2025 Molonglo Valley Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

National Arboretum Canberra, located in Canberra, the capital of Australia, is an oasis that combines nature, ecology, art and architectural aesthetics. On this vast land of 250 hectares, rare and endangered tree species from more than 100 countries around the world are planted, with a total of 104 exclusive forests, presenting a spectacular green landscape map. 🌳 Step into the green forest of the world The park has many trails and viewpoints. Starting from the Village Centre, you can walk into forests of different styles such as the "Himalayan Cedar Forest", "Cherry Blossom Forest", and "Oak Avenue". Each forest area is designed and planned according to the origin of the tree species, with signs and introductions along the way, making every step full of knowledge and surprises. 🌿 Village Centre: Dialogue between Architecture and Landscape The appearance of this silver-white modern building is like spreading wings. It not only has a magnificent panoramic view, but also is the heart of the park. There is a Café, an information center and the famous National Bonsai & Penjing Collection, which exhibits many miniature tree landscapes from Australia and Asia, which are so exquisite that people stop to admire. 🚴♂️ A paradise for parents and hikers You can choose to rent a bicycle or walk along the gentle slope to the sculpture "Wide Brown Land" or "Nest III" viewing point on the top of the hill to overlook the entire city and Black Mountain. Children can release their energy in POD Playground, an adventure playground with creative design. 🌤 Best time to visit and tips The pleasant weather in spring and autumn is the best time to explore this green field. The park is free to enter, but it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy a full half-day to full-day trip. The Village Center and the cafe are open from 9:00 to 16:00, and the entire park is open from 7 am. #NationalArboretum #Canberra #AustralianTourism #ForestBath #AustralianBotanicalGarden #Bonsai #LandscapeArchitecture #SlowTravel #RegisterJuneHotelTestSleeper2025

🌳 Discover the Enchanting National Arboretum Canberra! 🌿 Nestled in the heart of Canberra, the National Arboretum is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends nature’s tranquility with breathtaking beauty. Wander through 94 forests of rare and endangered trees from around the world, each with its own story to tell. Whether you’re strolling along the serene pathways, soaking in panoramic views from the observation towers, or enjoying a picnic surrounded by lush greenery, this place offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of the visitor center and the unique sculptures dotted throughout the grounds. ✨ Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. The National Arboretum Canberra is a must-visit destination that promises a day filled with wonder and relaxation. 🌼 #NationalArboretumCanberra #Canberra #NatureLovers #TravelAustralia #SereneEscape

My recent visit to the National Zoo & Aquarium left me with a somewhat ambivalent impression, particularly when considering the $58 entry fee. While certain aspects were commendable, others left much to be desired, impacting the overall value proposition. One immediate positive was the ease of parking. Finding a spot was straightforward, a definite plus for a family outing. However, navigating the zoo itself proved to be less intuitive. The directional signage was often confusing or absent, leading to a fair amount of backtracking and uncertainty about whether we were seeing everything the zoo had to offer. This lack of clear wayfinding detracted from the enjoyment of exploring the grounds. The most significant disappointment, however, was the apparent sparseness of the animal population on display. Too often, we approached enclosures that were either completely empty or offered no immediate sighting of the advertised inhabitants. This created a sense of anticlimax and frustration, especially for younger visitors eager to see the diverse wildlife promised. Spending considerable time searching for animals that remained elusive became a recurring theme of our visit. On the positive side, the aquarium section provided a more consistently engaging experience. The variety of marine life was impressive, and the tanks were well-maintained, offering clear views of the aquatic creatures. The sharks, rays, and colourful fish were definite highlights and offered a welcome contrast to the often-empty enclosures in the zoo section. The reptile house also held some interesting specimens, though again, clear signage directing visitors through this area would have been beneficial. Furthermore, the layout of the zoo, while spacious, sometimes felt disjointed. The transitions between different animal zones weren't always clear, and the overall flow could be improved. There were some enclosures that appeared dated and could benefit from modernization to better replicate the animals' natural habitats and enhance visitor viewing. While the concept of combining a zoo and aquarium is appealing, the execution at the National Zoo & Aquarium felt uneven. The strong points of easy parking and a decent aquarium experience were unfortunately overshadowed by the navigation issues and the disheartening number of empty enclosures. For the price of admission, I expected a more consistently engaging and easily navigable experience with a greater visibility of the animal collection. While I appreciate the efforts in conservation and education that zoos undertake, the current visitor experience needs significant improvement to justify the cost.

#australiatrip We felt so incredibly fortunate to stay in the room overlooking the lions – it was an absolutely magical experience, truly something special that we'll cherish forever. We adored our tour with John; his knowledge and passion were infectious, and we learned so much from him. Every single staff member we encountered was so warm and welcoming, it made our stay even more enjoyable. The food was absolutely divine! We're already dreaming of our return trip and can't wait to try out all the jungle bungalows. Thank you all for creating such a truly unforgettable experience.

Who says there is nothing fun to do in Canberra? (Some but not many I went to the zoo with my friends last weekend. The park is quite large and you can spend about 3-4 hours there. Many animals are not fenced in and can be seen up close, such as peacocks and emus, but you are not allowed to touch or feed them. There are tourist signs in the park. Just follow the signs and you won't go wrong. In addition to the main park, there is also an aquarium. If you have enough time, remember to visit it. 📍Address: National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Dr, Varralumla 💰Per capita consumption: Full price ticket 52 dollars Student ticket 45 dollars Transportation: It is recommended to drive or take a taxi #100TravelWays #GlobalTravel #GoodPlacesForFamilies

#australiatrip The National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra offers an immersive wildlife experience that captivates visitors of all ages. With a diverse array of animals from around the world, including endangered species like Sumatran tigers and cheetahs, the zoo provides a unique opportunity for conservation education and awareness. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with animals through feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive exhibits. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare and conservation efforts is evident throughout, making it both an entertaining and educational destination. From majestic lions to playful otters, the National Zoo & Aquarium offers a memorable experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

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Canberra’s zoo, also known as the National Zoo and Aquarium is a fun outing for all ages! This zoo is unique from other bigger zoos as they focus on allowing you to get up close and personal with some of their animals. This zoo has a few walk-in enclosures that allow you to see the animals face to face without any cages or barricades! We especially loved feeding the llamas and the deers. The zoo is clean, welcoming with plenty of animals to see. A good day- out! Address: national zoo & aquarium Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2611 open every day except Christmas day 9:30Am-5pm #awesomepic #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #summervacation #passionpassport #nationalpark #canberra

#couplestrip #familytravel #canberra #zoo #fun #australia Had such a great time at the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra! My partner and I sighed up to be silver members which gave us exclusive access and discounts to the zoo and as we plan on attending the Canberra zoo regularly (hopefully at least once a month) the savings on admission is amazing! there are so many beautiful and glorious animals to see and the maintenance and facilities within the park are a delight! Highly recommend. 🎀