Cockington Green Gardens located in Canberra is a family owned and operated attraction, with four generations involved in it’s operation over the past 30 years. Visitors are offered a unique experience when they venture into this delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings set within beautifully landscaped gardens.

The gardens are opened all year round and attract up to 100,000 visitors each year.

The Consulate General of Oman in Australia thought it was important to have an Oman presence in these beautiful gardens so that visitors can learn more about the history, architecture, culture and civilisation of Oman. The aim of the project is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Oman and Australia. Visitors to the gardens will gain a greater awareness about Oman. Also through Cockington Green Gardens comprehensive website Oman will be exposed to visitors. This provided a great opportunity for Oman to build a greater impression on Australians.

Some of the most striking historical and cultural landmarks in Oman are the over 500 forts and castles, together with its towers and city walls. Jabrin Fort was chosen for the Cockington Green Gardens because it is one of the most impressive forts in the Sultanate. Its history, location, strength and exquisite detail made Jabrin stand out.

Oman's Ministry of Tourism gratefully provided the financial assistance for the project and over 12 months Cockington Green Gardens built a miniature replica of Jabrin at a scale of 1:43 and size of 1.8m wide x 2.2m length x 550cm height.

The replica was unveiled at Cockington Green Gardens on the 9th of December 2010 which coincided with the celebrations of Oman's 40th National Day. Hosting the unveiling was the Consul General of Oman H.E Mr Hamed Al Hajri who was also accompanied by the Senior Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Mr Mohammed Al Lawati.

The Consul General at the entrance to the gardens individually welcomed over 40 guests including ambassadors, representatives, government officials and military personal. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and canapés under the marquee overlooking the gardens. The formalities commenced soon after and the guests heard speeches from the Consul General, Mr Al Lawati and Mr Mark Sarah the General Manager of Cockington Green Gardens.

The Consul General in his address spoke of his gratitude for everyone attending, for Cockington Green's professionalism in undertaking this project and for the Ministry of Tourisms support. He also spoke about Jabrin and how remarkable the fort is and in replicating the fort just how impressive it looked. Mr Al Lawati pointed out that by building a Jabrin Fort model in a display of iconic buildings from around the world will stimulate thinking, and build awareness of the Sultanate of Oman. Mr Sarah was equally pleased in adding another world site to his gardens and pointed out they had enjoyed building the replica and positioned it in the best location possible.

Following the speeches the Consul General presented both Mr Al Lawati and Mr Sarah with a gift each and then all the guests went to where Jabrin fort is situated. The Consul General, Mr Al Lawati and Ms Anne Plunkett, the Chief of Protocol of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, officially unveiled Jabrin fort by removing the satin cover off the replica.

The unveiling of Jabrin fort was a great success and the replica will stand for many years to come as will the memories of those who visit the gardens and who hopefully will go on to visit the real Jabrin fort standing in Oman.