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National Arboretum Canberra Australia

Tree plantings National Arboretum

National Arboretum Canberra

"Wide Brown Land" sign
“Wide Brown Land” sign. From the Dorothea Mackellar poem

Devastating bushfires in 2001 and 2003, burnt huge areas around Canberra. A recovery project to heal some of the damage included The National Arboretum, which now covers 250 hectares(618 acres in the old measurement). Although very much in its infancy, with plantings still taking pace, it’s a great place to visit.

The trees selected for inclusion are either of national significance, or endangered. Not only Australian trees, but species from overseas, such as the giant sequoia are included, although these are still saplings. One species in particular caught our attention – the Wollemi Pine which, up until 1994 was only known from fossils. A small stand was discovered in the Wollemi National Park and extensive efforts have ensured its survival. A planting of seedlings at the arboretum is part of that effort.

A large carpark caters to a large number of visitors. However, parking is not free and you pay for a ticket at the machines in the carpark. On arrival, our first stop was the information desk, where we received a map and some ideas of what to see. Within this same area is a café and restaurant where you can look over the trees while you eat.

Main Entrance National Arboretum
Main Entrance

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

Located next to the entrance is the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection containing over 100 miniature trees. The quality of the collection and the time that must have been spent growing them is amazing. We walked around admiring the collection and taking photos.

The Discovery Garden

Situated next to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, the Discovery Garden explains how to maintain a garden in Canberra’s dry climate.

Cactus
Cactus

Margaret Whitlam Pavilion

Overlooking the National Arboretum, the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion offers magnificent views over Canberra. Because it’s only open for functions, we were only able to view it from the outside.

Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Margaret Whitlam Pavilion

Himalayan Cedar Forest

One of the few areas to avoid devastation in the 2001 and 2003 bushfires was the Himalayan Cedar forest. Originally planted from 1911 to 1930 it has since been extended with additional plantings in 2010. Walking through the mature trees is a relaxing experience, giving an idea of how the remainder of the Arboretum will look as it grows.

Hidden away in the trees just off the path is a metal sculpture of a tree stump.

Forests and Trees

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Commonwealth Park Canberra

Commonwealth Park walking tracks

Commonwealth Park Canberra

Located in the centre of Canberra, Commonwealth Park is full of walking tracks, memorials and sculptures. With Lake Burley Griffin as a backdrop, it’s an excellent place for a relaxing stroll, picnic or simply sit and admire the views.

Car parks within the park make access easy, but if you want to walk from the city, there are several overpasses crossing Parks Ways to avoid the traffic.

Lake Burley Griffin

With Lake Burley Griffin as a backdrop, there are some great sights to see from Commonwealth Park. The most spectacular is the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a giant fountain shooting water up to 147m high. Check its operating times, as it only operates at certain period during the day.

Across the water, you get some great views of Parliament house (old and new) as well as the National Library, Art Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and High Court.

Tracks and Walks

The best way to enjoy the park is to walk along its many tracks. We walked along the lake shore because we wanted to see the sights across the water. The tracks take you past most of the sculptures and memorials, so you can structure your walk to see them all.

With plenty of trees, shade, and seating there are opportunities to stop, relax and take in the scenery.

Memorials in Commonwealth Park Canberra

Scattered throughout the park, memorials to famous Australians and groups such as the Police and Emergency Services commemorate their memory. Some are not strictly within the park itself, but further east in Kings Park.

A special memorial dedicated to HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser which sunk during World War Two sits on the shoreline.

Overall, a great place to visit with plenty to keep you busy, while providing places to sit and relax.

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre

Myall Creek Massacre by Debbie Becker Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre New South Wales Australia

The recently opened Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre (March 2022) is an extension of the Visitor Information Centre showcasing local artists. Including a café, playground, and children’s bike track, it’s a great place to stop when passing through town for a break to stretch the legs. Also in the area is a World War Two Matilda II tank, just next to the highway.

The Visitor Information Centre contains displays of local produce, like wines and a help desk. The help desk can provide you with information on local events, places to go and accommodation.

Past the help desk, the art gallery contains two galleries which host rotating displays by local artists.

Located in the same building, Parkview Café offers light meals and refreshment for weary travellers passing through. There is also a deck out the back where you can relax and look over the park.

We Are Singleton: Portrait of a Town by Edwina Richards

Edwina Richards’ photographic study of the people of Singleton is displayed in the main gallery. The portraits show the life of everyday people, celebrating the diverse identity of Singleton in 2022.

This display leaves the gallery on 8 May 2022.

Mapping Wanaruah / Wonnarua by Debbie Becker

We really enjoyed the exhibition by Debbie Becker, not only because of the style, but because the art depicts local culture. Places like the fig tree meeting place, events such as bushfires and historically important events such as the Myall Creek Massacre are included.

Debbie’s work is on display until 8 May 2022, so you will need to be quick to see it.

Matilda Tank

Located outside the café, the Matilda tank gives Townhead Park its unofficial name of Tank Park. Easily visible from the highway it’s very popular with kids, because the can climb all over it.

Matilda Tank Townhead Park Singleton NSW Australia
Matilda Tank Townhead Park Singleton

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.