The Arboretum will come alive with firelight, food and forest adventure this winter.
19 June 2026
In brief:
- Winter in the Woods will be held from 26 June until 9 August.
- The winter festival will include decorated trees, workshops
Winter in the Woods will be held at the National Arboretum from 26 June to 9 August.
Enjoy guided forest walks and see the beloved Warm Trees, toast marshmallows and sip hot drinks, and take part in art workshops.
With a packed program for all ages, we’ve rounded up five things to do at the winter festival:
1. Stargaze with a local astronomer
Take part in an insightful stargazing experience with a local astronomer.
This 90-minute experience includes a telescope and astronomy binocular viewing, fascinating constellation storytelling, a Q&A and more.
Hot chocolates and organic herbal tea will be provided as well as warm blankets.
- When: Every Friday & Saturday night from 26 June – 8 August 6:15pm - 7:45pm
- Where: Dairy Farmers Hill
- Price: adults $88, children $57
- Ages: Children 4 years and older
- Bookings required via the Arboretum website.
Find more talks and tours on the Winter in the Woods webpage.
2. Learn how to take great photos on your smartphone
Learn how to best use your smartphone’s camera settings with a professional photographer.
Participants will photograph the landscape and natural wonders of the Arboretum, learning practical skills in composition, focus, and exposure.
You'll leave with the confidence to take striking and thoughtful images with your device.
- When: Friday 7 August
- Where: Southern Viewing Deck (near the Bonsai Collection)
- Price: $70
- Ages: 16 years and over
- Bookings required via the Arboretum website.
Find more creative workshops on the Winter in the Woods website.
3. Enjoy a guided walk through the ‘Warm Trees'
Learn about the trees, features and history of the National Arboretum in Canberra.
Walk through the forest with a guide and enjoy the colourful splendour of the Warm Trees – trees wrapped in unique scarves, knitted by volunteers.
- When: Every Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 27 June – 9 August
- Where: Southern Viewing Deck (near Bonsai collection)
- Price: $5
- Age: 12 years and older (carer supervision needed)
- Bookings required via the Arboretum website.
Learn more about Warm Trees on the Friends of the Arboretum website.
In a guided session with NatureLab, observe and sketch the beautiful nature at the Arboretum.
Build confidence in drawing while deepening your understanding of plants.
It's a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and immerse yourself in nature.
- When: Friday 31 July
- Where: Find the 'meet here' flag at the Village Centre
- Price: $70
- Age: 16 years and older (carer supervision needed)
- Bookings required via the Arboretum website.
Discover the iconic landscapes and hidden forests of the Arboretum on a guided bus tour.
Journey through rare, endangered, and significant forest plantings. Hear stories of the vision, history, and purpose behind the Arboretum.
The bus is wheelchair accessible.
- When: Every Friday and Saturday from 24 July – 8 August
- Where: Meet at the bus bay in the carpark outside the Village Centre
- Price: $10 for adults and $8 for concession and accessible tickets
- Age: all ages (parent/carer supervision required)
- Bookings required via the Arboretum website.
There’s so much more to do at Winter in the Woods, with something for all ages.
See the whole program on the event page on the Arboretum website.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

