Asatti

The design for the Canyon of Pines: Forest Visitor's Center is based on celebrating the recent discovery of the Wollemi Pine, a "living fossil" found wild only in two sandstone canyons in Wollemi National Park. 

The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) was first discovered in 1994. Cultivation has been taking place since 2006, with the species being introduced in botanical gardens as far away as Scotland.  

The Visitor's Center is built around a new garden at the intersection of Glen Davis and Glen Alice Roads. Visitors drive to a new traffic circle, and park below the Visitors Center, floating above. Inside the traffic circle, sandstone retaining walls create a sunken "canyon" 5m below grade. A serpentine boardwalk meanders across the floor of the canyon, where a grove of Wollemi Pines will be cultivated, making the experience of visiting these rare and majestic trees deep in the national park accessible to all visitors. 

Visitors can also climb a gentle ramp up to the Canopy Interpretation Center that floats above the Garden. In addition to hosting educational exhibits, comfort facilities and office space, the Center also provides deep views both into the garden canopy and expansive views of the surrounding Capertee Valley.