National Rose Garden
Over 5,000 roses across 460 varieties, set within the grounds of one of Australia’s finest heritage estates. Longford, Tasmania.
Heritage In Bloom
The National Rose Garden at Woolmers Estate is one of the most significant rose gardens in Australia and the southern hemisphere. Spanning 1.53 hectares within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the garden showcases over 5,000 individual rose plants representing 460 varieties, from heritage cultivars to modern classics.
What makes this garden unique is its setting. The formal, symmetrical design acknowledges the 19th-century context of Woolmers Estate, a property established in 1817 and home to six generations of the Archer family. Where colonial-era heritage gardens once gave way to working orchards, today you’ll find one of the most comprehensive collections of rose families in the country.
Explore the Rose Garden
A formal heritage garden with distinct spaces to discover at your own pace.
George Adams Memorial Garden
The central parterre stretches 120 metres long and 35 metres wide, with sculptured beds of Hybrid Tea, David Austin, and Floribunda roses. A rill runs down the centre, leading to a 24-metre lily pond. Grassed paths wind between Pittosporum hedges and Robinia mop-top standards.
The Rose Arbour
One of the garden’s most photographed features. Planted with Kordes’ Westerland rose and underplanted with Helleborus, it creates a dramatic canopy of colour from October through February. At one end, standard Mt Fuji cherry trees create a spectacular spring display.
Heritage Rose Collection
The garden’s 20-metre-wide beds trace the evolution of roses through time. Among the collection is the Pamela Hutchins rose, named for the garden’s founding rosarian, planted against the ruin of a building that once serviced the estate’s orchards.
The Historic Walled Garden
Adjacent to the rose garden, the historic walled garden predates the modern rose collection. Remnant apple trees along the western boundary are the last traces of the extensive orchards that once covered this part of the property.
Art in the Garden
The rose garden has been enriched over time with a collection of artworks that complement its formal design. These sculptures and installations create moments of discovery throughout the garden.
October
Early SeasonEarly blooms begin. Spring bulbs and cherry blossoms complement first roses.
November
Peak BloomFull bloom. The entire garden reaches peak colour. Best month for photography.
December
Peak BloomPeak continues. Long daylight hours. Ideal for combining with estate exploration.
January
Second FlushSecond flush begins. Warm conditions with many varieties in strong colour.
February
Late SeasonLate season blooms. Fewer crowds, warm evenings. Heritage accommodation guests enjoy after-hours access.
Bloom Calendar
The garden is open year-round, but the roses reach their peak from November through February. General Admission includes the roses alongside 18 heritage buildings, the UNSHACKLED exhibition, and 13 hectares of historic grounds.
Rose Families in the Garden
A living history of rose cultivation, from the earliest species to modern breeding achievements.
Hybrid Teas
The classic long-stemmed rose. Featured prominently in the George Adams Memorial Garden’s sculptured beds.
David Austin
Old-fashioned bloom form with modern repeat-flowering. Displayed in the central parterre.
Floribunda
Cluster-flowering varieties including George Best, which borders the walkway to the Kitchen Garden.
Modern Climbers
Covering the historic ruin in the garden’s north-eastern corner, creating a dramatic backdrop of colour.
Kordes Roses
The celebrated Westerland variety covers the 80-metre arbour, known for exceptional disease resistance and fragrance.
Heritage Varieties
Historical roses tracing the evolution of cultivation, connecting to Woolmers Estate’s own 200-year heritage.
Thomas Archer I establishes Woolmers Estate with extensive orchards on the future garden site.
The concept for a rose garden showcasing the rose in Tasmania emerges.
The last Archer heir passes. Woolmers Foundation formed to preserve the estate.
Construction begins 5 January. Garden opens 1 December, designed by Context Design with planting by rosarian Pamela Hutchins.
Woolmers Estate inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Over 5,000 roses across 460 varieties, maintained by volunteers and supported by visitors.
History of the Rose Garden
The idea to establish a garden showcasing roses in Tasmania first emerged in the early 1990s. The site chosen was the former orchard land within the grounds of Woolmers Estate. Construction commenced on 5 January 2001.
The master plan was created by Context Design, with plant selection and layout by rosarian Mrs Pamela Hutchins. The garden opened on 1 December 2001 and has continued to develop as a living collection, maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Festival of Roses
Each year, Woolmers Estate hosts the Festival of Roses, bringing together rose enthusiasts, garden lovers, and families to celebrate the National Rose Garden at its peak. Featuring garden displays, demonstrations, local food and wine, and live music — all set against one of Australia's most significant heritage properties.
One of Northern Tasmania's signature spring events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the rose garden?
The National Rose Garden reaches full bloom in November each year, with peak colour continuing through to February. October brings the first blooms alongside spring cherry blossoms, while January and February offer a second flush of colour with fewer visitors. The garden is open year-round, though March through September sees the roses dormant.
Is this the best rose garden in Australia?
The National Rose Garden is one of the most comprehensive collections of rose varieties in Australia, with over 5,000 plants across 460 varieties. What distinguishes it from other Australian rose gardens is its setting within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the formal garden design acknowledges the 19th-century heritage of the estate.
Is the rose garden near Launceston?
Yes. The National Rose Garden at Woolmers Estate is just 20 minutes from Launceston by car, located in Longford, Tasmania. It is easily accessible from the Launceston Airport (also 20 minutes) and the Heritage Highway (less than 5 minutes).
Thank You, Neutrog
We have been partnering with Neutrog and it’s been a game-changer for us at Woolmers Estate. Their products have truly helped transform our gardens, bringing out the vibrancy and health of our plants in ways we hadn’t seen before. They’ve been partners in our quest to maintain and enhance the beauty of our estate.
Thank you Neutrog for your outstanding products and support — what you do to help Woolmers Estate National Rose Garden is truly appreciated.
Experience living history
Open Daily from 8am
Last grounds entry: 4pm
Grounds close: 6:30pm
Location
20 minutes from Launceston
17 minutes from Launceston Airport
Tasmanian Residents
FREE entry when bringing interstate or overseas guests