National Arboretum growing in Canberra

Canberra’s National Arboretum opened in February 2013. Almost two years later, the trees are growing and the landscape is covered with saplings, roads, walkways, and a function hall. The core of the $67 million Arboretum is the visitors' centre – with a café, function area, displays, and gift shop – showcasing the magnificent views of the landscape and the Australian Capital Territory – the Bush Capital of Australia.

The centre has a national bonsai collection – moved from its previous home at Commonwealth Park. Radiating from the centre are 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees of Australia and around the world. Over 48,000 trees have been planted on 250 hectare (618 acres) with species from over 100 countries.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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