Canberra is home to Australia’s National Arboretum, where you’ll find over 44,000 trees. It’s a beautiful living museum and the perfect place to visit if you’re taking a vacation within the country or living in Canberra.
What is the National Arboretum?
Arboretums are botanical gardens specially devoted to trees grown for scientific research, conservation purposes or education.
The National Arboretum Canberra is a “mosaic of living forests and gardens”, set across 250-hectares of natural beauty. In total it contains 94 forests of endangered, rare and symbolic trees, including three forests that survived the Canberra bushfires of 2003 and the world’s biggest cultivated Wollemi pine collection.
You’ll also find the fascinating National Bonsai Collection at the Arboretum, along with a forest sculpture gallery and plenty of options for eating, drinking and taking a breather.
You can experience it by making your own way around the dedicated tracks and trails on foot or by bike, taking a guided walk or bus tour, or just sitting with a picnic soaking up the amazing surroundings.
Why Visit the National Arboretum Canberra?
As well as those 44,000 beautiful trees, the National Arboretum Canberra offers breath-taking views, superb entertainment, awesome experience for all and refreshments to keep you well fueled for a day of exploration.
The Arboretum has plenty to keep adults and kids alike entertained. If little ones do start to get restless, a trip to the award-winning and truly magical, acorn themed POD playground should do the trick. And once you’ve had your fill of exploring, you can head to the Village Centre to stop for a bite at the café, marvel at some unique art and architecture, learn more about the Arboretum’s story and rich history and grab a souvenir to help you remember your visit.
The National Arboretum is widely considered among the best family activities in Australia – sometimes for its epic playground alone! So it makes a brilliant addition to a holiday in the country, especially as spectacular Gibraltar Falls is only around a mile away. Just be sure to check their website first to learn if any of their exhibits or activities are temporarily closed.
Visiting or Living in Canberra
The National Arboretum is just one of the many amazing experiences available nearby if you visit or move to Canberra.
Here you’ll also find the National Zoo and Aquarium, the National Gallery and National Museum of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre and loads of superb places to eat and drink, to name just a few options.
If you’re a nature lover, be sure not to miss Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Australian National Botanic Gardens or Lake Burley Griffin – plus of course the National Arboretum and Gibraltar Falls when you’ve got time for a day excursion.
As well as all the great things to see and do, you’ll love Canberra for its excellent transport links that make experiencing the city so much easier. Plus there’s the fact that it’s one of Australia’s safest cities, making it a great place to visit for families and those who love heading out for fun until the small hours.
Getting the Best Immigrant Experience in Australia
Australia is an incredible country to move to – there’s just so much to see and do, from awe-inspiring natural wonders to exceptional arts and culture. To make the most of it, it’s worth seeking recommendations from other locals, rather than sticking to the biggest names or tourist attractions. Or just head out by yourself without a plan – you might be amazed what you stumble upon.
One aspect of the immigrant experience that’s not so often discussed is your connection to where you’ve come from. Some move abroad and make a totally fresh start, but many feel a deep tie to their homeland, and carefully maintaining those bonds will really improve the experience of life as an immigrant in Australia.
You may be supporting family back home, or simply need to send money to loved ones in another country now and then. Western Union makes it simple and easy – with online transfers, a dedicated app and over 3,500 in-person agent locations – including almost 50 in Canberra.
