Jean writes:
Sadly, we came across this sign at the Botanic Gardens.
Sadly, we came across this sign at the Botanic Gardens.
I don't think any potential thieves would set their sights on this plant though!
There were plenty of other beautiful/interesting/desirable ones that they might want for themselves though.
It's impossible to do the Botanic Gardens justice as there was so much variety in the flora.
Lots of bird life too.
The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo - even noisier - what a racket!
The Purple Swamphen. We sat on a bench for ages and watched a mother and baby in the reeds and a father (we think) keeping a watchful eye on us. They walk/run in a peculiar manner and have huge, elongated toes which are really obvious as they raise their legs and the foot "hovers".
Magpie lark. Apparently no relationship with either a magpie or a lark!
Eastern Spinebill. We were told it was a Bell Miner, but not confirmed in the bird book. The Spinebill has a long, thin, slightly curved bill, which is very distinctive, that's used for extracting nectar.
Unfortunately jet lag seems to have kicked in and I had virtually no sleep last night. Hoping for better tonight.
The day started as yesterday should have done, with a swim for me and a run for Dave. The pool was quite cold but after a few lengths it didn't seem so bad.
After breakfast in a local cafe (cheaper and better than the hotel) a tram took us into town and before visiting the Botanic Gardens, we spent quite a long time at the Shrine of Remembrance - very poignant - and the Observatory, where there was information, but no chance to see any telescopes or other equipment.
Dave writes:
Getting around
Plenty of joggers round nearby Albert Park this morning but none sighted in the splendid Botanic Gardens close to the city centre.
Bikers are actually barred but in this particular environment I reckon it's all for the good.
Great to walk undisturbed (for 5 hours!) through large areas of greenery, lakes, flora, fauna, trees and birdlife.
Then tram ride back to hotel on what I now know is the largest such network of any city in the world.
It's even free in the centre of town. Quite rare, I suspect.
Set to test network some more tomorrow when we plan to head down the coast to the pristine beaches of Brighton and Sandringham.
Plenty of joggers round nearby Albert Park this morning but none sighted in the splendid Botanic Gardens close to the city centre.
Bikers are actually barred but in this particular environment I reckon it's all for the good.
Great to walk undisturbed (for 5 hours!) through large areas of greenery, lakes, flora, fauna, trees and birdlife.
Then tram ride back to hotel on what I now know is the largest such network of any city in the world.
It's even free in the centre of town. Quite rare, I suspect.
Set to test network some more tomorrow when we plan to head down the coast to the pristine beaches of Brighton and Sandringham.
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