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From FriendsOfTheWaiteArboretum

The Waite Arboretum occupies an area of 30 hectares between Cross Road and Fullarton Road, Urrbrae in the foothills of Adelaide. The Arboretum was established on land given by Peter Waite to the University of Adelaide, to be held upon trust and in perpetuity as a park or garden for the enjoyment of the public. Planting of trees from around the world began in 1928.

The Arboretum contains about 2,200 specimens representing more than 800 species in 200 genera, all growing under natural annual rainfall of 626mm. Every tree is labelled and mapped. Special collections include eucalypts, pears, banksias, oaks, palms and cycads. There is also a block of mallee trees and a dry rainforest section. Other features are a splendid avenue of 70 English elms planted in 1928. A fragrant avenue of lemon-scented gums lines the driveway.

The Arboretum is adjacent to Urrbrae House Historic Precinct and the Waite Conservation Reserve. Next to the house are several thematic gardens - the Rose Garden, the Sensory Garden, The Garden of Discovery and The Mallee with integrated artworks. The northwest corner of the Arboretum near the main gate has remnant native vegetation, including grey box trees and understorey species.

To take a virtual walking tour of the Arboretum, please click here.