New charges will soon be coming into force for out-of-town visitors to Hamilton Gardens

Those living outside of the city will be charged 20-dollars to see the themed gardens once the new visitors centre opens in February.

Garden Director Lucy Ryan says it's about making the gardens self sustainable, and reducing the tax payer burden.

She says they researched what was happening overseas to find a bench mark, and 20-dollars was where they landed.

Ryan says this fee will only apply to five hectares of the gardens, and doesn't include those under 16.