Have you seen these trees near the National Arboretum Canberra? Photo: ACT Government.
The National Arboretum Canberra is looking to make the most of the winter chill by hosting a brand new festival, Winter in the Woods.
Winter in the Woods will run from 26 June to 9 August with firelight, food and forest adventure and will complement the city’s ongoing winter program.
The festival consists of free, self-guided experiences, including Warm Trees, an installation with over 17 feature forests near the arboretum wrapped in bright, handmade scarves highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Forests of the Arboretum and a family-friendly Winter Wildlife Quest.
National Arboretum Canberra executive branch manager Stuart Jeffress said the new event is the chance for Canberra residents and visitors to experience a new side of the arboretum.
“Winter is a special time at the Arboretum, and this program connects visitors with nature and culture in new ways,” he said.
“From art workshops set within the forest to accessible bus tours into our southern and western plantings, it all reveals the scale and diversity of our 250-hectare site.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Winter in the Woods delivers an entirely new experience for long-time visitors to the arboretum.
“We’re redefining winter in Canberra,” Mr Barr said.
“This is about bringing people to Canberra, driving visitation, boosting local business and giving visitors more reasons to stay longer. From fire shows in the city to immersive experiences in the forest, we’re lighting up winter and putting Canberra on show.”
Winter in the Woods complements Canberra’s broader winter events lineup, including the popular Winter in the City event, which returns from 8 to 18 July with a completely free and family-friendly program of school holiday entertainment.
The 10-day event will feature 40 exhilarating circus and fire performances on a 14-metre-wide, purpose-built stage on City Walk next to the Civic merry-go-round.
City Renewal Authority’s executive group manager of enabling operations, Jennifer Ramsay, said the experiences are designed to provide more reasons to visit the city centre throughout winter.
“Winter in the City will bring an exciting lineup of internationally renowned performers and spectacular free shows into the heart of our city centre.
“We’re inviting Canberrans and visitors to come into the city these school holidays to enjoy an afternoon or evening of free entertainment, support a local business and discover everything the city has to offer.”
To see the full program, visit the National Arboretum Canberra.
