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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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Mount Gibraltar Lookouts Mittagong

View from Mount Gibraltar

Mount Gibraltar Lookouts Mittagong

Driving from Mittagong to the Mount Gibraltar Lookouts takes you past some spectacular houses, although if you’re driving you may not see much of them. This is because the road is narrow and windy, so you need to pay attention to the road.

At the top of the hill, one of the residences has an old cart outside, so we stopped to take a photo of it. Further around, Mittagong lookout provides views over the town. Parking is on the road and limited, so you may need to drive around until you can find a spot. From the road, a stone path leads to the lookout. Here, a sandstone shelter and viewing platform overlook the valley below.

Not far from the first lookout, Jellore overlooks more of the valley. Again, parking is at a premium. At the lookout trees have grown, blocking most of the view.

The final stop (or first if you came from Bowral) is the Bowral Lookout. By far the largest, with picnic tables, garbage bins and a toilet it is the easiest to get to.

We didn’t find any of the views to be particularly special, although if you are in Mittagong, it’s something you can do to fill in time. The lack of parking and narrow roads are also a significant issue.

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