10 February 2026
"It is a place where her spirit endures: in the rustle of leaves, in the resilience of the plants she loved, and in the peace she found so often in nature."
Friends and family gathered to officially open the Dr Marta Kot Garden, honouring her lifetime dedication to community and nature.
16 December 2025
The National Arboretum Canberra hosted its annual Friends and Volunteers End of Year Celebration, bringing together our Arboretum community to celebrate another year of remarkable contribution and growth.
27 November 2025
ABC News Breakfast’s weather presenter, Nate Byrne, showcased the beauty of the National Arboretum in any weather during a spectacular live breakfast broadcast.
21 November 2025
The National Arboretum Canberra has once again been recognised by Time Out Australia in not one, but two prestigious lists!
7 November 2025
For the first time, three internationally recognised female artists shared the stage: Heike van Gunst, Marcela Ferreira, and Sandra Grlica. Each brought unique expertise and vision, carrying forward the legacy of bonsai masters while reshaping the boundaries of the artform.
3 October 2025
For World Smile Day 2025 we would like to feature a volunteer initiative that’s been quietly spreading warmth and smiles for years: Warm Trees.
You may remember seeing trees wrapped in vibrant, hand-crafted scarves during July and August. But have you ever wondered what happens to those scarves once the season changes?
28 September 2025
Thousands of families and friends gathered to celebrate the day with colour, laughter, and wonder. With captivating aerial displays from expert flyers, a whimsical wind garden, vibrant face painting stations, and the infectious energy of live music, there was endless fun to be had.
12 September 2025
At a recent gathering to mark a decade since the garden’s inception, former OGA members, including Mrs Tamie Fraser AO, Helen Stevens, John Mackey AM (Patron of the National Arboretum Canberra) and Andrew Buchanan, reflected on the journey to the opening of the Celebration Garden, nestled within the Gallery of Gardens. Their stories highlighted the enduring impact of the scheme and the importance of creating spaces that invite reflection, celebration, and connection.
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.
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.
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.
8 July 2025
As anticipation builds for the installation of Drawing Breath, the newest addition commissioned for the Forest Sculpture Gallery at the National Arboretum Canberra, members of the Forest Sculpture Gallery Committee, representatives of the Arboretum and the Chair of the Friends, were recently invited to a behind-the-scenes studio visit with artist Hannah Quinlivan.
2 July 2025
The much-loved ‘Warm Trees’ has returned to the National Arboretum Canberra, transforming the winter landscape into a vibrant celebration of colour, creativity, and cultural connection. The official launch event was held on Wednesday 2 July 2025 at the Arboretum’s Visitors Centre.
18 - 20 June 2025
The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA) was delighted to welcome Stephen Cullum from Queensland as our latest Artist in Residence. With over 35 years of bonsai experience Stephen, generously shared his expertise with the NBPCA team.
25 - 27 April 2025
The inaugural Capital Plein Air Festival 2025 transformed the National Arboretum Canberra into a vibrant open-air studio, drawing artists from across the country to paint amidst our renowned autumn landscapes.
Bursting with colour, the Arboretum Festival Hub came alive with creativity, community, and connection to nature through live painting, workshops, and exhibitions over the bustling ANZAC Day long weekend.
14 - 16 April 2025
Each year, the Arboretum invites Australian bonsai artists for the Bonsai Artist In Residence Program. In April, Matt Sharp joined us, bringing his enthusiasm for distilling elements of the Australian landscape into his work, along with his knowledge and passion for working with less traditional species.
3 April 2025
The Arboretum comes together to celebrate the recent wins at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards with a morning tea. This happy occasion brought together the wide variety of supporters to acknowledge their efforts and continuous dedication to the Arboretum and it's future.
21 March 2025
Sustainability and accessibility are at the heart of what we do and are key to an uplifting and inclusive experience at the Arboretum. We are overjoyed to announce our Gold and Silver award wins at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2024!
8 March 2025
As part of our International Women’s Day coverage, Galah Press has released an exclusive interview with Amalie Shawcross, offering a closer look at her journey, the unique tapestry of forests she manages, and the vital role of the Arboretum in conservation.
10 December 2024
As part of a visit to Canberra, His Excellency Hon. David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, President of the Republic of Nauru was welcomed to the National Arboretum Canberra for a ceremonial tree planting.
29 November 2024
The Arboretum was honoured to receive two awards at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards, winning in the categories of 'Ecotourism' and 'Excellence in Accessible Tourism'.
28 November 2024
Andrew Radford, a familiar face to fans of the ABC’s groundbreaking series The Assembly, is taking his love of storytelling to exciting new places. His latest adventure? Filming a feature at the National Arboretum Canberra.
November 2024
The Arboretum is delighted to be recommended by TimeOut Australia as one of the top 150 experiences to do in Australia in 2024.
As a part of their 'Time Out Recommends' initiative (in partnership with Tyro), TimeOut Australia have handpicked 150 hotels, things to do, restaurants and pubs across Australia that everyone should know about (and visit) at least once in their lifetime.
