Relaxing in the Botanic Gardens, Canberra
The Botanic Gardens in Canberra is an excellent place to relax
We love visiting botanic gardens whenever we travel, whether that is in our own state or interstate. Perhaps our favourite such garden is the one in Canberra. The Australian National Botanic Gardens are truly magnificent. They are spread over a wide area on the slopes of Black Mountain only a few minutes drive from our capital’s CBD. The walking tracks are all wide and easily negotiated, many of them very suitable for wheelchairs or those who are not all that steady on their feet.
On our last visit our daughter came with us. The last time she visited was many years ago when she was quite young. The gardens themselves were also quite young. She likes the natural environment and loves walking in the Australian bush. She has also walked extensively in Europe and Nepal. This time, however, she was just content to follow us around with the latest book she was reading. As we took photos of the birds and flowers she would find a suitable seat nearby and continue reading.
It was a balmy evening and we were joined by several hundred music enthusiasts. These people came in with their rugs and folding chairs, their picnic baskets and drinks and nibbles. They all settled down for an evening of musical entertainment, a part of their Summer Series of events at the gardens. Even though we didn’t join them, we still enjoyed the jazz ensemble as their music filled the gardens.
Outdoor concert, Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Birds at the Sydney Fish Markets
Silver Gull, Sydney Fish Markets
Australians a quite used to having Silver Gulls watching them as they eat picnic lunches, especially if any seafood is on the menu. While we were eating our lunch in the picnic area on the wharf at the Sydney Fish Markets, several Silver Gulls kept a close eye on our food, especially the individual shown in the photo above.
He went hungry.
At least we didn’t feed him anything. Others in the vast crowd may have been more compassionate and shared their lunch.
A very bold White Ibis patrolled the footpath between the rows of tables where hundreds of people were eating. This species has become a pest in many picnic areas. They are not afraid of people and frequently hop on to picnic tables and grab food off your plate. Cheeky blighters.
Some people might think this behaviour as cute, or amusing. For a little child it can be very intimidating and downright frightening.
More docile were several hopeful Australian Pelicans cruising near the wharf.
Silver Gull, Sydney Fish Markets
Lunch at the Sydney Fish Markets
Picnic tables at the Sydney Fish Markets
After exploring the various parts of the Sydney Fish Markets we all settled on one outlet where we could buy our lunch. Hundreds of other people had the same idea even though it was getting on in the afternoon. I guess a place like this is very popular at all times. It took us nearly a hour to get our food – but the wait was really worth it.
Another problem was finding a place to sit down to eat. While the ladies of our party ordered and paid for our lunch, my son and I “patrolled” the picnic area on the wharf. There must have been well over a hundred picnic tables, each seating 6-8 but all were occupied. The lawn area adjacent was also very crowded.
Eventually we decided to “hover” next to a group of people who had almost finished, and “swooped” on the seats faster than a seagull grabbing a hot chip when the table was vacated. It was just in time – our lunch arrived five minutes later.
Naturally we all had seafood. The general feeling was that the food was well worth waiting for. There is nothing like Australian seafood freshly caught and cooked well.
Delicious.
My daughter taking a photo of me, Sydney Fish Markets
Picnic at Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
During our day trip to Leura and Katoomba we stopped for afternoon tea in the picnic grounds at Govett’s Leap in the Blue Mountains. We had bought some nice goodies to eat from a local bakery.
During our picnic I made a list of the birds heard or seen in the surrounding forest, while my daughter caught up on a little reading.
My daughter catching up on some reading
Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW
After our visit to Katoomba we drove on to Govett’s Leap. On the way we bought some goodies from a local bakery for afternoon tea. At Govett’s Leap there is a very pleasant picnic ground complete with picnic tables. The scenery from the lookout is truly spectacular.
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW