Lovely slower start to the day then headed out to visit to the botanical gardens.  Of course the name of the gardens was of interest for some reason!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Brown_Darwin_Botanic_Gardens

The name George Brown, no relation to us and a fairly common coupling, appears elsewhere in Darwin too. The first watersider to be killed in the initial WWII bombing of Darwin was also a George Brown. Perhaps related to the garden curator and Mayor  in the link above.  Interesting trivia anyway! The gardens were used as a military training ground in the war and were a shambles afterwards!

The gardens are one of a few in the world to have marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds. 80% of the trees were destrited in Cyclone Tracey 1974. Some great shady spots amongst the hot spots! While bending over to photograph a flower, a lady said to me, there’s a snake in the tree above your head. There was. I jumped a mile, took a photo and departed. Think it was a tree snake. The garden guide nearby had no clue lol. Enjoyed the stroll otherwise and variety of plants. Super dry as you would expect but surprisingly green and thriving plants and trees adapted to the environment. No doubt the whole gardens will look different with the start of the imminent wet season. Nice lunch in the outdoor cafe under the Oz Mist fans.

Took a short walk from the hotel later to Lyons Cottage,  one of the few historic buildings left standing after Cyclone Tracey. Lost its roof but survived to become a gallery stocking unique, authentic and ethically sourced indigenous products. The building itself  is  made of local machined porcelainite stone and  is a lovely mellow gold with bright blue shutters. Interesting history

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyons_Cottage

Enjoyed the hotel pool- no sea swim for me, it’s the start of the stinger season here. Carry your vinegar!

Dined down on the Waterfront-very pleasant temperature and delicious food at Wharf One. I had Crispy Skinned Humpty Doo Barramundi. A prized fish up this way and a Million Dollar fishing contest has just started. Catch the tagged one to win a mill. (actually 5 prizes of a Million each). We should be staying so Mark can fish!

Photos George Brown Botanic Gardens

Author: Gill

Hi. I'm fun-loving, creative, mostly energetic and a mother of 3. My interests are family, culinary pursuits (I own just a few cookbooks...), socialising and entertaining, living and always learning.