Friends of Old Government House in Belair, South Australia, Australia | Community organisation

Friends of Old Government House

Locality: Belair, South Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 417 870 596

Address: Queens Jubilee Drive 5052 Belair, SA, Australia

Website: https://www.oldgovernmenthouse.org.au

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25.01.2022 It's going to be a perfect weekend to visit Old Government House on Saturday or Sunday this week. Tea on the terrace, live piano music - played on the 1843 Warnum Piano in the Dining Room. The Jessie Smith Piano in the Servants' Quarters will also be played. Jessie was the mother of the famous aviators Sir Keith and Sir Ross Smith. We have new Victorian costumes on display, and we serve one of the best Devonshire teas in Adelaide - ok so I'm biased, but they are pretty good. Home made jam! $10 each - includes afternoon tea and a tour. PLEASE BOOK. Send me a message or email [email protected] #belairnationalpark #oldgovernmenthouse

25.01.2022 Old Government House is open this afternoon: 1 pm to 4 pm. The weather is looking good - so take the opportunity for an interesting, informative and relaxing afternoon out. Minimum $2.00 donation entry fee. If you are driving into the Park specifically to visit Old Government House entry into teh Park is free on request, but we do ask that you donate that entry fee to the House. Every penny donated goes towards the upkeep of the House contents and garden,

25.01.2022 Sadly we won't be able to open this long weekend - but on the plus side the weather is going to be horrible, with lots of rain. So - here's the plan; we are hoping to reopen on Sunday 7th November. If the Covid-19 bosses allow us, we will offer afternoon tea, and you will have to book via Eventbrite so we can manage the numbers. It's not set in stone yet, but it will most likely happen. The garden will be at its peak by then - here's a few photos to keep you going. As soon as I know for sure, I'll let you know what we are going to do.

25.01.2022 Here is a photo we found in the very first Friends of OGH Photo Album. The photo shows one of the 3 coaches that we used to have stored in the old Coach House. This restored coach had been moved outside during a special function. Later the coach was moved on loan to a museum at Strathalbyn. One day when we have a suitable covered display space, we hope to bring it back home again. The caption on the photo was as follows: 1988 Oct. 9th, Libby Stubbs and coach outside the OGH ...Coach House. We are open this coming Sunday 1st March from 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry into the OGH complex is $5.00 and this includes a full guided tour of the House and Servants' Quarters. And you can stay as long as you like to explore the acre of gardens.

25.01.2022 The next Open Day is Sunday 18th April, and then Monday 26th April (Anzac Day) $10 each including tea, and $5 each for tour only. Children under 12 - free tour, tea is $5. Gluten free options. (Jam is home made and delicious; icecream and water also available for sale). PLEASE BOOK - send me a message or email [email protected] #belairnationalpark #oldgovernmenthouse

24.01.2022 Want to visit Old Government House? Why not come on Sunday - we are open from 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee $5 per adult (children under 12 free). And yes, we do have credit card facilities. Free entry into the Belair National Park - tell them at the info office that you are visiting OGH. All the money you donate goes to the care and maintenance of the contents and garden of this wonderful South Australian icon. Once again the weather is being kind to us with a forecast high of 23 degrees.

24.01.2022 Despite the slightly gloomy afternoon, I couldn't resist a trip to OGH. Honestly, 2 years ago, when we first started this project, I didn't dream it would look as lovely as this. A massive thank you to Neutrog for their continued support - we could not do it without your awesome products. Neither could we do without our amazing and dedicated volunteers. Thank you all so much #neutrog #BelairNationalPark Speaking of volunteering - you know where we are. We need gardener...s, and we need tour guides. Full training given, and you'll never have to do anything on your own. Get in touch! If we don't have volunteers we don't have a museum, or a garden. And don't forget you can come along and have a good look around on October 31st when we have an open afternoon. Take afternoon tea on the terrace, and enjoy a tour around the House and Servants Quarters. Tickets on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/friends-of-old-government-h. We'll also accept money at the door, but space is limited - so if you want to come, prepurchasing tickets is the way to go, so you are guaranteed entry. See more

24.01.2022 Very happy to say that the weather outlook is perfect for tomorrow's opening of Old Government House. The garden is spectacular at the moment, and (as an experiment) we will be offering afternoon tea. Entrance fee to the House and garden is $5; if you want afternoon tea included it's $10.00. We have credit card facilities (MasterCard and Visa) and of course we will always accept cash. Entrance to the Belair National Park is free.

