Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales
Batemans Bay, south coast of New South Wales
We only stayed the one afternoon and evening in the lovely seaside town of Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. I would like to come back here sometime in the future and spend a week or so exploring not only the town but the hinterland as well. On the drive down the escarpment from Canberra we passed through some truly spectacular mountain country. this needs further exploring. We briefly gathered a few materials from the well stocked Visitor Centre. this indicates several major national parks and other natural features in the immediate district.
The photo below shows my wife (on the left) and my daughter having afternoon tea in one of the parks. They were debated the relative merits of a book they had both just read. I forget the title.
Meanwhile, I stretched out on the grass near the beach letting the gentle sea breeze waft over me. I was so inspired I pulled out my notebook – normally reserved for making lists of the birds I see – and wrote three poems.
Life doesn’t get much better than that.
My wife and daughter enjoying afternoon tea at Batemans Bay
A short visit to Bateman’s Bay
Bateman's Bay, south coast NSW
After our short stay in Canberra during our holiday last year we drove the short distance to Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.
The first half of this part of our journey was through rolling hills and open farmland. It was a beautiful part of the country but it was rather dry because it was the middle of summer.
The last half of the road from Canberra to Bateman’s Bay drops dramatically down a very sharp escarpment. It is a spectacular drive and has many twists and turns with many sharp hairpin corners. I had no opportunity to stop and take photos. It was a warm day and not surprisingly several cars had stopped on the up track due to overheated engines.
This was our first visit to this beautiful seaside town. It is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for tourists and especially those into water activities, especially fishing.
Bateman's Bay, south coast NSW
Australian National Botanic Gardens
No Comments »20th April, 2009; Category: Birds, Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Holidays, Parks and Gardens, Plants
Kangaroo Paw flower, Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra are worth a visit at any time of the year. We have visited on a every occasion we have been to Canberra and never tire of these magnificent gardens.
Set on the slopes of Black Mountain and only a short distance from the heart of Canberra, these extensive gardens are a tribute to our wonderfully diverse and beautiful plants and flowers. Most of the paths are very easy walking but some can be a little steep. Many are wheel chair friendly which makes walking for the rest of us a breeze.
I enjoy the bushland setting of the gardens; you forget that you are a five minute drive to the centre of our capital city. The birdlife is prolific with many wonderful species. They are used to people in large numbers, so photographing them I find very rewarding. There is always something flowering too, and I enjoy getting photos of the many plants in flower.
Eastern Spinebill on Kangaroo Paw flowers, Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Kangaroo Paw flower, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Sturt Desert Pea, Australian National Botanic Gardens
After our short holiday in Sydney last year we drove to Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. We were visiting friends of our daughter. After unloading the car we had a few hours in the afternoon free so we decided to head over the the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
These botanic gardens would have to be our favourite such garden in Australia. On our last visit in 2007 we spent a whole day there. This time we only had a few hours on a beautiful summer’s afternoon and evening.
I had a great time photographing birds and flowers. My wife concentrated on the plants only while our daughter found several comfortable seats to read a book.
Banksia flower, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Flower in the fern gully, Australian National Botanic Gardens
Sydney Mono Rail
Mono Rail, Darling Harbour, Sydney
A few years ago while on a holiday in Sydney my wife and I took a ride on the mono rail. We didn’t go on it on our most recent trip to Sydney. Instead we walked under it so I was able to get several good shots of this transport system.
The Sydney Mono Rail takes passengers through some of the CBD and links with several railway stations on the subway system. It also links with both trains and light rail trams at Central Station.
This is an excellent way of seeing some of the highlights of the city, with stops at some of the main features of interest, such as Darling Harbour where I took these photos.
Mono rail, Darling Harbour, Sydney