Information
From FriendsOfTheWaiteArboretum
Guided Walks & Tours
Free guided walks of Waite Arboretum are given at 11am on the first Sunday of every month. Meet the guide at Urrbrae House. The walk lasts one and a half hours and bookings are not necessary. Groups of ten or more can book guided walks at other days and times by arrangemen for $5 per person. School groups are especially welcome and special thematic walks have been developed. Booked tours contact: Jennifer Gardner (08) 8303 7405.
Self-guided walks
- Self-guided Walking Trail (PDF, 593KB)
- Aboriginal Plant Trail (PDF, 4MB)
How to get there
By car: Entry is via the gate on Fullarton Road. Parking is available on the verge or in the free public carpark near the end of the driveway.
By bus from the city: Bus route 171 (Monday to Saturday) or 171c (Sunday), stop 12 on Fullarton Road or
Bus route 146 (Monday to Friday only) alight at Waite Road, Gate 3.
Please note that due to the stairs, disabled access to the Arboretum Exhibition Room in Urrbrae House is limited. Phone Urrbrae House on (08) 8303 7405 or email Director Jennifer Gardner for further information.
When to visit
Waite Arboretum is open every day of the year from dawn till dusk. There are no admission charges. The Arboretum Exhibition Room in Urrbrae House is open 10am - 4pm Monday to Thursday and on weekends whenever the house is open for tours or exhibitions.
Spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit. In summer, the average maximum day temperature is about 27°C, but there are often days of high 30s, so a hat and sunscreen are essential. In winter the ground can be wet underfoot and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. A formed path enables wheelchair access to The Mallee section.
Toilets (including for the disabled) are available in the Urrbrae House Historic Precinct. Meals and light refreshments are available at the adjacent Lirra Lirra Café (closed weekends). No dogs are allowed except guide and hearing dogs. The Waite Arboretum is closed on days of extreme fire danger.