The National Arboretum Canberra has been given the nod as one of Australia's most transformative parks, alongside 12 other landmarks.
A jury from the National Museum of Australia's Parks Changing Australia exhibition selected 13 Australian projects based on their ability to promote positive changes within their communities, Domain reports.
Social, environmental, health and economic factors were all taken into consideration by the panel - and there can be no denying the growth of the National Arboretum.
It has built itself up as a renowned tourist attraction since the area was razed by bushfires in 2003.
Originally designed by TCL Landscape Architect and Tonkin Zulaika Greer Architects, a total of 100 single-species forests are incorporated into the National Arboretum.
Director of TCL Landscape Architects Perry Lethlean said the key drivers of the project were sustainability and biodiversity.
"The arboretum aims to redefine the meaning of a public garden in the 21st century," he remarked." "It is a strategy, a program and an ongoing event, rather than a design based chiefly on aesthetics."
Angus Bruce, landscape architect and panel judge, praised the site as being the perfect fit for the National Museum of Australia's Parks Changing Australia exhibition brief.
"The arboretum is a project on a massive scale, but it has its rooms and experiences within the project that showcase the diversity in what we deliver as landscape architects," he commented.
National Museum of Australia's Parks is marking its 50th anniversary with the launch of this new exhibition, as well as the 2016 International Festival of Landscape Architecture.
A total of five smaller exhibits at Virgin Australia lounges across the country will complement the main exhibition.
Another nine parks in Canberra made the cut as well as the National Arboretum, including NewActon Precinct, Tidbinbilla's Sanctuary, Stromlo Forest Park and the Belconnen Skate Park.
