burrendong arboretum

Detoured here on way from Wellington to Orange. I am a native plant enthusiast so it was very interesting to me. Worthwhile for anyone interested in WA flora who can't get to WA. Lots of unusual plants. Too big to walk, really need to drive and get out periodically

We booked a 3 Bedroom cabin at Lake Burrendong for a week-end with some friends from Orange. The 3 bedroon cabin was $155 per night and had brilliiant views over Lake Burrendong, was clean and well appointed. The cabins come with a gate pass to get you through the gate that day visitors have to pay for (about $8 I think?).The things to do are;- walk across the dam wall and looka the spillway - a long walk !- Burrendong Arboretum - a nice bushy secluded place - enjoy the view from the verandah- go fishing at Eagle Beagle- watch the speedboats and skiers- lots of other things

Firstly we were informed that a zoo is for animals & an arbouretum is for trees.This is a big property so we found the drive / walk option necessary, the information pamphlets & maps were most helpfull. Initially you feel it is just a lot of trees & shrubs. Then you start to find lots of small, unobtrusive shrubs with tiny, pretty flowers. The place starts to grow on you.Every area has its highlights but when we visited the flowering gums were spectacular. Again we found some that looked bland until we walked to the shaded back which was full of flowers. Others had amazing bark patterning & colourful nuts.Fern gully is a huge covered area featuring ferns & rainforest plants. What a structure.Probably not an attraction unless you like Australian flora but the volunteres who have developed this place deserve a lot of credit for the work that they have put in.We all enjoyed our visit but because there is no kiosk on site we should have taken a picnic lunch or allowed for a return visit. Our 3 hours went very quickly but our cafene levels dropped & we had to leave.If you have the time & inclination you will not be dissapointed.