Detour - Fagan Park

It had been five years since we made our annual visit to see the cherry blossom at Fagan Park, but when the holiday plans fell through, we decided to shoot on to Galston and take the little ones to see the Gardens of Many Nations.







After what seems like a drive through the country for us inner city folk, we arrive at the sprawling 55 hectares of open space that is the glorious Fagan Park. As we'd not organised a picnic or food to BBQ, we headed straight to the kiosk for morning tea.












On arrival, it's very hard to make it past the mammoth playground, with sand and water play, slides, flying fox and a myriad of climbing frames and of course, swings and spinners. There's a tots playground too, so the little kids can slide with safety.

For the first time we were able to access the grounds of the Netherby Homestead (though not the museum or inside the cottage). Built in 1900, the farm's blacksmith and horse yards take you back in time.




















The Eco-Garden is a learning area, with native bees and at certain times, lessons and workshops. With the many signs, you can also explore on your own and learn a thing or two.

We spent a couple of hours strolling the Gardens of Many Nations. These ten or so gardens are set up with buildings or bridges in the style of the countries they represent, planted with the natives of those areas.














There is also bushland (and a regeneration area) so lazy city slickers (or toddlers) can explore the bush environment with ease.













Bike paths ring the vast gardens, and there's a playground at the bottom picnic grounds. For scooters there's a smooth path around the top playground. It's a great day out for everyone, perfect for families of all ages.











On the way home we stopped for fruit and honey at the roadside stall to complete the day in the country feel.







Practicalities:
Parking is all day, $5
The kiosk is open weekends and school holidays.
My personal opinion is Spring time is the best time to visit (for the cherry blossom) and these pictures were taken in Winter.
Check the council website for details
Fagan Park is open from 7am to sunset (6.30pm in daylight savings), daily except Christmas Day.
Check Friends of Fagan Park for Netherby open days




Further Reading:
Fagan Park Eco Garden http://www.weekendnotes.com/fagan-park-eco-garden/
Fagan Park http://www.weekendnotes.com/fagan-park/29010/






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