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sun sets slowly in the west
Glenelg Tram - can you spot Ben & Andrew?
Onkaparinga river entering the ocean
ADELAIDE TRAMS..Adelaide's Wonderful Botanic Gardens
NOTE: PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE HIDDEN PHOTOS. I'VE MADE USE OF THE NEW VT "MULTIPLE PHOTOS PER TIP" OPTION. : )
We love beautiful and well-maintained botanic gardens. Upon first arriving in Australia, we spent many hours wandering in and around the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. And while the Sydney greenspace was wonderful, I perhaps think I liked the one in Adelaide even more. It was, in many ways, more intimate, and felt a bit more historic. I remember one marker by a huge palm tree that indicated that it had been planted by Queen Mary on a 1901 Adelaide visit.
I think that the climate of southern Australia, which includes a bit more rainfall, lends itself well to the establishment of a thriving botanic garden. Plant species from literally the four corners of the earth are alive and well at the edge of downtown Adelaide. I particularly was impressed with the tropical rainforest species resident in the beautiful Bicentennial Conservatory. (see photo)
If you enjoy nature, and a peaceful afternoon, spend a few hours in the Royal Botanic Garden of Adelaide. And at some point, slide to the garden's edge, where you can find the Australia Wine Growers' Association edifice. Nothing like a little wine-tasting session to enhance a lovely afternoon amid the greenery. Another good idea is to have lunch at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant (phone 08 8223 3526...sorry no photos, we didn't eat there ourselves).
Directions? From the center of town (Victoria Square), head north to North Terrace. Turn right. As you proceed east, you'll pass the South Australia Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia on the left. Soon after that, you'll see the entrance to the Botanic Gardens.
The park is open Monday-Friday from 8 am until sundown, and Saturday-Sunday from 9 am until sundown.
You can schedule FREE guided walks for groups of 5 or more by calling 08 8226 8803
Other contacts:
www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au
botanicgardens@saugov.sa.gov.au
telephone 08 8222 9311
fax 08 8222 9399 It's always a hoot to be far from home and find a plant or tree (in a botanic garden) that you'd consider totally common in your homeland being treated as an exotic species. : )
And, I don't think I've ever seen so many large trees without a single squirrel in sight.
