Australian Pelican, Bateman's Bay
One of the most unusual sights I have seen was at the waterfront in Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.
Not one - but about a dozen Australian Pelicans were standing or sitting on the light covers in the street. I’ve never seen them perching like this before and it was so unusual in my opinion that I had to stop and take a photo.
Bizarre.
Bateman's Bay, south coast of NSW
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
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
War Memorial, Mt Macedon, Victoria
Today is Australia’s most sacred non-religious day: ANZAC DAY.
On this day we remember those who served our nation in the theatres of war.
For my special tribute please go to my writing blog.
Flowers, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
The Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra are a wonderful resource for people like us. My wife is a keen grower of Australian native plants - she runs a small nursery - so she is always adamant that we visit any gardens open to the public.
I enjoy looking at the plants and flowers too, especially looking for beautiful flowers to photograph. Parks and gardens also attract plenty of birds, and that is my main interest in visiting them. I write about the birds I see and photograph on my blog called Trevor’s Birding - go on - have a look - I’ll wait here while you look.
Flowers in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Flowers in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
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