Walk forest trails at National Arboretum gardens
Canberra, Australia • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Sep, Oct
14°C – 28°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 28, high crowds, peak season
14°C – 28°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 28, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Accessible paths available; some trails may require walking.
Accessible paths available; some trails may require walking.
Value for money
High
Free entry and beautiful scenery offer great value.
Free entry and beautiful scenery offer great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Walks
Couples loved the peaceful trails and panoramic city views. Perfect for a romantic stroll!
Well Maintained
Visitors found the Arboretum grounds immaculate. Trails were easy to navigate and enjoy together.
Free Entry
Couples appreciated the free entry. A budget-friendly date with stunning views!
Uneven Terrain
Some trails are not ideal for all. Uneven paths could make walking difficult for some couples.
Limited Shade
During warmer months, shade can be limited. Couples should bring hats and sunscreen.
No Public
No direct public transport. Couples needed to rely on taxis or driving themselves.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Thursday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Friday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Saturday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Sunday
06:00 AM - 08:30 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience a virtual tour of National Arboretum Canberra.
Join a traveler on exploration of National Arboretum Canberra.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
11-26°C
December marks the start of summer with temperatures between 11.4°C and 26.1°C. Rainfall averages around 54mm over 8 days.
December marks the start of summer with temperatures between 11.4°C and 26.1°C. Rainfall averages around 54mm over 8 days.
Open
Guided forest walks are available on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10am. Bookings are essential.
Guided forest walks are available on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10am. Bookings are essential.
Recommended
December offers warm weather and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for forest walks at the National Arboretum. Take advantage of the lower accommodation prices during this period.
December offers warm weather and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for forest walks at the National Arboretum. Take advantage of the lower accommodation prices during this period.
January
HIGH
14-28°C
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 28.2°C and low of 14.0°C.
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 28.2°C and low of 14.0°C.
Open
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
Recommended
January offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and larger crowds. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
January offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and larger crowds. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
February
MEDIUM
13-27°C
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 27.1°C and low of 13.1°C.
Warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 27.1°C and low of 13.1°C.
Open
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
Recommended
February continues to offer warm weather suitable for forest trail walks. With the end of summer holidays, crowd levels decrease, making it a more relaxed time to visit.
February continues to offer warm weather suitable for forest trail walks. With the end of summer holidays, crowd levels decrease, making it a more relaxed time to visit.
March
LOW
11-25°C
Mild temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 24.5°C and low of 10.7°C.
Mild temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 24.5°C and low of 10.7°C.
Open
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
No significant restrictions; all trails open.
Recommended
March offers pleasant weather with fewer tourists, providing a tranquil experience on the forest trails. It's an excellent time for those seeking solitude and mild conditions.
March offers pleasant weather with fewer tourists, providing a tranquil experience on the forest trails. It's an excellent time for those seeking solitude and mild conditions.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
The Ngala Tours shuttle service provides guided bus tours of the site.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and rideshares can be taken to the Arboretum. Several local taxi companies, such as Canberra Elite Taxis and ACT Cabs, provide services to the Arboretum. The journey from the city center is approximately 6.3 kilometers.
Bike
The National Arboretum is well-connected to Canberra's cycling paths. Bike racks are available on-site for securing bicycles.
Car
Driving is the most common way to access the National Arboretum. The main entrance is located on Forest Drive. Paid parking is available near the Village Centre. Free parking is available in designated forest car parks.
Walking
Walking to the Arboretum is possible, but the distance from the city center is over 7 kilometers.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required