Northern parts of WA are just as beautiful as the South West, it is just different. We went as far as Carnarvon. The area is semiarid but gets monsoonal rains. Bougainvilleas are exceptional there, and so are the wildflowers which naturally start earlier than in the South. Yes if one has an individualistic approach to plants one does need a magnifying glass to see some of the blooms (native orchids to name just one), however, with my failing eyesight I take an impressionist's view and see the great patches of colour. I wonder what Monet would have said about colours of the drier, northern parts of WA - red rocks and earth, briliant blue sky and carpets of purple, gold, cream. It is a pity he will never be able to paint it. He had such an eye for colour and light and what is more could reproduce it in his paintings.

This year we are going further North to Broome so I will report what gardens are like there... but all of you from the other side of this great country... come and visit :-).

Mine also is the Dandenongs I just love it there, nearly bought a house there once many years ago but they has bad bush fires that year, and Why because they were not allowed to burn off the underbrush, would be different now though as when I was there this time last year it had changed so much, but still so beautiful.

There are so many beautiful places in Oz but the ones that don't appeal to me are hot sandy beaches, with the lone coconut palm growing in it. Mt Tamborine here in the SE corner is another great place and Lamington Park is another actually the Gold Coast Hinterlands all over is a nice place to see also.

But my favourite spot in Qld is the Sunshine Coast and Montyville and you know why it is just like the Dandenongs in Vic except it has not got Puffing Billy or Emerald Lake but it is a lot closer...Cheers..MM.

I'll pick seasonal climates. I lived in Promise Land, in land from Coffs right at the base of the Dorrigo Rain Forest for a year. Beautiful sunsets! Very pretty, very green, very humid and no seasons to speak of! I moved south due to the weather LOL.
I was in Canberra today, it was beautiful, very fallish, overcast, some drizzle, cool air, loads of colour and falling leaves in the breeze. I saw a man who was bundled up like he was walking down a road in Norway in the middle of winter...made me laugh.
I like Tasmania too, has to be one of the nicest places in Asutralia. But perhaps a bit too wet for me. I came for a wet climate and do not enjoy it anymore. Maybe just a summer house for me in Tassie...LOL

I think my most treasured area of Australia are the sweeping vistas between Southern NSW down through Victoria. The hills and trees are just beautiful. Heaven.
Deb

Thanks folks - it really gets the wanderlust ignited to read your posts. I *loathe* cold climates, but there is no denying their autumnal beauty, and the mountain country which spans almost the length of the eatern seaboard really has some gems hidden in its Wintry grasp. S

Some of our smaller towns can be complete non-events at certain times of the year but utterly spectaular in the right season. The Jacarandas in Grafton, driving through Alstonville in Spring - we've all been to these little towns and its absolute magic when you strike them at the right time.

As an aside, Rocky locals suffered through the first 'cold' night this year last nite - I think it 'plummeted' to 13 deg C. I am looking forward to Spring and the Open Gardens, but I know that the arrival of warmer days will be so much more anticipated in the South. Enjoy :)

Cheers,

Artie

I'd have to say Tasmania(cos i'm moving there soon!),we fell in love with it when we visited,the seasonal change is gorgeous,and i cant wait to see the spring blossoms and Magnolias.I found with a sub tropical climate,it is very frustrating as Tropical plants find it a bit cool and dry and Temperates find it too hot and burn off easily.
Each to their own .
:)

What area are you moving too?
I really love it there. The whole state is wonderful. I have sheepdog friends there. I was down there twice this past year. The last time I took the ferry and drove down the center to Hobart. Every town I stopped in I was ready to move there!
The area south of Hobart reminded me very much of the Pacific Northwest. Qysters, salt water inlets, cute little towns and very green!
I also noticed how lovely every one kept their gardens. You will love it.
Deb

We will be in the Derwent valley area(NW of Hobart),it is a beautiful area,it reminds me of where i grew up in Scotland.

I knew you were somebody special! Scotland is my favorit place in the world! I also have all scottish lines of border collies, three directly from Scotland. Deb

Where the Heart is.. that is my favourite place.

I love the feel of Melbourne and the Dandenongs, bacause of the many happy memories there, also the nearness of such diverse areas to go to in a short time

Central Queensland, because that is now home and I love the weather even though our summers are getting hotter. The 13 deg.C. came on us very quickly didn't it Artie ?

The Ord River area, because of the variety there. Magnificent farming areas which all of a sudden turn into
the most beautiful rugged country full of surprises.

Must get down to Tasmania one day after reading the above.
Marion

I'm going to be a bit disloyal here and say I find Blue Mountains gardens rather predictable: all cherry trees, rhododendrons and azaleas in Spring and then nothing much until the colour of Autumn, which I must admit is very beautiful. Last week I went for a drive around Leura and it's amazing how many dry stone walls are revealed now that many of the leaves have fallen.
I've only visited gardens in NSW, Vic and Tasmania, so I can't make a judgement about the rest of the country, but my favourite garden region is the Southern Highlands of NSW and my favourite garden is Marylyn Abbott's 'Kennerton Green' in Mittagong. I love this garden because of its design detail: you don't have to walk from one bit of interest to the next, it's all interesting and beautifully cared for.
I'm the opposite to you Artie in that I don't like the heat, infact I garden very little in January and February because I think it's too hot, too humid and there are way too many flies!

I don't really have a favourite garden region. Every different area seems to have something unique or special to offer. Variety is the spice of life! Having said that, I can't imagine living anywhere but Melbourne or close to it, but that is more than just a gardening issue.
Cheers,
Dee.

As we all say, each to their own. I could not live in the tropics/sub tropics in a pink fit - I love changing seasons and would hate not to curl up in front of a log fire in winter and there is nothing better than being under a warm doona on a winter's night. We live in a very beautiful spot - Barrington, NSW with magnificent views and many people would think we are in Utopia. But in August we are going to visit Tassie to see just how bad the winters are - we were there in February and the coolness of the summer was wonderful. The quality of some of the soil is also an attraction. Barrington summers are disgustingly hot & humid (5days over 40degrees last summer) and gardening is impossible between 10.00 am and 16:00 am. All the gardens I fall in love with are always cool climate gardens and I would really like to develop one before my days are up.
Richardqld - I'd love to exchange emails once you are settled in Tassie as it would be great to get the reaction of someone who has moved there from a warmer climate!

koeksoetie,
Feel free to email me at anytime.In regard to Cold winters,as my mother in Scotland always says-Theres no such thing as bad weather,just inappropriate clothing!
Cheers.

I'm also keen to hear Richards thoughts on Winter in the Apple Isle - Victoria and SA winters really hurt back in my 20s, but I imagine that Tassie is more like NZ : the scenery goes a long way to making up for the temperature :)

Wherever the rain is falling, right now.

Hi Robert,

Move to TULLY :)

Cheers,

Artie

My absolutely most favourite gardening region is Central Highlands area of Victoria. Specifically that region that can be found in the acre of land immediately surrounding my house :-)