Canberra will host a free festival on Saturday 2 February to officially open the national capital’s newest attraction, the National Arboretum Canberra.
The new attraction for Canberra opens as part of the city’s Centenary year celebrations.
The Arboretum features 100 forests and 100 gardens including different types of threatened and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world.
Set on 250 hectares just 6km from the city centre, the Arboretum has views of the city and represents the realisation of Walter Burley Griffin’s 1915 plan for Canberra to include a ‘Continental Arboretum and Eventual Botanical Reserves’.
The Arboretum houses a visitor centre, cafe and pavilion housing the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia. An impressive nature-themed children’s program opens in May.
Visitors to the Arboretum can enjoy walking trails and guided tours through 250 hectares of rare and endangered forests.
The opening festival takes place from 10am to 3pm and includes interactive workshops, talks, and art and craft activities as well as walking trails and guided tours through 250 hectares of rare and endangered forests. Guests can enjoy the new Village Centre featuring interactive displays, live music performances throughout the day in the outdoor amphitheatre and the official opening of the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia.
The festival marks the launch of the Arboretum to the Canberra community during its Centenary year. Following its opening the Arboretum will be open daily from 6.00am to 8.30pm (during daylight saving) with the Village Centre open 9.00am to 4.00pm.
