Website — Phone: (02) 6207 8484 — Address: Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
Open Hours: 9.30am to 4.00pm daily (except Christmas Day)
National Arboretum Canberra & POD playground
One of our favorite places in Canberra is the National Arboretum Canberra opened to the public in 2013.
Being a winner of the 2019 Canberra Region Tourist Attractions award with over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, and scientific research, education, tourism, and recreation. It is a mosaic of living forests surrounding an entertainment and events hub, with spectacular views and unique experiences.
This Arboretum is one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered, and significant trees. The site is also home to the iconic Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, an award-winning Village Centre with its onsite restaurant, café and gift shop, POD playground, and the renowned National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.
The POD Playground is like no other and very creative. It offers so much fun for the kids and will hold the attention of any child while you can enjoy a cup of coffee with great views.
There are lots and amenities.
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection display area is beautifully presented with Bonsai of all ages and styles. The trees are a variety of traditional and modern styles with the Collection highlighting Australian native species including Banksia Serrata and Eucalyptus camaldulens’.
You can 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.
The place has lovely scenic views. You can chill out at the Cafe while enjoying beautiful views. The beautiful interior, gift shop, and bonsai exhibition are beyond amazing.
The Arboretum has over 20 km of multi-purpose, family-friendly, walking, and cycling tracks for public enjoyment. Equestrians may also enjoy the Arboretum in designated areas. The ACT Centenary Trail and the Bicentennial Trail run through the forests connecting the Arboretum to greater Canberra.
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