City Botanic Garden, Brisbane
Can you believe, that in 1828, this location was selected for the gardens? That's really old. 200 years? My goodness. Anyways it took time to get the ball rolling, so they actually started planting in 1855 (it was prisoners' gardens before that).First it was used to see if plants could be adjusted to live in this climate, kind of like Sydney did. If they could make high value plants domesticated, they wouldn't have to invade and own the land they naturally grew on.
Sugar cane and macadamia nuts were major victories in plant cultivation. Because of these successes, the gardens expanded as good things are wont to do.
Being on the river, it has flooded a few times causing the building of an alternate gardens to the west into the wilder lands and making this more a recreational venue in the 1970s. That led eventually to a music venue, which honestly, I don't care, I was there for the historical plants value.
How did I get there? I walked. About 5 blocks from the Hilton downtown where I was staying. It did become a bit steep, but overall was easy going getting there (going back is a different story).
The Garden
The original part of the town consisted of stone walled prisons (which is kind of overkill because even if you did leave, you're still stuck on the island), along with support buildings for health, welfare and punishment.The Cafe
The original groundskeeper's house is now the cafe, which is almost too healthy for Rob's consumption, but I did find adequate food after breaking up my visit by running into a large group of Pokemon players for a global event day that I was invited along for (yes, I do Pokemon Go also, as a weird additional hobby). After a few hours, I was hungry!
The lake, or as it is called, the Lagoon
Looking at the lagoon from the bordering forest
The middle gardens (the most gardeny party)
But apparently it was not the growing season for this particular point
Other areas of it though, we got flowers in full bloom
And one must have roses in a formal garden
The Bunya walk, by the river, to the auditorium
The heavy woods by the river itself
This is the path from the north entrance to the cafe, right through the center
There is some art around too
On the west side is another path, near some west exits (the big fence around everything isn't that inviting)
The house, er, the cafe. A very pleasant spot
They had wine, and I didn't have to work that night. Not sure why I opted for Coke
I had a smashed avocado and chicken something, quite good actually