National Arboretum Canberra

Go south for the winter ❄️🌿 Beyond the boomgates lies a lesser-explored side of the Arboretum. Journey through the southern forests on this accessible, one-hour guided bus tour - perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities.

🚌 Sit back, relax, and take it all in as you travel in comfort.

This immersive experience reveals some of the Arboretum’s most rare and culturally significant plantings. Along the way, our friendly guides share the stories, vision and care behind each forest - offering a deeper insight into what makes this landscape so special.

Part of Winter in the Woods, this unique tour is not to be missed 🍂

📅 Every Friday & Saturday | 26 Jun - 9 Aug
🚐 Departs 10am, 11:30am & 1pm
🎫 Bookings - https://events.humanitix.com/bus-tours-witw26
👨‍👨‍👦 $10 Adult | $8 Child (6-16) | Under 6 FREE
👩‍🦽 The bus has seating for two wheelchairs per tour

Enjoy tasting bush foods and teas while learning, sharing and asking questions 🌿🌾

Join Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp for an interactive introduction to traditional Aboriginal plant use. Learn how plants are used for food, medicine and everyday living.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by a participating adult)
📆 Tuesday 7 July | 1:30pm (90 minute duration)
📅 Friday 10 July | 9:30am (60 minute duration)
🎫 https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats-on/feature-events/winter-in-the-woods/cultural-connections

Capture the colours, textures and fine details of the Arboretum, working with soft seasonal light and ... your smart phone 🪾🍁🤳

Set against the backdrop of a Canberra winter, you’ll learn to master your phone’s camera settings and unlock its full creative potential in both macro and landscape photography, guided by professional photographer Cristy Froehlich.
❄ Single session only - book now so you don’t miss out!
🤳🏽10am - 12pm, Friday 7 August
🎟 https://events.humanitix.com/smartphone-photography-nal-witw26

✨ Rug up. Look up. Winter in the Woods is bringing magical nights under the stars - telescopes, stories, hot chocolate and cosmic connections await.

🔭 Book your stargazing experience today
🤩 Friday and Saturday nights | 26 Jun - 8 Aug
🎟 https://events.humanitix.com/stargazing-witw26

Gaze at the night sky with a friendly astronomer and a powerful telescope - spot the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons and faraway galaxies 🔭

Follow your astronomer’s laser pointer to find the Milky Way, satellites and even the International Space Station ✨

Hear star stories and constellation myths from cultures around the world 🌌

Try binocular stargazing, learn cool star navigation tricks, and ask your astronomer anything during a relaxed Q&A 💬

Get cosy with hot chocolate, organic herbal tea & warm blankets.

🌠 You might even catch a shooting star… if you're lucky.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for ages 4+
♿ Dairy Farmers Hill has accessible parking and sealed level paths. Nearest toilet facilities are a short drive away.

🪴Closing Soon! | Bonsai Artist in Residence

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia invites Australian bonsai and penjing artists to apply for its Artist in Residence program at the National Arboretum.

This 3–5 day residency offers the opportunity to share your skills, work with the national collection, connect with curators and volunteers, and engage the wider bonsai community through workshops and talks. Residencies held in Spring and Autumn.

❗Entries close: 30 June 2026

For more information or to apply: https://bit.ly/bonsai-AIR2026



Artist: Arthur Robinson
Age: (year) from 1991
Styled: since 1998
Species: Acer buergerianum
Height: 80cm

While bonsai pruning can create smaller leaves, flowers and fruit always grow at their natural size.

This beautiful Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), styled by Canberra local Peter Hanrahan, showcases this perfectly - complete with its striking, full-sized orange/gold flower spikes.

🧡💛 Now on display in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.

🏆 This bonsai was the winning submission to the 2023 NBPCA Centenary Bonsai Acquisition Prize.