23.01.2022 A couple of warm days and the garden is transformed. And there's rain tomorrow which will hurry things along a bit. Hope to have news of our reopening in a couple weeks - fingers crossed. Included is an early image of the Banksia Rose - it's covered in buds so will fill out a lot more yet. Our volunteers are doing a wonderful job, and we are seeing the rewards. Want to join us? Send me a message - you don't have to come every week, you don't even have to stay for 2 hours. We work on Saturday mornings from 9-ish to 11-ish. Send me a message if you are interested. Even half an hour of dedicated weeding helps.

22.01.2022 We are open this coming Sunday 1st December: 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee by donation, minimum $2.00 per adult. Children under 12 years of age free. The garden is holding up really well. And note to #SophieThomson, that catmint has been taken out already. (The image of the catmint on the back of the truck is for you). Don't forget if you are driving into the Park specially to visit OGH, you get free entry, but we do ask that you give the fee ($12.00) to OGH as a donation. Whilst DEW might own the bricks and mortar, the Friends are totally responsible for the contents of the House and Servants' Quarters, as well as the garden. There are several items in the House that need restoration, and of course, the garden simply eats money.

22.01.2022 Great news - the segment on OGH garden filmed by Gardening Australia last year goes to air this coming Friday. The program starts at 7.30 pm. It was a wonderful occasion, and we really enjoyed showing off our work to Sophie Thomson and the filming crew. As you can see from these few images, the garden was looking its best. #sophiethomson, #gardeningaustralia, #belairnationalpark

21.01.2022 Up close in the Belair Park. We saw this little beauty crossing the roadway outside OGH. Stopped the car and got this photo, plus many more, along with some great video. By keeping quite still the echidna was moving right towards my foot, looking for ants. I then kept moving backwards to give it space. The experience was quite extraordinary.

21.01.2022 We had a wonderful time at Old Government House at the weekend. The weather was kind; we had members of the Victoriana Society visit us on both days, and we had live piano music throughout the afternoon. It was a lot of fun, and if you missed out this year - well, keep an eye out for more open days at Old Government House. We will be open again for tours and afternoon teas on Sunday 16th May, cost is $10 each for tea and tour, or $5 for a tour only. PLEASE BOOK. email [email protected]. We open from 1 pm to 4 pm; if the weather is good, you'll be able to take tea outside on the terrace, and if not, we have a cosy space inside the Coach House.

20.01.2022 I love my job at Old Government House. I really do. It's not just about the garden. There are still gems to be discovered. There is an old oak trunk in one of our stores, and I pulled it out today. Seems it came into the donor's family in 1732! It's been given a clean, and hopefully we can find space for it to go on display in the near future. It was used to transport silverware. The felt lined compartments are still there - a bit moth eaten but then that's hardly surprising. the images show the before and after shots. It was a bit too dark to get a good shot of the interior.

20.01.2022 I've just looked at the weather for this coming Sunday 19th January when we are open, and again we are blessed. Looks like it's going to be a wonderful day. We are open from 1pm to 4pm. Don't forget that if you are coming to the Belair National Park specifically to visit Od Government House, there is free entry into the Park on request. Let them know at the info office on the way in. The entry fee for the house and grounds is $5 per adult, children under 12 years free of ...charge. You can stay as long as you like, and you get a guided tour of the House and the Servants' Quarters. I'm very pleased to say that we have entered the digital world and can now accept Mastercard and Visa. The complex is staffed by volunteers, and every penny we get is used for the care, maintenance and conservation of the house contents and garden. Like most places we desperately need more volunteers. If you like history and talking to people you consider becoming a guide. You'd be on duty approximately every month - unless you want to do more. We try to accommodate all levels of involvement. If you love gardening, oh my goodness, do we have a need for you. The Gardening Group meets every Saturday morning between 8.30 am and 11.30 am. You don't need to come every week and you don't need to stay for the whole 3 hours. #Belairnationalpark

