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Emerald Botanic Gardens - Western Qld
The Oasis in the Highlands
- Free Camping -
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This is a truly premium smoko and overnight stop and almost in the centre of Emerald. What makes it so unique is it is actually part of the Botanical Gardens and there are excellent opportunities to picnic, walk, run or cycle. This whole area is an absolute credit to the local council and others who have "adopted" a section. Herbs - roses - palms - bamboo - gum trees are just a few sections to be found in a walk around the well grassed lawns. Many of the underplantings are commonly grown species such as cannas, Boston ferns, and lomandra grasses. When massed as the landscapers have done here, something not so ordinary can be achieved. Overall this beauty spot is much better than we have shown here as all the photos were taken very early in the morning. |
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Walking tracks are pebbled concrete through the more formal areas, or dirt through the casual groupings of trees, As the Nogoa River forms the left hand boundary of the gardens, you can meander through the various nominated gardens, one way and return via the river bank to see the numerous wood ducks and water hens enjoying a ready made feed through the weedy topped water. Specially constructed seats for children (low) and adults (normal) height are scattered throughout, as well as play areas including monkey bars, swings, climbing stairs and slides, with heaps to keep an active child or two occupied whilst parents or grandparents get cooking on one of the several BBQ plates (with wood supplied and neatly stacked) nearby. |
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If you don't fancy a picnic on the
grass, then maybe one of the gazebos is more to your liking. Another plus
are the extra facilities provided such as the bubbler fountains, which
are set in large rocks, the excellent toilets - these are very clean,
flush, lit at night and are only 100 metres from the parking area. We
also liked all the exercise stations scattered throughout the gardens.
We were rather amazed to find such an exotic rose garden way up the back
- delightful.
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We, of course, had to check out the
herb gardens and found most of the normal culinary types plus several
sweet smelling lavenders. The rose garden would be a must visit when flowering.
Every bush is named and there would have to be a couple of hundred and
not one did we see repeated. Climbers had been provided with their own
trellises and Rex our Border Collie quickly decided that these were installed
just for doggies if you know what we mean! Yes you can walk your pooch
as long as it is on a lead. Many of the extremely friendly locals do just
this very early in the morning.
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As well as the walking tracks, there
are running tracks through the bush - just walk over the old bridge, turn
right and you will see well sign posted entry points. As you have probably
already gathered - dogs are most welcome. Another great feature for kiddies
(and big kids) is a monorail that runs around the gardens. The river runs
along one boundary and is quite picturesque. Refilling with water is a
breeze. The tap is a bit hard to find. It's on the garden side of one
of the pylons near the entrance and is on the pylon to left of the picture
below. The town water is quite good.
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You can if you wish park on the bitumen or on the grass beside the river. Shopping wise Coles is only a 5 minute walk across and up the road a bit. Now we have made this place sound pretty good, but there are a couple of drawbacks. If you park under the railway bridge be prepared for trains that take an eternity to pass in the middle of the night. Duration is limited to 20 hours. Another longer term low cost alternative is the showground, but this is where all the trains are marshaled, so the noise goes on longer, so we are told. We absolutely recommend the Emerald Botanic Gardens. Hema 8 H7 |
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March 30, 2006
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