The Australian Deserts Exhibit is a 10-acre homage to the unique biodiversity and culture of Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions.
Australia is the driest continent (second only to Antarctica), with its interior region, more commonly known as the Outback, receiving less than 150 millimeters of rainfall per year. Eighty percent of its wildlife and plants are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
The Collections
The first plants in the Australian exhibit were trees planted in the 1920’s and 1930’s, shortly after BTA’s creation. Now around a century old, these trees have grown into forests rivaling those found on their native continent. One hundred and three species of Eucalyptus include Mr. Big, the largest red river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in the United States. Walking through the eucalyptus forest is a truly immersive experience: trees shed their bark once a year, just as they do in Australia, and release fragrant vapors into the air from the volatile oils in their leaves. Click here for more information about BTA’s nationally accredited Eucalyptus collection.
Recreating the complexity of Australia’s unique ecogeography in Arizona took many years and even a trip Down Under. Seeds were collected from wild plants, propagated on site, and planted in the garden to simulate real natural areas. Today, there are 1,280 native Australian plants in the exhibit, with 321 different species represented across 93 genera in 39 families.
Australian Culture
Throughout the exhibit are interpretive displays explaining key aspects of Australian culture. The white-pillared Australian Pavilion at the exhibit entrance showcases the Federation Era architecture common across the country, and even features authentic corrugated metal roofing. Inside, didgeridoos, boomerangs, and other instruments of Aboriginal culture are displayed, and outside a small loop interprets the culinary and medicinal uses of Australian plants. The Drover’s Wool Shed, modelled after cartoons of rural Australian life in the 1900’s, was constructed by a set designer in Superior to recreate the careworn odds-and-ends look of a remote sheep herder’s shed. The popular vintage Dodge Power Wagon out front, while not Australian, was the Arboretum’s first truck. The Outback Bridge spanning Silver King Wash was inspired by a real bridge in New South Wales and offers superb views of the eucalyptus forest. Other features include a replica of a traveling Swagman’s Camp, a “jump-up,” that is, a regional term for a small but abrupt hill in an otherwise flat land, and an Aboriginal seep area containing recreated native paintings, grinding stones, and a ceremonial labyrinth.
Views from the garden
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Peak fall color has passed, but vibrant splashes of color still linger throughout the garden. Come enjoy the beautiful weather, the serene autumn scenery, and the abundant wildlife!
🍂 Watch and discover the tree species at Boyce Thompson Arboretum that transform with stunning colors every fall.
Step into a world of natural wonder. Whether you`re unwinding in a peaceful grove or marveling at a bird in flight, every moment spent outdoors is time well spent. Ready to explore?
Happy Thanksgiving from Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Today, we pause to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation. Because of you, we’re able to continue preserving and sharing the beauty and wonder of the Arboretum.
We’re closed today to spend time with our families, but we look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow during our normal operating hours.
Photo by Tim Lee
If you`re waiting for a sign to visit, this is it. Experience the vibrant beauty of fall color at its peak—don’t miss it!
Relive the excitement of our 2024 Green Gala!
We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy from this year’s Green Gala! From the lively jazz from @TheNash Interns, the showcase of our vivid Spiny Splendor sculptures to the stunning moments of generosity, the night was truly unforgettable. Watch the highlight video provided by @Call to Auction to see the moments that made this gala so special.
A huge thank you to our sponsors @Resolution Copper, @SRP, @HonorHealth Foundation, @Event Rents, @Call to Auction, Joseph and Gail Giacobazzi, American Family Insurance, Matthew Storms Agency, Imre and Lorna Kertész, @Latest Craze Productions, The Lester Family, @Northern Trust and Carol Parrott. Your support enables us to advance our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation.
The Arboretum is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Have you found a favorite spot yet? Drop your recommendations for fellow visitors in the comments!
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Step outside and let nature work its magic. From colorful blooms to darting hummingbirds, the Arboretum is alive with wonders waiting to be discovered. Where will your adventure take you?
#explorepinalcounty #explorenature #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #1arb #visitsuperior #thingstodoAZ