Words: Andrew Nardi

THE National Arboretum will play host to camel rides, reptile shows and bus tours this school holidays.

Director of the National Arboretum Vanessa Little says the 30 minute bus tours will offer visitors the chance to experience the arboretum from a new perspective.

“The tours will take people to one of the oldest forests in the Arboretum, the 90-year-old Himalayan Cedars, and the Wide Brown Land sculpture,” Ms Little says.

“Kids will also love the creative sessions including kite decorating, paper making, terrarium making (miniature garden in a glass container), crafts and bonsai workshops. There will also be stories in the forest, aboriginal guided cultural walks and crafts, camel rides, reptile shows, a giant slide, a jumping castle and the launch of ‘Eco Warriors to the rescue!’, a book designed to make botanical art accessible to the young.

“Spring promises to be a great time for the Arboretum, with weather warming up, many new visitors due to Floriade and a range of fun and educational activities for people of all ages.”

The National Arboretum will host the spring school holiday program from September 14 through to October 13. Bookings and more information can be found at www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au.