Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra

2007 Australian Capital Territory trip report #7

On our second day in Canberra we went to visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens. This was another eagerly anticipated part of our holidays. We had previously visited these gardens over thirty years ago. The gardens had just been open to the public for a few years on our last visit.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra

A special feature of these botanic gardens is the fact that most if not all of the plants are Australian native plants. With our interest being primarily in native plants we were naturally very keen to visit there again. On entering the information centre we were given a map of the gardens. The guide suggested that most people take about an hour to an hour and a half to do the main walking trail. We assured the lady at the desk that we would be taking at least six hours, and we were a little over that time when we arrived back.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra

I was keen to visit the gardens because I could remember from that first visit so many years previously that it was an excellent place for birding. While I had a reasonable day with some good sightings, the day was a little quiet as far as bird numbers were concerned. Despite this, it was a most enjoyable day.

I will write more about the birds I saw in the coming days.

Telstra Tower from the Australian National Botanic Gardens