Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
When exploring the north-west coast of Tasmania with family, finding an outdoor space that combines natural beauty, gentle walking paths, and quiet spots to rest makes for an ideal day out.
The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, located at 55 Breffny Road in Romaine, sits just a short drive from the port city of Burnie. This multi-award-winning 11-hectare botanical property is a private garden lovingly developed and maintained by an independent, non-profit community organisation. It operates as a vibrant woodland haven, cultivating over 500 of the world’s roughly 1,000 known rhododendron species. For parents, grandparents, and travellers with children, it offers a peaceful environment to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air together.
Emu Valley
The garden was initially conceived in 1981 by three passionate rhododendron enthusiasts: Hilary O’Rourke, Noel Sullivan, and Bob Malone. What began as a steep, scrubby parcel of land has been transformed over more than forty years into a world-class woodland.
Today, the property houses more than 24,000 plants displayed in an ingenious natural amphitheatre design. The terrain is structured into geographic sequences, allowing families to walk through different countries of the world where specific rhododendron species are indigenous.
As you follow the walking tracks, you will encounter unique varieties like the fragrant Rhododendron pachypodum from Western Yunnan and the massive Rhododendron protistum var. giganteum, which grows into a huge tree. A highlight of the walking route is the Japanese section, which features a large lake known as “The Sea of Japan,” complete with two small islands, stepping-stones, and a picturesque covered bridge.
The garden features wide-ranging elements designed to make a family visit comfortable and engaging:
- The Licensed Café: A welcoming spot located in the main building overlooking Lake Grebe, where families can enjoy home-baked treats, barista coffees, Devonshire Teas, or hearty homemade lunches like beef lasagna and vegetarian frittatas made from fresh local produce.
- The Plant Hut: Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, offering unique gifts, tools, and a variety of species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and vireyas to take home.
- Hybrid Hideaway: A dedicated play-space designed by the resident horticulturist specifically for children to explore and adventure in safely.
- Mobility Buggy: For grandparents or family members needing assistance, a 5-passenger vehicle offers 25-to-30-minute guided tours for $7 per seat (requires booking 48 hours in advance).
The garden is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (excepting Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day). Entry is $15 per adult and $13 for concessions, while children and members can enter for free.
To ensure the comfort of all patrons and protect the local wildlife, family pets are not permitted on the grounds, though registered assistance dogs are entirely welcome.
Platypus Sanctuary
Beyond the vast botanical collections, the tranquil aquatic features across the 11-hectare property serve a vital environmental purpose. The beautifully constructed series of three lakes, including the expansive Lake Grebe, double as a pristine, thriving platypus sanctuary. In a proud collaboration with UVC Wild and renowned researcher Dr. James MacGregor, a vital platypus research project has been tracking this microchipped population using strategically placed scanners in the creeks and lakes.
The research has revealed fascinating daytime movements, which may indicate platypuses rearing their young. Early morning or quiet daytime walks around the lakes are frequently rewarded with sightings of these elusive egg-laying monotremes scooping up insect larvae, worms, and yabbies with their duck-like bills. While wandering along the lakeside tracks, children can practice quiet observation, and look out for other native residents like echidnas, Southern Brown Tree Frogs, and beautiful Scarlet Robins.
Venue Hire
The property has evolved to become a popular destination for community gatherings and milestones. Following federal funding, a magnificent, architecturally designed convention centre was built on-site, situated at a high elevation to look out over forest gum trees, the flourishing gardens, and the rolling farmland stretching beyond the Emu River.
The versatile function room and convention centre are available for year-round private venue hire, regularly hosting international conferences, community gatherings, and picturesque outdoor weddings. The space can comfortably seat up to 60 guests for a reception and features a well-appointed commercial kitchen offering diverse menus that cater to various dietary preferences. Modern amenities including a digital projector, microphone, lectern, and whiteboard are available for professional layouts, and advanced booking is recommended between September and April to secure preferred dates.
For bookings or general inquiries, the team can be reached on (03) 6433 1805 or via email at enquiries@emuvalleyrhodogarden.org.au.
