"Once Upon a (second) Time ...."

(blogger seems intent upon either devouring the photos or squeezing out the comments - maybe I'll have another go tomorrow!!!)

Hunter Valley Gardens

In the heart of the Hunter Valley wine growing area of New South Wales is a newly established garden. The garden stretches over 25 hectares and has 12 themed garden rooms, each one reflecting a different style which has been influenced by gardens from around the world. The design vision comes from Bill Roche and his family who form the Australian-owned company Roche Group and the garden has been constructed within the last decade.

Farewell Townsville from Castle Hill

Castle Hill and Mt Stuart dominate the skyline around Townsville, towering over the city. Prior to heading to the airport to begin our journey home, Tanya kindly drove us (she didn't make us walk) to the top of Castle Hill for a panoramic view of this lovely city.

1. Magnetic Island.

2. Over the city and the wharf.

3. Harbour views.

4.

5. Looking north towards Thuringowa.

6. Castle Hill.

7. Side view gives an indication of how overwhelming this hill is.

8. Queens Gardens.

9. City towards the south-west (I think).

10. And again ..

11. Almost in the clouds!

12. "Do you really have to take my photo?"

13. Townsville Airport.

Queens Gardens, Townsville

Queens Gardens are yet another delightful spot in this Northern Queensland city.

1. Some trees just don't know when enough is enough.

2. This Pandanus Palm is not being propped up by poles, as I thought at first glance. They are roots growing in reverse - shoot from the trunk and then grow down and embed themselves in the earth.

3.

4. The endless variety of flora is inspiring, even to the tree-smothering creepers.

5.

6. Massive fig tree literally raining aerial roots.

7.

8.

9.

10. Up the garden path to Castle Hill.

11.

12. The welcoming shade.

The Strand, Townsville

The Strand, along the waterfront in Townville, is a credit to town planners and the City Council - see The Strand This 2.2klm stretch of lawns, gardens, pathways, restaurants, pools and fun activities for the whole family is a year-round delight for the locals and visitors alike.

1. Water jets and sprays on a flat non-slip surface create a great place to cool off in safety.

2. One of several 'little challenges' for athletically minded youngsters.

3. View of Castle Hill.

4. For several months each year swimming in the sea along the Qld coast (and much of northern Australia) is dangerous due to the presence of a variety of jellyfish, several of which may be lethal. The white rectangle below supports a 'stinger net', designed to keep out the majority of these hazards. However, some will still slip through the netting or get washed over the top in heavy seas, so the presence of several fully protected pools makes swimming much more pleasurable. [I can already hear bloggers saying, "What, Jellyfish AND spiders and snakes in Australia?]

5. One of several beautiful enclosed pools.

6. View down The Strand from Kissing Point.

7. See #5

8. Plenty of grass for sunbaking (if you are that way inclined) without the irritation of sand.

9. See#8

10. Well maintained play equipment for children.

11. Even play areas for 'bigger children' - adults.

12. Fun and exercise for all.

(Tanya - please feel free to make corrections where necessary. After all, this is your home town I'm writing about.)

This and That, Here and There, in North Queensland

When I took these photos I KNEW I was going to remember where they were taken, BUT of course I DON'T. Suffice to say they were all taken in the vicinity of the Atherton Tablelands.

(Dear Tanya has now come to the rescue by identifying these locations a little more accurately)

1. 'The Long and Winding Road ...'

(Between Mt Hypipamee and Malanda.)

2. "Come on, stir yourselves. It's milking time."

(Near Mittaa Mittaa Falls)

3. This photo and the first one were taken on the road to a famous Dairy, specialising in cheeses and yoghurts. At least, I'm told that that is the case - we were there too early and didn't want to wait 30 minutes until it opened.

(See #1)

4. Bananas

(Near Lake Eacham, where we stayed)

5. "The rest of my ostrich body is lying down in the mud, and I'm darned if I'm going to stand up just to have my photo taken by another 'old bird'."

(See #4)

6. Turtles

(TURTLES at Malanda) - thank you for the correction.

7. (Dinner Falls, Mt Hypipamee National Park)

8. The Chauffeur and her Dad.

(See #7)

9. Rapidly 'disappearing' countryside ahead of the next rain squall.

(Maybe near Mungalli Creek [the dairy]) I actually think #1&3 were near Mungalli Creek.)

10. (See above)

11. (See above)

12. Banana plantation

(Near Mungalli Creek)

13. Tea plantation

(Nucifora Tea Plantation, near Mungalli Creek)

Thank you, Tanya. It's always better to get information from a 'local', even if that local is a couple of hundred klm away.