Holiday Opening Hours

The Arboretum Visitors Centre (including cafe and gift shop) and National Bonsai & Penjing Collection will be closed 25 December 2024. The POD Playground and Arboretum grounds will still be open to enjoy 6am - 8:30pm that day.

All areas will be open as usual on Boxing Day 26 December, New Years Eve 31 December, and New Years Day 1 January 2025.

aerial view of canberra as the sunrises, casting golden tones over the city, with the trees of the arboretum in the foreground
Drone photo showing forests and view of Canberra at sunset
Drone photo of forests with green foliage

The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre.

With over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourism and recreation.

What's here

Discover an exciting variety of things to do, see and experience at the Arboretum.

Eat, drink and shop

Take a break at the Arboretum Cafe or The Curatoreum gift shop at our award-winning Village Centre.

POD Playground

Let kids of all ages run wild in the popular nature themed playground with acorn and banksia cubbies, sand-play, slides and swings.

Tracks and trails

Explore the multi-purpose, family-friendly walking, running and cycling trails for all ability levels.

Host an event

Have your wedding, party, meeting or event at one of Canberra's most iconic and sought-after venues.

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

See the world-class display of miniature trees and forests, created by some of Australia's leading artists.

Top stories

Arboretum wins dual gold, proving nature and inclusivity go hand in hand

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'.

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From "The Assembly" to the Arboretum: Andrew Radford’s Journalism Journey

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.

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Safety & Wellbeing Winner - Matthew Platt

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.

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Eco Star Accreditation LogoTravellers Choice 2023 Trip Advisor Logo

Quality Tourism Accreditations badges for Low Vision, Limited Mobility, Wheelchairs & Scooters
Accessibility Accreditation.jpg