Our last day in Darwin before heading south, we arrived early for a lunch date with a friend and took the opportunity to explore the Botanic Gardens. Named after George Brown, under whose guiding hand they were restored after Cyclone Tracy, the gardens exude a lovely serenity.

Some of the trees are works of art,

others serving as nature’s plant pots.

The tropical flowers are so delicate, I would love to have these in my garden.

There is colour everywhere.

The orange-footed scrub fowls are lucky to call the gardens home.

Lunch was calling and we were introduced to the Darwin Waterfront. Stokes Hill Wharf was there when we were last in Darwin in 2005,

but now the precinct is an impressive collection of eateries, accommodation and activity.

We dined at Il Lido with views over the lagoon

and Convention Centre.

There were some interesting beverages on tap

and the quarter pounder & fries were delicious.

We managed to ward off the heat with a few cold beers.

Cheers! Thanks for a great afternoon, Nigel, it was lovely to see you again.