The refurbished restaurant and food facilities at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens will open next month, after significant redevelopment.
Nationally-renowned winery Bird in Hand will operate the food establishments including the restaurant, tasting room, and kiosk. Bird in Hand will also provide Tasmanians with a curated food and wine experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Botanical Gardens.
Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett, said the Tasmanian Government is excited to welcome Bird in Hand to the Gardens, delivering further improvements to the visitor experience.
"These upgrades form part of our Liberal Government's $7.6 million commitment to revitalise and improve the visitor experience at Australia's second oldest botanic gardens," the Deputy said.
"These are the most significant upgrades in decades, and with more than 400,000 visitors each year, this is a very exciting time of renewal for the Gardens.
"We welcome Bird in Hand with much enthusiasm and are excited to see them showcase our exceptionally diverse produce.
"The venue will feature both casual and fine dining options, bespoke event spaces, a wine-tasting room, retail wine offerings, and an outdoor takeaway kiosk. Excitingly, it will be open to the public in April."
Importantly, Bird in Hand's new venture continues its already deep connection to Tasmania, having established vineyards in Seymour on the state's east coast in 2020, and a long term leased vineyard in the Tamar Valley.
Bird in Hand Founder and Executive Director Andrew Nugent said his family has shared a love for and affinity with Tasmania's spectacular natural environment for many years.
"Our partnership with the iconic Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens represents an organic evolution of that connection - one that allows us to share our wines and commitment to sustainability in a setting of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance," Mr Nugent said.
Works on the upgrades of the visitor centre and existing restaurant facilities began in October 2025. The Welcome Hub has been refurbished, with a new roof, cladding, and utility upgrades completed in September 2025. Safety and accessibility improvements have also been made.
"All of these improvements are being carefully planned and delivered to minimise impacts on the Gardens' natural, cultural, and Aboriginal heritage values," the Deputy said.
"The Gardens play an important role in the Tasmanian visitor economy, and the growth in visitation in recent years is consistent with Tasmania's increase in tourism numbers overall.
"Our Government is delivering for Tasmania by ensuring a great visitor experience at one of Tasmania's most beloved and valued tourism destinations."
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