After the devestating bushfire of 2003 which went through the national capital of Australia (Canberra, not Sydney...), there were large tracts of old pine forest that were completely burnt down in the area around Molonglo Valley. In the years afterwards, a plan was hatched by the local government to replace the area with a large Arboreteum which is really a place that is worth visiting.

Of course, these monuments to trees take more than a few decades to come into their own... at the moemnt, there are mostly small seedlings and little trees... but hopefully in the future there will be a valley full of trees grown back in the place where there used to be so much vegetation...

At the centre of this Arboreteum monument area is the main visitor centre for the Arboretuem, which also houses an area for a restaurant and catering. Situated at one of the peak lookouts, at the moment you can see out from the large windows into the valley and across the national captial. A pretty impressive sight... but sadly, one that is still a bit devoid of trees at the moment...

The Space

As you can see from the photo that heads this post... this place is huge! It is the size of a small convention centre, and there is ample space for diners and cafe goers to just strectch out and relax on normal tables or low tables that overlook the valley. Like I mentioned before, the view is pretty nice!

The entrance to the visitor centre is a long tunnel that leads a little bit into the ground. In the visitor centre there also a permanent bonsai exhibition and outside there is a large playground for the kids!

However, inside, the space is designed really quite well. It is a pleasure on the eyes, and despite the large numbers of people, there isn't a great deal of noise. I saw many people coming up for a quiet lunch or coffee... or even parking on a table and just getting some computer work done!

There are many seats and tables available, so there is no worry about space at all!

The Menu

There are two sections to the eating area. The first is the restaurant proper... and you can come up to the counter to order. There is a wide selection of foods representing the great diversity of cultures that call Australia home... and all of it looked pretty decent...

However, if you are just calling in for a light lunch or afternoon tea, then you can just pick and choose from the display cabinet. A vast selection of sandwiches, hot pies and sweets!

The Food

Now, a dish that is sorely missing in The Netherlands is the humble pie... although, in this case... it is much more of a gourmet pie. Beef Bourguignon in the middle surrounded but a deliciously buttery pastry... wow, this is not your average petrol station meat pie!

Unfortunately, salads were extra... and I did want to keep space for....

....DESSERT! You can definitely have lunch desserts... it isn't just an evening thing.

Anyway, this was a very nice raspberry mousse on a chocolate biscuit (that actually belonged to my girls... but they didn't end up eating it... so I had to eat it!). Pretty good, and pretty rich!

... and on the left was an interesting Taro(?) in coconut milk and topped with passionfruit. It was sweet and light... really really very nice! Something that finished off the heavier feeling of the meat pie really nicely!

The Experience

Lots of space, relatively quiet, GREAT food... and a superb view! What is there not to like? Honestly, I would come here all the time to "work" if I had the chance!

I can't wait to see what it will be like when the trees are bigger and the view gets even more interesting...

Opening Times

Monday 9am–4pm
Tuesday 9am–4pm
Wednesday 9am–4pm
Thursday 9am–4pm
Friday 9am–4pm
Saturday 9am–4pm
Sunday 9am–4pm

Contact Details

Address: Village Centre National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6130 0173
Website: https://gingercatering.com.au/sprout-cafe/

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