Mount Tomah Botanic Garden

Number 3 Map 1A Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail Maps

The following post was written by my 16 year old son Will and all photos were taken by him.

 

As we drive to the Botanic Garden located at Mount Tomah, the sheer wall of rock and plant-life beside me is a complete blur, I wind down the car window and a fresh, cool stream of air hits my face.

 

We arrive at the car park and I step out of the car, from this moment on I become increasingly aware of the winter temperatures that are to be experienced in the Blue Mountains.  The sundial in the courtyard outside the visitors centre tells us that it is just past 11. The sun is high in the sky yet the cold still numbs my fingers. We start down a rainforest path with many bright coloured Asian plants lining the way. There is a tree with bright red translucent berries; they seem to glow in the sunlight. I stop and take a few shots of this sensation.

 

As we emerge from the path from a flight of mossy stairs I remember the days spent in these secret pathways and groves on the treasure hunts run by the Garden.

We make our way down to the main section of the gardens, below the balcony that overlooks the valleys and peaks around Mount Tomah. The ponds are still and illuminated by the sun, which makes for some good shots of reflections. Fish swim swiftly in the water and birds whistle into the breeze. There is a vast plethora of colours ranging from the deepest reds to the lightest blues.

We walk further until we reach a large lawn. There is a little hut in front of us, and a small forested area behind us. At this point we have been walking and observing the beautiful landscape for almost an hour. We decide to walk back. As we stroll towards the visitors centre we spot an Eastern Yellow-breasted Robin. It shoots us an inquisitive look and then proceeds to mill around the forest floor. The bird seems to be a natural-born model, strutting around and looking up at us despite the shutter clicks that emanate from our cameras.

 As we walk back up to the balcony, I look out over the gardens and admire the scenic beauty that they hold. I see the bright sun in the sky lighting up the ponds and flowers and pathways. An hour in the gardens at Mt Tomah truly is one to behold.

We leave Mount Tomah with many photos and a vivid memory under our belts. 

 

Mount Tomah Botanic Garden

Bells Line of Road via Bilpin NSW  02 4567 2154

www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

Please visit the  Hawkesbury Harvest website

 

Comments

[Gen Oomens]

Outstanding. It's top marks from me for structure, style and content. Well done, Will. G x

[Ulrike]

Wow, Mary, what a talented son you have! Congratulations to Will on the lovely photos and great writing.

[Melinda]

Stunning photos Will! And a very well done post to go with it as well!