1 November 2024
Congratulations to the National Arboretum’s Facilities Officer, Matthew Platt, who was recently recognised at the CMTEDD Safety & Wellbeing Awards for generously engaging and supporting staff, contractors and volunteers to mitigate hazards and ensure safety for all.
28 August 2024
Dr Agnes Walker a much-valued member of the Arboretum community has generously offered the gift of a garden, the Camellia (Camellia x vernalis 'Yuletide') in Garden 4 of Central Valley has been officially opened, providing year round greenery and pops of bright pinkish-red as they flower.
14 - 16 August 2024
We were delighted to have Bonsai Artist in Residence Joe Morgan-Payler recently joined us to share his knowledge with our volunteers and staff.
Our volunteers got up close, enjoying a hands on session of tree pruning, styling and unique tips and presentations from Joe.
20 August 2024
Today the Canberra Art Biennial held the 2024 media launch in the Mununja the Butterfly Garden at the National Arboretum.
Now returning for it's 5th edition, the biannual art event presents contemporary mixed media artworks all around Canberra.
2 August 2024
The National Arboretum has received Accessibility certification with Quality Tourism Australia, another step in our commitment to improving accessibility for all visitors.
3 July 2024
Warm trees 2024 has officially opened!
This year brings the rich colours, culture, flora and fauna of Chile, explored through the displays of knitting, crochet and craft work at the Arboretum.
Bringing whimsical wonder to the winter months for 10 years now, this popular annual installation is now open.
30 June 2024
The National Arboretum continues to go from strength to strength, achieving EcoStar Accreditation with Quality Tourism Australia, and a score of 99% on the Ecotourism Australia 'Strive 4 Sustainability' scorecard. These achievements recognise our continuous aim for sustainability whilst maintaining high quality, memorable EcoTourism experiences for all.
5 May 2024
The National Arboretum Canberra has been recognised not only as one of the top urban wonders in Australia but also secured a spot in the Australian Traveller's Top 100 Aussie Wonders.
11 - 14 April 2024
From budding enthusiasts to seasoned bonsai professionals, Bonsai Reshaped 2024 was a celebration of nature's artistry and the community it inspires.
26 March 2024
Ian Marr's sculptural piece 'A literary map of the Molonglo' has been installed at the National Arboretum overlooking the Canberra landscape to which the sculpture refers.
17 March 2024
The National Arboretum Canberra, a destination icon in Canberra has been recognised again on the national stage at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
13 February 2024
Jacob Bamblett, the 2022 recipient of the Jake Keller Scholarship, worked together with the Arboretum horticulture team to establish his project 'Creating a Sustainable Garden', take a closer look at the project.
22 December 2023
Today marks the launch of the Green Track Prototype for the Canberra Light rail Stage 2A, a 12 month test exploring the design, construction and maintenance of green tracks that will preserve and strengthen the character of Commonwealth Avenue and enhance Canberra's urban aesthetic.
28 November 2023
Introducing Richard Allen, our new Indigenous Tourism Officer. Richard has released two new programs at the Arboretum that are getting rave reviews.
24 November 2023
Canberra’s best in tourism were recognised at the 2023 Canberra Region Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Hyatt Hotel with the National Arboretum Canberra picking up gold for ‘Ecotourism’.
20 November 2023
A Forest Shelter was officially opened as a place of reflection acknowledging the thousands of Canberrans impacted by loose fill asbestos insulation.
20 November 2023
The National Arboretum Canberra is excited to announce the launch of its new 'Nature Playgroup' program, a weekly nature-based playgroup designed to foster a deep connection between young children and the natural world. Facilitated by the Arboretum’s experienced outdoor educators, these sessions offer a holistic approach to childhood development, encouraging exploration, creativity, and a lifelong love of the environment.
1 November 2023
Representatives of the National Arboretum Canberra and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia, travelled to Japan to mark a significant moment in the history of bonsai art. A new collaboration with the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama Japan, was formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which the Japanese affectionately refer to as a "Sister Museum Agreement".
23 October 2023
The delicate carving of a coolamon from a bonsai - a shared celebration of heritage, artistry, and the enduring beauty of nature.
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Today, the National Arboretum Canberra announced their new Public Art Commission Drawing Breath, a sculptural work by artist Hannah Quinlivan that is set to be installed in 2025, another impressive addition to the Arboretum Forest Sculpture Gallery.
22 September 2023
Work has started to install a green track prototype at the National Arboretum Canberra as a part of Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park.
15 August 2023
Today, Melissa Doyle AM, an acclaimed and award-winning journalist and passionate ambassador to children’s charities, was recognised by the ACT Government with an Australian Hero Tree Dedication in Central Valley.
10 August 2023
The National Arboretum Canberra’s journey wasn’t without its complexities but despite the hurdles, the passion and vigour of so many individuals assisted to not only achieve the idea, but helped it exceed expectations and flourish to the significant landmark it is today.
6 July 2023
Warm Trees 2023 Launches, celebrating the vibrant colours, culture, and native plants of South Africa.
