Waite Arboretum

Waite Arboretum

The Waite Arboretum, established in 1928, comprises 30 hectares of 2,500 labelled trees and shrubs from all over the world grown under natural rainfall. The Arboretum is located just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Adelaide. Special collections include Eucalypts (over 350 species), Pears (26), Oaks (38), Acacias (50), Banksias (50), Hakeas (60) with palms and cycads along an attractive watercourse. The adjacent Urrbrae House Historic Precinct comprises a beautiful bluestone residence which is open to the public, a magnificent Rose Garden and the Coach House Museum which houses scientific displays. Free guided tours are held the first Sunday of every month. The Waite Arboretum has achieved international recognition for the merit of its collection. The Waite Arboretum is listed on the National Estate & State Heritage Registers.

Address: 
The University of Adelaide - Waite Campus, Fullarton Road, Urrbrae, SA
Tel: 
0883037405
Hours: 
daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: 
free
Facilities: 
Café/bistro on campus, guided tours, brochure, quarterly lectures, interpretive display in Urrbrae House, quarterly lectures, limited wheelchair access (to part only), sculpture, watercourse
Collection: 
2,500 labelled trees and shrubs from all over the world, grown under natural rainfall (625mm). Established in 1928.

Items

Tree

Pyrus pyraster

Pyrus pyraster
Creator:
Photo: J. Gardner, 1988
Description:
One of the 20 species of ornamental pear trees in the Waite Arboretum. Planted 1972
Date:
1972
Item Id Number:
#202

Tree

Eucalyptus microcarpa

Eucalyptus microcarpa
Creator:
Photo: J. Gardner, 1988
Description:
Magnificent specimen which pre-dates white settlement. Part of the Waite Arboretum Eucalypt collection. Part of the remnant 'Black Forest Flora' indigenous to the Adelaide Plains, but poorly conserved elsewhere. The flora is being restored with the regeneration of understorey plants.
Item Id Number:
#1621

Adelaide

Tree

Eucalyptus 'Urrbrae Gem' planted 1936

Eucalyptus 'Urrbrae Gem' planted 1936
Creator:
Photo: J. Gardner, 1987
Description:
A unique hybrid discovered at the Waite Arboretum. Part of the Eucalypt collection (800 Eucalypts representing about 360 species). Attempts are under way to propagate this specimen by tissue culture and grafting.
Date:
1936
Item Id Number:
#1867

Adelaide, South Australia

Shrub

Banksia 'Waite Orange'

Banksia 'Waite Orange'
Creator:
Photo: J. Gardner
Description:
Part of the Waite Arboretum Banksia collection, planted in 1992.
Date:
1992
Item Id Number:
#1320

New cultivar developed at the Waite Campus by Prof. Margaret Sedgley. One of 50+ species of banksias in the Arboretum.

Tree

Avenue of sugar gums Eucalyptus Cladocalyx

Avenue of sugar gums Eucalyptus Cladocalyx
Creator:
Photo: J. Gardner, 1988
Description:
Avenue planted in 1877 by Peter Waite, prominent pastoralist and businessman who gave his estate to the University of Adelaide for teaching and research in agriculture, botany and related fields. At the entrance to the Waite Arboretum. The foothills of Adelaide are in the background.
Date:
1877