Malmsbury Botanical Gardens

Malmsbury, just a few kms from Kyneton in central Victoria, is a delightful small town and the proud owner of these botanical gardens, designed by Baron von Mueller, who was also responsible for the splendid Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. These gardens, although quite small contain many wonderful old trees, and must be a delight to the local residents throughout the year. Although we were there on a wet, winter's day, we could see what an asset they are to this tiny town.

Rocks, rocks and yet more rocks

I'm sure that farming in this type of country must be quite a challenge, but the country around Lancefield, Victoria. is fascinating with these huge outcrops of large white rocks.

Still south and still happy

This is the twelfth day of our Victorian holiday, and despite rain EVERY day, we've had a great time.

We've explored many central Victorian towns which, although in the depths of winter with dark clouds and bare trees, have a certain cosiness about them and the sure prospect of Spring and Summer beauty.

We've met and enjoyed the company of Blog friends - "hello and thank you, Lee-ann (and Rob), and Susan (and four-legged friends)" - and longtime friends whom we hadn't seen for several years, plus family members, and greatly appreciated their always generous hospitality.

Of course, I must not overlook the original purpose of the trip, to see 'The Elixir of Love' in Melbourne, where we also met other friends for the first time face-to-face.

The production was highly entertaining - beautiful singing, great acting and very amusing. Wonderful. I'm sure we'll enjoy the final night just as much, if not more, on Wednesday.

Oh yes, I have also taken 'one or two' photos which I will post when I return home at the end of this week.

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'Tis Time...

... to pack our bags and head south once more.

We will spend a week at Kyneton, north of Melbourne,

from where we can explore many of the beautiful old towns of central Victoria,

catch up with old friends,

and hopefully take lots of photos.

At the end of the week,

we'll head down to Melbourne and spend a few days with my sister,

see some other folk, and if I'm really honest,

on the Sunday attend the prime reason for the trip,

a matinee performance of Donizetti's 'The Elixir of Love',

with a superb cast, including

David Hobson, Roger Lemke and Antionette Halloran.

After almost a year of waiting,

all reports are that it will be worth the wait.
(are you all ready, Catsmum?)

So, folks, take care of yourselves wherever you are,

and we'll be back sometime in the next couple of weeks.

David Hobson as Nemorino in 'Elixir'