Week 2 June 2001: This week we went to Sydney to attend another wedding. Unlike last time the weather was perfect. When we drive to Sydney we use the Thunderbolt’s Way that passes through grazing country on the Tablelands and then beautiful forested areas as the coastal plain is approached.
We stopped for lunch at the Hunter Regional Botanic Garden north of Newcastle. This is one of New South Wale’s horticultural treasures and is home to many interesting native and exotic plants. There is a Grevillea garden containing species from all over Australia. Grevillea mollis was one species that caught our attention. This tall shrub has soft foliage and red flowers. Its home is Gibraltar Range National Park near Glen Innes on the Northern Tablelands. This is a rare Grevillea with great horticultural potential.
On Sunday went to Taronga Zoo. Travelled from Parramatta, by ferry, down the river to Circular Quay. An interesting trip that shows how the river environment has changed over the years. Paths and cycle ways have proliferated and river water quality has improved as riverside industries have cleaned up their acts.
From Circular Quay we took another ferry trip across the Harbour to the Zoo. It was heartening to see large areas of bushland still fringe the Harbour. Most of these areas were Defence property and are now incorporated in Sydney Harbour National Park.
Taronga Zoo has also improved over the years. Hectares of concrete cages have been replaced by more natural surroundings.
During our stay in Sydney we visited Popran National Park near Gosford north of Sydney. A beautiful Hawkesbury Sandstone Park bulging at the seams with beautiful Australian plants.
Back home after a week away. A few plants have suffered minor frost damage. 9.5 mm of rain this week.