There is a proud heritage of agriculture and horticulture at the Table Cape Farm. Our family (the Roberts-Thomson's) settled on the Cape in 1910 and over subsequent generations have cleared the land, and stud farmed cattle and sheep.
We continue to be significant vegetable and crop producers. In 1984, Paul & Bronwen Roberts-Thomson imported their first tulip bulbs from Holland and since then Van Diemen Quality Bulbs has continued to expand and are now one of the major producers of not only Tulip bulbs, but also Dutch iris and liliums.
We really enjoy giving people the opportunity to grow these amazing plants and our hands-on experience and expertise puts us in the ideal position to nurture and encourage you to become successful bulb growers in your own right.
Table Cape the perfect climate to grow bulbs
Our business, Van Diemen Quality Bulbs, operates from Table Cape Farm, which is situated in a truly iconic location on the North West coast of Tasmania. Table Cape is an extinct volcanic vent dominating the coastline close to the town of Wynyard. Its 180m cliffs drop away into Bass Strait and Table Cape Farm is perched on the top. Our cool, mild climate is ideal for growing bulbs. It is easily accessible to the visitor, being only 5 minutes drive from the Burnie/Wynyard airport, which has a number of daily flights to and from Melbourne, one hour by car from Devonport, the home port for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry and Qantas airport, two hours from Launceston, where there are several options for discounted flights, and four hours from Hobart.
Our Visitor's Centre, where you can buy bulbs and get advice.
The optimal time to visit Table Cape Farm and see the vistas of tulip flowers in bloom is late September til mid October.
In 2013 the Tulip Farm Open Days will run from 28th September until 18th October.
At other times of year, visitors can still enjoy the diversity of Table Cape through the seasons. The visitor centre and farm gate shop is open on working days, but closed on weekends and public holidays. This gives you the opportunity to pick up fresh flowers, pots, bulbs and produce in season.
As well as a warm welcome, you will also find information on our business, advice on bulb culture, an art gallery, and our gift and souvenir range. It is also the starting point for the Table Cape Lighthouse Experience guided tour where you will be swept away with the fascinating stories of the area, the breathtaking views and the intricacies of a fully operational lighthouse.
