We arrived just before 11 and our car was buzzed through the big ol' iron gates at the start of the sweeping driveway.
Our kids were blown away by the automatic gates opening by themselves and to be honest, we could have turned around and gone home right there and then - they were so happy with our outing so farπ
We were greeted by the lovely AnnMaree and her menagerie of critters great and small, feathered and furry, loud and quiet. She introduced us to the gang - Sylvie the pig, Bullwinkle the calf, Archie the pony, Belvedere the turkey and their numerous paddock pals and told us about the property and the self-guided walk we were doing.
We finished eating our apples and handed the cores over to Sylvie, Archie and this very odd looking pony. π
Annmaree gave us a map and pointed us off towards the sea. "See you in a couple of hours", we said. And off we went, down the stone steps of the Orchard Terraces, through the Vineyard and Walled Garden.
I could feel someone watching me as I walked and spied a couple of faces peering at me from behind a log. They were part of the property's mob of 6 rare albino kangaroos.
Dad was not far away from Mum and Joey.
A flurry of flying fur came barreling towards us, before screeching to a halt at my feet. It was the meet and greet crew checking on our progress/hoping for a quick game of fetch with the stick they had brought down with them. How could you refuse these two cuties?
At the bottom of garden, the path took us around Palm Lake...
...where a few golf clubs and balls allowed for a quick swing across the water to a hole on the other side.
Past the bountiful vegie patch, where even my food nemesis - the brussels sprout - actually looked good. I loathe these little green balls of bitterness so much, I did not even know that they grew in a bunch on a stalk like this. I shall continue to loathe them, despite this momentary distraction.
The next section of terraced garden was made for slow wandering.
For taking time to smell the roses...
...for pirouetting in the sunshine...
...for reading a book on the lush lawn...
...and for stacking rocks under a shady palm.
Further up the hill, the views stretch out for days. The Sorrento-Queenscliff Ferry could be seen chugging its way across the water and the dark peaks of the You Yangs were visible as they rose on the other side of the bay.
A family of 3 Wedge Tailed Eagles soared above us as we walked.
...and it was lovely to feel the warm sun on our face and the sea breeze in our hair.
A hairy coo, some kangaroos, a sensational view...
...and a game of peek-a-moo with this mum of two.
The lovely old timber barns and stone arbors added to the beauty of the place.
In the cool shade of the Ferny Creek track, we met some interesting inhabitants...
...and a few more cuddly ones on the way back to the car.
I took approximately *5,345 photos on my visit and I'm sure you will do the same. It's a lovely place to spend a couple of hours on your day off. With the changing of the seasons, the gardens will be probably even more vibrant as the Spring blooms come to life.
*not even joking
What: Panorama Garden Estate
Where: Boneo
When: Wed - Sun via online booking
Why: gardens, views
How much: $30
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