Located just six kilometres from the centre of Canberra at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin is the National Arboretum, a habitat of such tranquillity that it's seemingly impossible to exist so close to the capital's political turmoil.
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Since its inception in February, 2013, the arboretum has grown in both size and visitor number year on year, with the attraction having celebrated its one millionth visitor in February, 2015.
"There is no doubt that the arboretum has quickly developed into one of the major attractions in Canberra," Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury says.
"It attracts about 40,000 visitors per month and has received visitors from all over the world including the Republic of Macedonia, South Africa and Argentina."
The National Arboretum has also welcomed an abundance of school groups, providing an experience for more than 12,400 students from 396 local and interstate school groups touring the site since it opened.
With more than 44,000 trees growing onsite from more than 100 countries, the National Arboretum is flourishing across the 250-hectare site. Many of the trees are still young, but two of the 94 forests are almost 100 years old. The National Bonsai and Penjing Collections have also proven to be a highlight since opening in 2013 and is a popular stop among visitors. The oldest trees in the collection are more than 60 years old, with around 80 bonsai and penjing trees on display in a variety of traditional and modern styles.
"In the first two years there have also been tree plantings from high profile visitors to the ACT including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, various heads of state and Australian public figures," Rattenbury adds.
The National Arboretum is always changing. Improvements continue to be made aft er the upgrades to the car park last year, including developments to the landscaping on the events terrace and new shade structures installed at the nature-themed Pod Playground, which offers children one of the most unique pla environments with giant acorns and banksias a key feature.
For those after a unique way to take in the breathtaking views on horseback, a new horse holding yard opened in June, 2015. Riders can now take a break near the Village Centre and secure their horses in the new yard which is a short distance away.
In November, 2015, three new walking and biking trails were launched to give visitors an opportunity to explore the National Arboretum like never before. The new trails run from the Village Centre to points of interest at the arboretum, including the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park, the Wide Brown Land sculpture, the Himalayan cedar forest and Dairy Farmers Hill.
Due to high interest, the National Arboretum also extended its free guided forest walks to give visitors more time to experience the vast array of forests, bird species and wildlife on offer at the facility.
"Participants can wander through our most impressive, least-known forests, and learn the history of the different tree species and their role at the arboretum. During the walks you may discover birds and other wildlife as well as some very rare and endangered trees, some of which no longer exist in their natural habitat," Friends of the Arboretum chair Jocelyn Plovits says.
"The tours are not only a great way to see the forests but also the Canberra cityscape, as you stop at various points to enjoy the stunning views on offer and the various sculptures across the arboretum."
The National Arboretum
Where: Forest Drive, Canberra City
