The National Arboretum Canberra is home to some of the most breathtaking views and oldest forests in Canberra. Pack a picnic, grab a map, choose your favourite forest or make your way to the favourite picnic spot suggestions below.
Dairy Farmers Hill
The lookout at Dairy Farmers Hill offers spectacular 360o views over Canberra and beyond. The Arboretum’s iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, and the Amillary Sphere Sundial sits at the top of Dairy Farmers Hill.
The lookout’s stunning views, circular platform with engraved handrails and wooden bench seats also make Dairy Farmers Hill a wonderful casual picnic settings.
Wheelchair-accessible via a short gravel path, limited wheelchair car parking available.
Wide Brown Land
Experience the popular 35m long Wide Brown Land sculpture up close and soak up the panoramic views of the Arboretum’s central hub and forests. Wheelchair-accessible via a short gravel path from the Himalayan Cedar car park. Limited wheelchair car parking available.
The Himalayan cedar forest barbeque and picnic area
Surround yourself with tall 100 year old trees and enjoy a picnic or barbeque at the Himalayan cedar forest (Forest 11). A visitor favourite, the forest is a short walk and has easy wheelchair-accessibility along a sealed path from the Himalayan cedar car park. The charming picnic and barbeque deck (including free electric barbeques) are available for public use.
Please note this area cannot be reserved or booked.
Dairy Farmers Hill
Next to Nest III, this picnic table has a birds eye view of Canberra! A sealed path connects the lookout to the Dairy Farmers Hill car park.