Home - National Arboretum

Temporary Closures & Maintenance Works

The Arboretum Visitors Centre will be CLOSING EARLY at 2pm this Friday 19 September 2025. Alternative bathroom facilities will be available at the Events Terrace, POD Playground and Himalayan Cedar Forests. The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection will remain open until 4pm.

The north viewing deck outside the Arboretum Visitors Centre is closed for maintenance, access will remain available via the northern doors. Maintenance work is also happening around the Children's Garden.

The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre.

With over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourism and recreation.

What is an arboretum?

What's here

Discover an exciting variety of things to do, see and experience at the Arboretum.

Eat, drink and shop

Take a break at the Arboretum Cafe or The Curatoreum gift shop at our award-winning Village Centre.

POD Playground

Let kids of all ages run wild in the popular nature themed playground with acorn and banksia cubbies, sand-play, slides and swings.

Tracks and trails

Explore the multi-purpose, family-friendly walking, running and cycling trails for all ability levels.

Host an event

Have your wedding, party, meeting or event at one of Canberra's most iconic and sought-after venues.

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

See the world-class display of miniature trees and forests, created by some of Australia's leading artists.

Arboretum Named Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025

5 September 2025

The National Arboretum Canberra and the National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia have been named among the top 10% of attractions worldwide — thanks to our amazing visitors! As a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Winner for 2025, this recognition highlights the genuine experiences and glowing reviews shared by our incredible community.

Ceremonial Tree Planting with The Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu

28 July 2025

The National Arboretum Canberra was honoured to host a ceremonial tree planting with The Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, and The Honourable Paulson Panapa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu.

Lights, Camera, Arboretum! ABC’s Hit Comedy Austin Returns

22 July 2025

Season Two of the hit ABC comedy was partially filmed right here at the National Arboretum Canberra. Catch the premiere Sunday 27 July at 7:30pm on ABC TV or stream all episodes on ABC iview.