Time out in Port Augusta ........

Once the washing had been done and was on the line it was time for the next boring bit.  Food shopping.  We arrived in Port Augusta on Australia Day and so found the little town all closed except for Coles.  We did the shopping and made our way back and spent a quiet afternoon and evening under the awning watching the many holiday makers enjoy the water on Jet skis and water skis.  

The next morning we were up and off early as we were eager to explore the Australian Arid Botanic Gardens just a short drive down the road.  Well what can I say!

The literature picked up tells us 'The garden was established in the 1980s and opened in September 1996.  It was designed by the landscape architect, Grant Henderson it features Australian and overseas plants from arid environments within its 250 hectares.  

Some of the aims of the Botanic Garden are 'to bring attention to arid-zone ecosystem conservation, draw attention to the economic significance of arid-zone agriculture and create a better understanding of the arid-zone environment amongst the general public.'

As well as an interpretive centre, cafe, gift shop and a number of walking tracks there is eremophila garden which has around 155 different varieties, one of the largest collections around.  Bill and I spent the day here wandering along the many tracks, hanging out in bird hides and just generally enjoying ourselves.  

Our last stop of the day was on the way home to see the spectacular Red Cliffs.   We walked along to Matthew Flinders Lookout and took some time out here to soak up the equally spectacular views to the Flinders Ranges and the tip of Spencer Gulf.  Just below we saw the fascinating grey mangroves which were first found by Botanist Robert Brown when he accompanied Matthew Flinders on his scientific 'voyage of discovery' aboard The Investigator.

Soon after we were back at home well and truly ready for a rest after a huge day in the garden.  I think we will visit each time we pass through.  A truly amazing place.  Definitely an early night tonight.

And so the next morning it was time to hit the road again still heading ever eastwards as we get closer to home.

Until next time........