Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Burnie is the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.

While its expanse is breathtaking, tranquil and one-of-a-kind, it is the story behind the garden that makes it special.

Its 11 hectares and 22,000 plants are lovingly maintained by volunteers, who, collectively, own the site.

The garden was started 35 years ago – it celebrated its birthday in November – by a group of passionate rhododendron lovers.

It was an idea that blossomed from a friendship between rhododendron breeder Hilary O’Rourke, who owned the land originally, teacher Noel Sullivan, and breeder Bob Malone.

When they took to the land to bring their vision to life, it was scrub, festooned only with blackberry bushes.

It was a community effort to get the land ready to plant.

Neighbouring farmers came with their tractors, and even the cricket club pitched in to fell trees and pass the firewood on to families.

There are now just over 500 paying members, with many of them further contributing their time to man the garden and help run its tea room.

Volunteer Audrey Weeks has been a member of the garden of the 28 years.

She and her husband joined because “we just love gardening”.

In the midst of cruise ship season in Burnie, the garden can receive several bus tours a day when a ship is in dock.

Mrs Weeks said they were busy days, but still enjoyable.

“I love meeting all the people that visit from all over Australia, and the world,” she said.

As well as its namesake plant, the gardens feature different country zones, and host flora from all over the globe.

Mrs Weeks said her favourite place in the site was the Japanese garden.

“Especially in Spring when the cherry blossoms are out,” she said.

She said her favourite memory of the garden was when famous pianist David Helfgott performed in 2001 in an outdoor evening concert.

As well as its volunteers and two paid staff, the garden is home to a number of furry residents.

“We got a resident platypus,” Mrs Weeks explained.

“We think he came up from Emu River nearby, before we had fencing in place – we think he could smell the water.”

Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is open from 9am to 5pm daily. 

The flowering season start on September 10, and you can catch the cherry blossom in bloom in October.

Entry is $10 for adults, and $8 for concession holders.