Category: Travel

Chinese Gardens of Friendship

Having spent years avoiding all types of gardens here we are in another one and this is something special. Located in the middle of Sidney and close to Darling Harbour you can only wonder as to how they managed to create such an area of tranquility in the middle of such modern and busy city.

The gardens were designed by Sidneys sister city of Guangzhou in China and were officially opened in 1988 as part of the bicentennial celebrations.

The gardens designers have put a lot of features into a relatively small area, with a lake, pavilion, waterfall and a path that takes you seamlessly from area to area. The design is such that you can not see the whole garden from any one point in the garden thus encouraging you to walk the paths and discover the delights of the garden as you go. You are encouraged to take your time and maybe take the opportunity to sit and reflect.

Koi carp swim in the waters and they are large specimens and obviously well fed! There are numerous birds that can be heard chirping which creates a wonderful soundscape for your visit. The flora is a rich and varied mix with the use off colour to add to the feeling of tranquility.

The gardens are open from 9.30am to 5pm everyday with the exception of Christmas Day and Good Friday. Entrance is only 6AD and it will be the best six dollars you spend in the city. You can spend hours here but if you are in a hurry and didn’t have much time you could easily walk the gardens in 45 minutes and not feel that you have missed anything significant.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

I’ve never really been a fan of botanic gardens despite having a degree in Botany. Somehow they always seemed to me to be living in the past and were meant for someone older than me. My view has changed somewhat on this trip, particularly after visiting Singapore and the delightful and wondrous Gardens by the Bay

Adelaide Botanic Gardens are also well worth a visit.  The gardens, situated on North Terrace in the city, opened in 1857 and have seen many changes and redevelopments over the years to keep the gardens relevant to everyone. Recent years have seen the Garden of Health and the First Creek Wetland open to visitors. At the time of our visit the Adelaide Fringe Festival was drawing to a close and number of events were taking place in and around the gardens.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is regarded as one of the great coastal drives in the world. At 150 miles in length it certainly affords some remarkable scenery and views

It was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning from the Great War.   It stretches from Torquay to Allansford

 

The seascape can change dramatically as the weather changes. Increasing cloud gives a much more brooding, atmospheric look.

A short detour from The Great Ocean Road takes you to secluded spots such as Blanket Bay. The bonus is less fellow travellers and the opportunity to see Koala in the trees on the road towards Cape Otway lighthouse.

The Gibson Steps give access from the cliff down to the beach from which you can view the following two limestone rock formations

Probably the most well known feature, and certainly the most photographed, on the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles found just outside the town of Port Campbell. Made of limestone and formed by erosion the power of the sea has reduced the number of apostles to eigh,t the ninth having collapsed in 2005. It is likely that the number will reduce further due to the relentless action of the sea.

The effects of coastal erosion can be seen at other places in the Port Campbell area. From Martyrs Beach, just a few miles west of the Apostles,  limestone sea stacks can be seen. While not as spectacular or high as the Apostles they are no less impressive. Plus you get to see them without the crowds. Coach tours had ensured there were hundreds of people viewing the Apostles, there were four other people at martyrs beach!

 

We drove the Ocean Road in two days with overnight stops in Lorne and Port Fairy, to the west of Warrnambool. You could easily spend longer if you wanted to explore the towns and regions along the way.