Day 3 - Botanical Gardens and Paramatta


It was again cool and a little wet when we went out.  We caught a tram to Circular Quay and went to the Botanical Gardens.

There was a massive cruise ship in Sydney Harbour - Carnival Splendor - so lots of passengers roaming about.  The Botanical Gardens are huge so we only saw a part of it.  They are very well kept and free to enter. We did see quite a few birds including lots of Kookaburras.  The Merlin App doesnt work well here.  I get a message saying that it is only anle to identify 20% of birds in this area.  So i am relying on Google Lens for identification.

We tried to get a coffee at the cafe but the queue was huge so we just sat down and watched the ibis birds scavenging food from the tables.   2 American ladies, from the cruise ship, brought some meat pies and sat down outside to eat them.  There was suddenly a lot of noise and a few screams and one of the ibis had managed to lift the whole pie off the plate and onto the floor where it was joined by lots of ibis and other birds all trying to get their share.  The lady looked on helplessly. 😂

Model Anteater and ants

Small lake and monument

Large lake - some very big fish in here

Ibis waiting for food

Paul with Ibis

Cocktail - one of many.  Very noisy

Cockatoo

Very old tree - fenced off due to danger of falling branches

Bird of Paradise flower

Kookaburra

Traditional Rock Garden

Red flowered tree at side of rock garden

Government House


We came back via the Opera House and I walked around the building while Paul had a rest.  We continued to the ferry terminal where we saw a parrot. Called a Rainbow Lorikeet, in a tree. We then caught the ferry to Paramatta which is where I stayed on work visits to Sydney.  The weather improved while on the ferry.

Rainbow Lorikeet in Jacaranda tree


Opera House from a different angle


After arriving we walked along the Paramatta River and on to the park. 


Crested Pigeon

The Paramatta River


Heron at side of river

Huge flock of noisy Cockatoos

Jacaranda trees 

Jacaranda tree 



Old Governors House

Paramatta River flowing through park

Water Skink on the steps in park.

Cockatoo

Masked Lapwing


Gates to Paramatta Park

We left the park and walked into the town.  It was very quiet and has been heavily redeveloped since I was last here.  

Paramatta Clock Tower

Paramatta Town Hall

Paramatta church

We got the train back to the hotel and packed ready to leave for Cairns the following morning.





















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