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Exciting news from the NRG: it’s happening!

Home/Featured Articles/Exciting news from the NRG: it’s happening!

Brad Pillans, Director, National Rock Garden

Published in the National Rock Garden Newsletter No. 27, May 2024

It’s official. The National Rock Garden has broken ground and construction of Stage 1 of the garden is well under way at our new home in the National Arboretum of Canberra!

After 12 months of planning and an extensive dry period in Canberra, our successful tenderers Glascott Landscape and Civil commenced site works for Stage 1 on 15 May. The first rocks to be emplaced at the new site are the eight Federation Rocks, the last of which was moved from the previous temporary site on Thursday 30 May. Over the next few weeks, other rocks will be moved onto the site including several that have not yet been on display in Canberra, including Mawson Charnockite from Antarctica and Bulahdelah alunite from NSW.

First steps: construction of paths at the NRG. View over the NRG from the entrance, looking north towards the Federation Rocks display, with Mt Painter on the skyline. Image courtesy M. Cooper.
The Federation Rocks on display in their new home, just waiting for the last two rocks to arrive. Image courtesy M. Cooper.

The concept design for the garden, created by Harris Hobbs Landscapes, features a series of themed rock clusters, linked by gently graded, fully wheelchair-accessible paths. The layout will be integrated with a complementary planting of Weeping Wilga trees (Geijera parviflora) in an indigenous-inspired pattern (not shown on the figure below). Stage 1 sees the installation of an entry feature rock, plus five rock clusters, including the Federation Rocks and an Indigenous welcome feature. Entry will be from Forest Drive, the main access road to the Arboretum visitor centre, which is located some 150 m south of the NRG site.

Stage 1 of construction of the National Rock Garden in Forest 13, National Arboretum Canberra.
Excavation work at the National Rock Garden in May 2024. Geotextile fabric is being rolled out and covered with a gravel subbase. Image courtesy B. Pillans.

The Indigenous welcome feature rock pad is currently being created, designed in consultation with ACT Traditional Custodians. Once the pad is in place, then four beautiful, rounded boulders (tors) of local volcanic rock can be moved and installed.

Work on Stage 1 should take up to two months to complete, after which fundraising and preparation for Stage 2 will kick into high gear. The official opening of Stage 1 is planned for later in the year.

The Hawksbury Sandstone Federation Rock being uplifted for transport to the National Arboretum Canberra in May 2024. Image courtesy M. Cooper.
The Tasmanian Dolerite Federation Rock being uplifted for transport to the National Arboretum Canberra in May 2024. Image courtesy M. Cooper.

Stage 1 construction costs have been generously supported by recent donations from Partners of the NRG, the Minerals Council of Australia ($105,000) and the Geological Society of Australia ($20,000). Stage 2 construction costs will be significantly higher than Stage 1 construction costs and we are actively seeking major sponsors to fund this important next step.

A big rock needs a BIG crane! Preparing to transfer the last of the Federation Rocks to their new home. Image courtesy M. Cooper.
After dark, the final rock, South Australian Oorlano Metasomatite, being placed into the Federation Rocks display at the new site at 5.30 pm on 30 May. Image courtesy M. Cooper.
After dark, the final rock, South Australian Oorlano Metasomatite, being placed into the Federation Rocks display at the new site at 5.30 pm on 30 May. Image courtesy B. Pillans.