Arboretum open day brings Canberrans out of hibernation

The National Arboretum's open day offered the rare opportunity to drive on roads usually closed to the public, which attracted more than 200 people in the first hour.

While families frolicked in the forests and large groups gathered for free guided walks, a steady stream of cars went on the unique driving experience through forests that will one day be magnificent, but many of which are still knee-high.

Friend of the Arboretum and volunteer guide, Janet Edstein, said it was the second time they'd held the event, run mainly with volunteer manpower.

She said the lessons learnt from the first event earlier this year made the day run much more smoothly.

"We've improved the traffic flow and we've got the walks running a bit differently," she said.

She acknowledged the trees weren't quite as spectacular as they would be one day, but said the arboretum would always be a work in progress, and that was part of what made it special.

Soaking up the sun on Dairy Farmers Hill while learning to fly a kite was three-year-old Selita Canton-Smith. Accompanied by Isabella, 15, and Justin Smith, the trio was having a ball.

"It's a nice, sunny day and it's a bit warmer," Mr Smith said.

"We tried to come out here a few weeks ago with these kites, but we decided to come out and try them again.

"Last time was our first time, and [Selita] just loved it."

He said after the "horrible, horrible winter" the increase in temperature was a welcome relief.

Director of Cultural Canberra Adam Stankevicius said unlocking the gates to River Road was a great way to celebrate spring.

"As we move into the warmer months, the vegetation at the arboretum and in Canberra generally comes back to life. Climate wise, October is probably the nicest time of the year to be out of the house and exploring our flora as it starts to blossom again after one of the wettest winters on record," Mr Stankevicius said.