Construction has commenced for Stage 2!
Stage 1 of the National Rock Garden remains fully open for visitors to experience and enjoy.
Every rock has a story to tell...
The National Rock Garden celebrates Australia's rich geological heritage and features a permanent display showcasing the diversity of rocks and minerals that contribute so significantly to the nations landscapes. A walk through the National Rock Garden is a walk through time, charting the evolution of the continent during the last four billion years.
Each rock has an informative plaque, with a QR code giving you access to more information. Enjoy the rich colours and intricate textures of these rocks and minerals as you explore the garden, uncover each story and deepen your own connection to Australia’s history and culture.
Just as rocks evolve over time, so too will the National Rock Garden
What you will experience in the National Rock Garden today is stage one of three.
The forest species that will accompany the National Rock Garden will be the Weeping wilga, Geijera parviflora. This forest is yet to be planted.
How to get there:
The National Rock Garden is located in Forest 13 of the National Arboretum.
The most common route is from the from the Arboretum Visitors Centre to the National Rock Garden (275m one way), past the POD Playground and through the Mesa Oaks. The path is both sealed and varying surfaces. It has a slight gradient (“Grade 1”), where Visitors may require assistance with wheelchairs, particularly for the return incline through the Mesa Oaks. Caution should be taken when crossing Forest Drive to the start of the Rock Garden.
To journey through Stage 1 of the National Rock Garden is approximately 170m in length, and the return (not venturing into all the rock pads) is 280m. The paths of the Rock Garden are a mix of compressed gravel and an exposed aggregate concrete path, with a a slight (“Grade 1”) gradient.
Please speak to our friendly Visitor Services Officers and they can show you the various other ways to access the National Rock Garden.
Origins:
The idea of a National Rock Garden was first proposed by members of the Geological Society of Australia in 2008. Initially discussing the possibility of a display in the ACT containing regional rock specimens, one member said ‘Why not for the whole of Australia’ and the idea of a National Rock Garden was born.
Recognising that Canberra was already home to other nationals collections, the next step was to find a home for the NRG. In 2009 the National Capital Authority was approached to include the concept, whilst developing a masterplan for reinvigorating the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum.
In July 2010, at the Australian Earth Sciences Convention in Canberra, the National Rock Garden was officially launched by the CEO of the National Capital Authority, Gary Rake, and in April 2011, the NRG site was gazetted as a National Monument by the Hon Simon Crean MP.
Finally in May 2024, after more than 12 months of planning, the National Rock Garden was relocated to Forest 13 - it's new home in the National Arboretum Canberra.
For more information about the National Rock Garden, please visit: nationalrockgarden.com.au