Set on a hill side on the fringes of Canberra, these wonderful gardens contain an extensive scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia.

The gardens cover a very large area and for those interested in natives it is easy to spend a full day taking paths and trails to all parts of the grounds. For those with less time, a walk along the main path loop will take you past many of the important and interesting species.

Before you set off pick up an 'In Flower this Week' brochure from the Visitors Centre.  It is written by a volunteer who has chosen a walk that includes an interesting selection of flowers currently in bloom.  Follow the map and look for markers with a Flower of the Week number that correspond to details about the plant in the brochure.

For those who prefer a guided walk these leave the Visitors Centre at 11am and 2pm and take about 1 hour. If you are feeling energetic then there is a 90 minute return walk with a steep climb to Black Mountain Summit.  There are also open mini bus trips with accompanying commentary for those less able to walk longer distances.

The main path takes visitors around the edge of the Rainforest Gully and those who don't wish to take the steps down the the bottom of the gully can still enjoy the feel of the rainforest as they pass the upper storeys of some of the towering trees, including some huge eucalypts and acacia.

The path continues on towards the Rock Garden, don't miss the wonderful example of Grevillea 'Poorinda Royal Mantle' and many unusual Acacia, Grevillea and Eremophila.

The main path then crosses the Eucalypt Lawn where the elegantly mature trees offer a shady spot to rest for a while or picnic and in the late afternoon you may well share the lawn with a group of kangaroos nibbling away at the grass.

On the other side of the Eucalypt Lawn, the Red Centre Garden gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the very distinct colours and unique flora of Central Australia.

Close by are several tropical greenhouses, they are small but contain some exquisite specimens, don't miss the Dendrobium speciosum in spring and the spectacular red fluffy flower of Syzygium wilsonii.

The Main Path then winds its way through an area containing many specimens native to the Sydney region and then onto areas planted with Grevillea, Banksia and Proteaceae. 

The path winds down towards the Cafe where you can sit inside or on the patio and enjoy well earned refreshments.

All in all this is a first class garden to visit for the keen botanist, fan of Australian Native plants, everyday home gardener or you are just in search of a peaceful and relaxing walk amongst some fascinating plants and plantings.

And although we refer to it as Canberra Botanic Gardens, it is of course our National exhibit, the Australian National Botanic Gardens (it just happens to be in the nation's capital).