Gardens To Explore In Canberra

By Jemma Mrdak.

Sometimes it’s nice to slowly wander around and explore our surroundings, hands behind back, profoundly commenting on nature, David Attenborough style. Believe it or not, Canberra is home to some incredible gardens and nature reserves which are just a hop, skip and a jump away from anywhere around the city.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens are located in the heart of Canberra – but you wouldn’t know it. With its large scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia, these gardens really are an oasis. The Australian National Botanic Gardens supports a living collection of around 74,000 individual plants, and their collection features over 6,200 species which represent a third of Australia’s native plants.

The Gardens offer everything for a perfect family day out, or a quiet relaxing stroll and are a great way for you get in touch with your inner green thumb! There’s even a cafe, day spa, picnic spots and a bookshop for you to spend your days in.

Cockington Green Gardens

Are you a fan of anything and everything mini sized? Cockington Green Gardens host a delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings set within beautifully landscaped gardens. A favourite with most visitors is the International display, which showcases a multicultural display with thirty countries currently represented. Spend a day moseying around the miniature gardens and take a trip on their miniature train. Everything is pint sized here!

National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is one of Canberra’s latest treasures. It features 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world. Over 44,000 trees from over 100 countries are growing across the huge site, making it one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. This is truly a space where you can easily spend a day riding, walking or driving across the 250 hectare space. Even royal visitors such as Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, Prince William Duchess Kate Middleton have paid this award winning forest a visit.

So, we think it’s best if you pop your comfortable walking shoes on, pack a picnic lunch and spend a day (or two), visiting one of these iconic Canberra gardens!