The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a private, not-for-profit destination located in Romaine in the northwest of Tasmania for visitors from all walks of life. It provides a tranquil sanctuary for the conservation of the rhododendron species. This woodland-style garden covers 11 hectares (27 acres), and has about 24,000 plants so far, with plans for future development embracing many more. Rhododendrons and their companion plants are presented in a geographical arrangement according to the origins of those species, from Asia Minor across the Himalayas, on to China, Japan, and across to North America.
In 1979, the small northwest Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Rhododendron Society accepted their newest member, Hilary O’Rourke. This would turn out to be a fortuitous addition to the group, as a project that had been percolating in their collective mind could finally come to fruition. Before joining, Hilary had sub-divided a 30-acre ‘bit of jungle’ from his property but had yet to find a purpose for this piece of fertile land. So, he offered it to the Society on a peppercorn lease of just $20 a year, giving impetus to the Garden’s humble beginnings.
Three men drove the Society’s vision of this garden, which was primarily a way to preserve the rhododendron species against global deforestation: Noel Sullivan, the learned expert and teacher; Bob Malone, the talented breeder and nurseryman; and Hilary O’Rourke, the cattle farmer and recent rhododendron enthusiast. Community support played a critical role in transforming the ‘blackberry-infested jungle’ into a memorable garden landscape. As features were set in place, enthusiasm grew with members donating plants they had busily been propagating, adding them to the garden in earnest. Then on 8 November 1981, surrounded by a gathering of local Society members, the garden was officially opened by Dr Chris Laurie, retiring President of the National Council of the Australian Rhododendron Society, who planted the specially hybridised rhododendron ‘Golden Dream’, which would embody the future of the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.
Forty-three years on from its inception, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is still a not-for profit association of keen members, dedicated to conserving the rhododendron species for future generations. Through promotion of the Garden, we have garnered national and international acclaim, with one of our Patrons being Kenneth Cox, from Glendoick Gardens Ltd, Scotland. He says of our garden; “I have visited most of the best rhododendron gardens in both the northern and southern hemisphere and so can say without any doubt that the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is the most exciting large scale rhododendron garden I have seen in the last 20 years.”
As well as a beautifully landscaped Garden, which contains approximately half of the world’s known 1,100 species of rhododendrons with their companion plants, you can expect to see wild platypus feeding in our lakes, perhaps spot an echidna busily foraging for ants during summer, and be immersed in the melodic birdsong of our local birdlife. Our peak seasons are spring and autumn in which we celebrate with two large festivals, where either blooms or leaves create a vista of intense colours – but we encourage visitors year-round to our ‘garden for all seasons’.
After an engaging walk around the garden, visitors can enjoy refreshment in our licensed Rosetree Café, where a range of delicious meals can be enjoyed, including our decadent Devonshire teas. Quirky garden-themed keepsakes and plants are also available in our Garden Shop.
Visitor facilities include disabled access, with ample parking for cars, caravans and buses.
The Garden is proud to be a Winner of the Gold Award at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards in 2024, and as a result are finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards for 2025.
Open from 10 am – 4 pm daily, excluding Christmas & Boxing Day, and Good Friday.
55 Breffny Road, Romaine TASMANIA 7320.
PH: 03 6433 1805.
W: emuvalleyrhodogarden.org.au
E: enquiries@emuvalleyrhodogarden.org.au
