Hobart sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours often make a stop in Queens Domain, where the hilltop parks afford views along the waterfront. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are the headline act, with over 35 acres (14 hectares) of Asian and European-themed gardens, lily ponds, and conservatories, filled with rare and exotic plants and flowers. Additional highlights include the grand Government House, the Soldiers Memorial at Legacy Park, and the Tasman Bridge, which runs all the way over the Derwent River and is open to walkers and cyclists, as well as cars.
Queens Domain is located about two miles (three kilometers) north of downtown Hobart. There is no public transport directly to the area, but it’s about a 5-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown, and there are many free car parks. Active types can also walk there—it's about a 20-minute walk from the center.
Outdoor activities are the main reason to visit Queens Domain, so choose a day with suitable weather. The parks and gardens are often most beautiful in spring and fall, while sunny summer afternoons are ideal for hilltop strolls and picnics.
Sporty types will find a huge range of options at Queens Domain. Explore the many walking and cycling trails, including the Queens Domain Summit Track, which winds up to the Domain’s highest point; play a game of tennis at the Hobart International Tennis Centre; or go for a swim at the Hobart Aquatic Centre. There’s also the Domain Athletic Centre, the Hobart TCA (cricket) Ground, and a BMX track.