Established in 1964, Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum (BBGA) is a 164-hectare community-run Crown Reserve on the shores of Lake Burrendong, near Wellington NSW, dedicated entirely to native Australian flora. Its purpose is to preserve for future generations an inspirational collection of Australian plants for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation.
BBGA holds a special place in both the story of the conservation of Australian native flora, and that of regional New South Wales. Conceived in the 1930s, Burrendong Arboretum (as it originally was) was finally established in 1964 after more than 30 years of lobbying by local farmer and founding father, George Althofer, supported by his brother Peter, and Peter’s wife Hazel. At the time, the recognition of the importance of Australia’s flora, both in terms of horticulture and conservation, was not greatly developed. It was collections and gardens like Burrendong’s and the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ that assisted to heighten the importance of Australian plants, which has resulted in important collections in most of the major botanic gardens in Australia. George Althofer has been described as one of the people pivotal in incorporating native plants into the psyche of Australian horticulture.
BBGA is listed on the State Heritage Inventory – the Statement of Significance concludes ‘The arboretum was included in a core network of Botanic Gardens recommended for Australia to ensure a full range of habitats for cultivation of the Australian flora. It is also an important recreational area.’
It is also listed on the National Trust Register with the listing stating that it is ‘of historic significance on a State level for its association with the native plant nurserymen, George and Peter Althofer. George Althofer began plant collecting in the 1920s and the Arboretum is the physical manifestation of the vision of these native plant enthusiasts. The Fern Gully is of aesthetic significance as an accomplished piece of landscape design. Burrendong Arboretum is of social significance on a State level.’
BBGA has experienced a difficult decade of cessation of recurrent funding, long and severe drought and COVID-19, all of which impacted on staffing levels, volunteers, and ultimately the Living Collections. The Living Collection Plan is currently under review and BBGA is looking forward to revitalising the collections once that is finalised.
BBGA is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
For further information, visit https://www.burrendongbga.com.au/.
