Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

I suspect Melbournians are most proud of three things. The trams, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Botanic Gardens. They occupy 94 acres across the river from the center city.

The best way to see the gardens is to go to one of the gates on Toorak Road and wander downhill to the river. We entered at gate E.

A Moreton Bay fig which are common in South East Queensland.

The strong northerly morning light made the leaves glow.

We don't have deciduous trees in Hervey Bay so Marianne was overjoyed to see coloured leaves. 

Somebody stuck her snout into the photo.

There is still dew on the leaves.

Nearby tall building.

Inside the William Tell Rest House. I duly rested my tired legs.

These leaves are gigantic.

Government House.

A Bunya Pine. They originate in the Bunya Mountains near Toowoomba. Here is a blog where we walked in a forest of Bunya trees.

We reached the Yarra River. I used to row here 50 years ago.

Path by the river.

If you come to Melbourne, be sure to visit the Gardens.

A walk in Fawkner Park

Fifty years ago, I walked to work each day across this park which is close to St Kilda Road, the magnificent boulevard that goes south from the inner city.

We walked from the top left to Paisley Street at the bottom right.

High rise along St Kilda Road.

Playing fields abound.

This old tree always impressed.

One of my favourite houses in Paisley Street. 

Marianne's favourite.

Playground for small children.

It was the best commute of my whole career.