Shoalhaven Native Botanical Gardens

12 November 2024 / Story: Linda Downing; Photos: Linda Downing

Shoalhaven Native Botanical Gardens

7 November, 2024

A small but enthusiastic group of seven, in four vehicles, left Hungry Jack's at Bomaderry for a short run to Shoalhaven Native Botanical Gardens followed by lunch at The Butter Factory in Pyree. This was Valerie's initial convoy run as driver and she was accompanied by friend Narelle, as co-pilot. We also welcomed new members Nicole and Gary on their first run with us.

After leaving Bomaderry we headed first to Berry, then on roads never driven by some, to the Botanical Garden at Shoalhaven Heads: this is a little gem unknown to many people. The garden was started back in 2006 by travellers who brought back seeds from North Queensland and has flourished ever since, being carefully nurtured and developed by a band of volunteers. After a chat over morning tea, it was time to have a stroll around the gardens, which have expanded greatly since our last visit a few years ago. It now encompasses a small nursery to propagate trees and shrubs and provide stock for plant sales to aid in fundraising.

Having roamed around the garden for an hour it was time to depart for lunch. After a 20-minute drive through Bomaderry and Nowra we arrived at the Butter Factory. As its name implies, it was originally a butter factory established in the late 18th century servicing the local dairy farms. During its lifetime it has also been an ice works and ice cream factory, before being converted into a restaurant with views over the surrounding dairy farms. The food was of the usual high quality and we all chose a selection from the daily special menu which was enjoyed by everyone. There was much chatter around the table on the usual subjects, MX5 predominantly, future runs and past runs. All too soon it was time to say our farewells and depart in our respective directions, some going on to explore the adjacent stores in the Jindy Andy complex.

Another successful short run of only 53km encompassing an educational aspect and lunch at a well-regarded quality restaurant.