7°C

67 %

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Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h

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Location: Tasmania, Australia

Government Gardens, Port Arthur Historic Site

1. St David's Church, Port Arthur – Port Arthur Visitor Centre loop from Port Arthur

2. Port Arthur Visitor Centre – St David's Church, Port Arthur loop from Port Arthur

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