Known to bring beautiful pops of joyous colour to the forests and gardens each year, Warm Trees are enjoyed by many throughout the cool winter month of July.
5 May 2023
The National Arboretum has a special place in the hearts of many Canberrans. Rising from the ashes, the Arboretum began as a strongly opposed renewal concept. Over six million visitors later, we celebrate the Arboretum and its first 10 years.
26 March 2023
After 4 days, 60 new beginner bonsai artists, 30 intermediate artists with new inspiration and ideas, 3 days of markets and 2 artists going head to head on stage - it's a wrap for Bonsai Reshaped 2023!
1 February 2023
From complex beginnings, through drought, fires, pandemics and hail, the National Arboretum Canberra has continued to grow in size, strength, and visitor numbers since opening in 2013.
December 2022
Year 12 Landscape Architecture students at Gungahlin College were set the task to design a garden concept for the Gallery of Gardens at the National Arboretum Canberra.
6 December 2022
A journey of conservation and kindness - travelling with their adoptive Wollemi for approximately 2,500kms. A story from the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra.
30 November 2022
Tracey Johns, the 2021 recipient of the Jake Keller Scholarship, worked under the guidance of our horticulture team to complete the practical component of the Scholarship, establishing an ephemeral pond “The Billabong”.
29 November 2022
Today, Rosie Batty AO, the 2015 Australian of the Year and outspoken crusader against family violence, was recognised by the ACT Government with an Australian Hero Tree Dedication in Central Valley.
25 November 2022
Canberra’s best in tourism were recognised at the 2022 Canberra Region Tourism Awards ceremony held at Parliament House on Friday 25 November 2022.
26 August 2022
The new edition to the Forest Sculpture Gallery, Cloak stands gracefully within the mature Himalayan cedar forest of the National Arboretum Canberra. Cloak celebrates the essence of the tree as a being in the natural world which is also wholly connected to other living creatures in nature.
19 October 2022
It's not every day that you get to take the Collection home with you... The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia book - NOW AVAILABLE!
1 October 2022
“Temporary art transforming Canberra: Making space into place”
The Canberra Art Biennial 2022 features over 75 artists whose works provide a rich engagement with the design and the landscape of Canberra. The month-long program will be held in various locations around Canberra from 1 – 29 October 2022.
10 September 2022
We were thrilled to officially launch the Forest Sculpture Gallery, a newly established non-profit space for art located within the beautiful setting of the National Arboretum Canberra.
19 August 2022
Now available for purchase - seed collected from the National Arboretum's very own Golden Wattle Garden.
Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn features the best that Canberra has to offer, including National Arboretum Canberra.
Warm Trees 2022 celebrates cultures of First Nations people this NAIDOC week and throughout July.
Catch Costa in the Collection!
Thank you to all who attended and participated in the variety of events in Bonsai Reshaped 2022.
The National Arboretum Canberra, a destination icon in Canberra has now been recognised nationally at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
The first Forest Shelter launched 8 March 2022.
Our dedicated team of volunteers conducting the important annual seed collecting from the Wollemi Pine Forest.
2021 Canberra Region Tourism Awards Tourist Attraction goes to...
The new edition of the Arboretum Book is now available!
The National Arboretum Canberra is pleased to be involved in “Canberra: More than inclusive, more than accessible” feature by GetAboutAble.com.
27 July 2021
It’s not often you can send your bonsai collection around the world, but thanks to the latest stamp series from Australia Post, the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA) can do just that!
Brought to you by Friends of the Arboretum in partnership with The Republic of Singapore High Commission, Warm Trees 2021 was launched on Friday 2 July.
Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand and His Excellency Sir David Gascoigne KNZM, CBE were warmly Welcomed to Country by Ngunnawal elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan.
A Grevillea robusta (silky oak) was planted by the Governor General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.
David Williamson AO, was recognised with an Australian Hero tree dedication on 27 May 2021 by the Minister Tara Cheyne MLA, at the National Arboretum Canberra.
Professor Fiona Wood FRACS AM, was recognised with an Australian Hero tree dedication today by the Minister Chris Steel MLA, at the National Arboretum Canberra.
For early morning risers, the Arboretum gates open every morning at 6am, be sure to bring a warm jacket and a picnic rug!
Last week, staff from the National Arboretum Canberra participated in the annual Gift of Life walk.
Death cap mushrooms are currently popping up around Canberra and growth is expected to increase as we head into autumn.
Ricky Stuart was recognised with an Australian Hero tree dedication today by Minister Chris Steel MLA at the National Arboretum Canberra.
Professor Tom Calma AO was recognised with an Australian Hero tree dedication today by the ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA, at the National Arboretum Canberra.
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA), invites the Australian bonsai community to apply for our Artist in Residence program.
During National Reconciliation Week 2020, the National Arboretum Canberra launched a competition inviting you to share your personal reconciliation journey. The winner has been announced!
Life has changed. At least for now the way we work, socialise and exercise is quite different due to COVID-19 and the restrictions placed on public spaces in place to protect our community. Find out what it means for the Arboretum.
There will soon be a new and easy way to discover the Arboretum.
