Whether on your own or in a group, the Arboretum offers a range of guided activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Join a free Welcome Walk or guided Forest Walk with a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guide.
The 20 minute Welcome Walk will introduce you to the Arboretum’s purpose, its views and gardens and is suitable for strollers and mobility devices. The one hour Forest Walk will get you amongst the trees to discover the stories of the forests.
For bookings and enquiries contact arboretum@act.gov.au, phone 02 6207 8484 or speak to one of our friendly Visitor Services staff at the Village Centre information desk.
Short walks and forest walks
FREE - No bookings required
Duration: 20 minutes
Meet: Information Desk in the Village Centre
Times:
- 10.30am Arboretum Views Walk
- 11.30am Discovery Garden Walk
- 12.30pm Gallery of Gardens Walk
The Arboretum is so much more than trees! Our Welcome Walks will introduce you to the Arboretum, its forests, gardens and even some hidden treasures. Join our guide for a gentle stroll and take in the impressive views. Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Please note that bookings are not taken for these walks. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we can take eight participants on a first come first served basis. Contact details of attendees are required through Check in CBR.
Weekly Forest Walks
Want to walk amongst the trees and hear some of their stories? Venture into the forests with a volunteer guide to see and hear more about the trees and features of the Arboretum. Walking location and topic depends on weather and season. Duration one hour.
December
Every Monday / 10am - 11am
Every Saturday / 10am - 11am
Every Sunday / 10am - 11am
January - February
Every Monday / 10am - 11am
Every Sunday / 10am - 11am
March - November
Every Monday / 11am - 12pm
Every Saturday / 2pm - 3pm
Every Sunday / 11am - 12pm
Adult: $5, Children (12 - 16 years): Free
Suitable for children over 12 years.
Please wear sturdy enclosed shoes, bring water and dress for the weather.
Meet at the Information Desk in the Village Centre.
Bookings
Places are limited and bookings are essential: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/ICF8C
Bookings close one hour prior to departure.
* If you feel unwell on the day, please stay at home. Social distancing will be practiced at this event.
Join an experienced guide and delve into the forests. These walks are themed and will give you an insight into a particular aspect of the Arboretum.
Moderate fitness is required for this walk and ground may be uneven in places. Sturdy, enclosed shoes are essential. Please bring a hat, drinking water and dress for the weather.
For upcoming long forest walks, please see our What's On section for information and bookings.
Meet at the Information Desk in the Village Centre.
Guided tours
Would your group like a customised walk? Talk to our friendly staff about a tailored guided walking tour for your group or event.
Cost $9.70 per adult ($7.35 concession), minimum of 10, maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour
Bookings essential 14 days prior to the tour
Contact to book: arboretum@act.gov.au
Cost $8.50 per adult ($7.35 concession), $6.30 when booked with another Guided Tour.
Duration: 30 minutes
Bookings essential 14 days prior to the tour
Learn about the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection and see what makes these spectacular miniature living sculptures so special. Minimum of 20 people. Tour must be conducted between 9am - 4pm.
Contact to book: arboretum@act.gov.au
Cost $9.70 per adult ($7.35 concession)
Duration: One hour
Bookings essential 14 days prior to the tour
Visiting with a coach group? Guided coach tours are available for groups of 20+ people (fee applies, visitor supplied bus).
Tours need to be booked by emailing: arboretum@act.gov.au
Once your tour booking is confirmed, catering can be arranged through our onsite catering partner The Ginger Group: ORDER ONLINE. Please contact hello@thegingergroup.com.au for any catering needs.
Bookings essential 7 days prior to the tour (up to 10 people)
Weekdays 9am-5pm
$116 per hour ($11.60 per additional person/hour)
After hours and weekends
$231.00 per hour ($23.10 per additional person/hour).
Ngala Tours - Guided Bus Tours and Cultural Workshops
Discovery Tour
Take a guided bus tour with our friendly guides and learn the stories of the forests and enjoy two viewing stops with spectacular photo opportunities.
Duration: 40 minutes
Wednesday - Friday
Departs: 1.00pm
Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays
Departs: 1.00pm and 2.30pm
Price type:
Infant: free
Child/ concession $5
Adult $10
Family A (1A, 2C) $15
Family B (2A, 2C) $25
Bookings:
Booking are essential: BOOK HERE or at the Information Desk in the Village Centre.
Bookings close 50 minute prior to departure.
Suitable for all ages.
Brought to you with the support of the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra.
View Ngala Tours Terms and Conditions HERE
Ngala Tours - Walk on Country
Times available: Monday-Friday 9.00am-3.00pm
$60 (incl GST) per person, allow up to 1 hour. Bespoke options available.
Join our Indigenous Tourism Officer for a guided walk around the forests of the Arboretum, where you will see native plants that are used for medicinal, culinary, and Cultural use. This walk will bring the landscape to life allowing you to gain a deeper respect for Aboriginal Traditions and Culture.
Hear stories about the use of stones axes, coolamons, skins, clapsticks with a hands-on artefact display… and also learn how to throw a boomerang.
Hear why Caring for Country is vital and continues to play a significant role in Culture today.
This immersive and enjoyable tour is a relaxing way to learn about Aboriginal Culture in a beautiful bush setting.
Meet in the Village Centre.
Please wear sturdy enclosed shoes, and dress for the weather.
Bookings are essential please email arboretum.events@act.gov.au
View Ngala Tours Terms and Conditions HERE