Almost half a million people have visited the National Arboretum Canberra since its opening in February.
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The numbers were revealed amid predictions that the site could rival the territory's highest-profile tourist attractions within a decade.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says the arboretum is one of the big success stories of Canberra's centenary year, attracting more than 450,000 people. ''It's been incredibly popular,'' she said.
''Its busiest month was June, and we had a fortnight where we had 30,000 people come through the arboretum, showing that it attracts large numbers during the winter months, which is interesting.
''We've seen some of those numbers taper off towards the end of the year but 450,000 isn't bad for the first year of an arboretum where the trees are still very young. It does look like it's going to be very popular in spring for functions and towards the end of the year for formals.''
On Friday, Ms Gallagher walked through the trees with the project's instigator, her predecessor Jon Stanhope. He was in Canberra briefly from his post as administrator of Christmas Island.
Mr Stanhope reflected on the tough political battle to have the vision of the arboretum realised.
''It was politically difficult for a number of years,'' he said on Sunday. ''There was a period when I was concerned about the opposition that had been generated within the community but I do think it was very much about not quite understanding the vision or being able to see what it might become.
''I must say I do find the extent to which people have now embraced the arboretum very satisfying.
''I've always felt that when the forests are mature it will just be stunning - even now it's wonderful, such a divine sight.''
Mr Stanhope predicted even greater numbers at the arboretum in coming years. ''I have always believed that over time it will compete with the other major attractions - the War Memorial, Parliament House, the National Gallery,'' he said. ''In terms of visitation and the number of visitors, I think it will be up there.''
Ms Gallagher said the level of community interest in the arboretum had exceeded expectations. ''It has become one of the must-see attractions when visiting Canberra and locals have embraced its vision and beautiful vistas it provides,'' she said.
Ms Gallagher said she believed the arboretum would be self-funding in time. ''We think when the forests are large enough that will be able to be the case but at this point in time it still needs quite a level of investment from government,'' she said.
On Sunday, Stewart Borrie from Kaleen, was enjoying the space, particularly under the trees.
''We were looking after the grandchildren for the weekend and we thought we'd bring them here because they haven't been before,'' he said. ''The kids really enjoyed it. We found some big trees that we could get a nice cool breeze under. That's the best part because there's not too many big ones around.''
The arboretum's 48,000 trees are spread over 94 forests on 250 hectares. Funding in the latest ACT budget will allow construction of a new bore, designed to negate the need for water to be trucked in to keep the trees alive.