Welcome to the National Arboretum Canberra website (formerly known as the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens). In 2004, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government held a nation-wide competition for the design of an arboretum and gardens, as part of the bushfire recovery program following the 2003 bushfires.
What is an Arboretum?
An Arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for conservation, scientific and educational study, display and preservation.
The National Arboretum Canberra will feature different types of threatened and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world, and in the longer term present a sensational mosaic of permanent gardens. A bonsai pavilion, artworks, a café/restaurant, reflective pavilion and a range of other facilities to enhance the visitor experience are proposed. These will develop over time.
Why an Arboretum and Gardens?
The bushfire that ravaged Canberra in 2003 have been the catalyst for the creation of the international arboretum and gardens envisaged by Walter Burley Griffin so many years ago. It provides an opportunity to conserve threatened species, a place for community recreation and a valuable resource for ongoing education and research.
Where is it located?
The National Arboretum is being developed on a 250-hectare site in the Greenhills Forest areas west of the Tuggeranong Parkway and Lake Burley Griffin. The site is six kilometres from the centre of Canberra and boasts spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. It incorporated the existing stand of 5000 Himalayan Cedars and the 80 year old Cork Oak plantation.
What is the goal?
The goal is to create a place of outstanding beauty, of international standard and interest, that is a destination and recreational resource in its own right, and which is welcoming to locals and visitors alike.
 |
The National Arboretum’s Festival of the ForestsThe National Arboretum’s Festival of the Forests is an annual community event held since 2009 and an important event on the Arboretum’s calendar. In 2012 the Festival will celebrate A World of Forests with internationally themed food and entertainment. Other activities include guided walks and bus tours of the Arboretum, interactive displays on biodiversity and conservation as well as tours of the construction of the Visitors Centre. Kids can get involved with kite and craft making, a tree themed passport puzzle and orienteering activities. The Festival is on from 10 am to 3 pm Sunday 1 April 2012 at the National Arboretum off the Tuggeranong Parkway. |
|
|
Canberra Discovery GardenOn Sunday 12 February, ACTEW launched a new waterwise community education garden at the National Arboretum Canberra. This exciting garden explores Canberra’s unique climate, soils and geology and will teach visitors how to achieve a beautiful, sustainable and water efficient garden in any season. The series of linked garden rooms, including a covered outdoor learning area, will facilitate community workshops, tours, talks and school groups and an interpretive trail will allow visitors to engage in self directed learning and discovery. The garden types and plant selection will educate visitors on how to attain a healthy, water wise garden through sustainable gardening practices and planting for your climate. The Canberra Discovery Garden will have limited monthly opening hours in 2012, while the National Arboretum Canberra is still under construction. It is expected that both the Discovery Garden and the Arboretum will be open to the public on the second Sunday of every month. At present these dates are:
The Arboretum as a whole will open in 2013, to coincide with the Centenary of Canberra. |
 |
National Arboretum Canberra Inaugural Community Concert 12 November 2011 On Saturday, 12 November, over three thousand people attended the inaugural 'Voices in the Forest' concert... more>> |
|
|
|
