Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this 26 hectare site was originally planted by Professor Pryor from 1954 to 1957. The impetus for the planting was a request from the then Governor General, Sir William Slim, for an improved northerly view from Government House.

The Arboretum has been damaged in bushfires and much of it is in poor conditions with the effects of extended drought clearly evident.

As a joint Commonwealth and ACT Government initiative, the site was gazetted in June 2001 as the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum. It commemorates the contribution to the nation of the late Emeritus Professor Lindsay Pryor AO (1915 – 1998), an eminent Australian forest scientist, botanist and landscape architect.

The Authority has funding of $1 million to upgrade the Arboretum to a place for recreation, scientific research and education in recognition of the great importance of trees and forests to Australia.

A Reference Group is guiding the design and environmental integrity of the plan and a draft masterplan for the Arboretum's renewal was launched on 18 April 2010. From the two concept plans presented for the management and development of the Arboretum, a final plan is being developed following public consultation.

A complete survey of the existing trees, substantial clearing of weeds and the reinstatement of perimeter fencing have been completed, and implementation of the masterplan will commence in the second half of 2010.

• Click here to download the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum Draft Masterplan Report (PDF 5.07Mb)
• Click here to download the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum Draft Masterplan Report (DOC 2.09Mb)
• Click here to download the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum Draft Masterplan Report (RTF 30.4Mb)

Australian Geological Heritage Gardens

Australia’s geological heritage is inherent in many important aspects of daily life including not only mineral deposits, but also tourism, agriculture, building stones, construction materials and aboriginal legend.

An agreement has been reached with the Geological Society of Australia for an Australian Geological Heritage Garden to be established adjacent to the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum, sharing infrastructure such as roads and amenities and providing a complementary tourist and educational destination.

The gardens will display the richness and diversity of Australian geology with substantial iconic rock specimens from each state and territory. A concept design has been developed and was launched at the Australian Earth Sciences Convention in Canberra on 7 July 2010.

• Click here to download the Australian Geological Heritage Gardens Concept Designs (PDF 9.5Mb)