We set off on our Mystery Trip on a very gloomy spring morning after 24 hours of rain, but luckily the occasional shower didn't dampen our spirits.
Our surprise destination was not too far away and we were all delighted when the bus turned in to the Melbourne University's Burnley Campus. The Burnley Gardens, Richmond are a real hidden gem that many of us have driven by unaware it is open to the public 365 days a year. With only an occasional light shower, the weather gods were kind to 46 members on a guided tour run by the Friends of Burnley Gardens. This wonderful evolving garden was established in 1860 and is still used for research and teaching today.
We spent the next hour in small groups having a tour of the 35 acre gardens. Around meandering paths, there was something to delight everyone in each of the different garden beds. There are heritage listed tall statuesque trees like the Queensland Kauri dating back to 1861 and an original River Red Gum believed to be 400 years old. Although it is still early spring, there was lots of colour - bluebells, japonica and some gloriously vibrant red kangaroo paw, as well as many others. I think the wet weather really made the colours pop against the green background.
After our tour, we boarded the bus for the short trip to Richmond to the Kingston Hotel for our lunch, just as the rain then set in for the rest of the day. It was lovely to sit inside and watch the rain through the big picture windows while we were warm and dry inside!! A great trip once again!!
