Welcome to the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens web site
What is an Arboretum?
An Arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for conservation, scientific and educational study, display and preservation.
The Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens will feature different types of threatened and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world, and in the longer term present a sensational mosaic of permanent gardens. A bonsai pavilion, artworks, a café/restaurant, reflective pavilion and a range of other facilities to enhance the visitor experience are proposed. These will develop over time.
Why an Arboretum and Gardens?
The bushfire that ravaged Canberra in 2003 have been the catalyst for the creation of the international arboretum and gardens envisaged by Walter Burley Griffin so many years ago. It provides an opportunity to conserve threatened species, a place for community recreation and a valuable resource for ongoing education and research.
Where is it located?
The Arboretum and Gardens is being developed on a 250-hectare site in the Greenhills Forest areas west of the Tuggeranong Parkway and Lake Burley Griffin. The site is six kilometres from the centre of Canberra and boasts spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. It incorporated the existing stand of 5000 Himalayan Cedars and the 80 year old Cork Oak plantation.
What is the goal?
The goal is to create a place of outstanding beauty, of international standard and interest, that is a destination and recreational resource in its own right, and which is welcoming to locals and visitors alike.