19.01.2022 We are open this coming Sunday 17th November: 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee minimum donation of $2 per head for adults. children under 12 free of charge. It's been a cool Spring, but there are benefits. The garden is looking as good as it's ever looked since we started the restoration. As always, if you are visiting Belair National Park specifically to come to Old Government House, you get free entry, but we ask that you donate that fee to us at OGH. Every penny we get goes towards the maintenance of the House contents and the garden. Whilst the bricks and mortar belong to DEW, the rest of it belongs to the Friends - which is why we are always asking for money to help with conservation, restoration and garden plants. #belairnationalpark

19.01.2022 We are open this coming Sunday 3rd November 1 pm to 4 pm. Thankfully the weather will have cooled off. Please note that entry is by donation - with a minimum donation of $2 per adult. Children under 12 years of years free of charge. If you are coming specifically to visit Old Government House, tell the staff at the Info Office and you get into the Park free of charge. It would be wonderful if you chose to donate that entry fee to OGH instead. Every cent we collect goes ...towards the care and maintenance of the garden and contents of the house. And on that note - we could do with more people. If we got just three more volunteer guides we could open an extra day each month. More volunteer gardeners means that the garden would look even more beautiful. Please think about it and get in touch. The garden groups meets every Saturday morning at 8.30 ish, and we work for around 2 hours. You certainly don't have to come every week. You have to join the Friends in order to Volunteer - it's $15 per year and worth every cent. You'll get a Belair Park pass, so you can come and go as often as you like, and of course you get full training. Let me know if you have any questions.

18.01.2022 I read on a Facebook page during the week that there didn't seem to be many Monarch butterflies about. If you are in the Park tomorrow, take time to come and visit OGH and see where all the Monarchs are hanging out. We have some tender young milkweeds, and dozens of butterflies were doing their all singing, all dancing routine - great to see. There aren't very many caterpillars yet, but judging by the activity it won't be long before all the bushes are decimated. Don't forget - $5 entrance fee into the complex which includes a full guided tour and you can stay as long as you like. Free entry into the Park on request - mention you are visiting OGH to the gate staff, and they will wave you through.

17.01.2022 I can't believe it - almost March already. We are open this coming Sunday 1st March from 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry into the OGH complex is $5.00 and this includes a full guided tour of the House and Servants' Quarters. And you can stay as long as you like to explore the acre of gardens. If you are driving in to the Belair National Park, ask for free entry. Tell the gate staff you are visiting Old Government House and they will wave you through. All money raised goes towards t...he upkeep, conservation and maintenance of the house contents and the garden. And guess what - we now accept credit cards (Mastercard and Visa). My lead photo this week is path leading from the side gate to the wedding lawn. Our amazing volunteers have cleared out the agapanthus, and reset the stone borders. The path is now roughly twice as wide as it used to be before the aggies took over. Thanks so much to Mary and Steve (and Noeline, Barbara, Janice, Pat and Charmaine).

17.01.2022 Of course, Old Government House and Garden are closed for the foreseeable future. But I did promise another image of the Paintbrush (blood) lilies, so here it is, as well as a new image of the servants' quarters. Two of our volunteers gave the oleanders a much needed and drastic haircut (before the restrictions). Now you can actually see the building. The light that is now streaming into those two garden beds in front of the Servants' Quarters will be a massive benefit. We have big plans.

17.01.2022 Yesterday we spent a wonderful day filming at OGH with Sophie Thomson and the ABC team from Gardening Australia. The segment will be seen on Channel 2, one day next year. Here are a few photos catching some of the action. #Sophiethomson #gardeningaustralia #belairnationalpark

17.01.2022 Are you fascinated by Old Government House in the Belair National Park? Want to know more about it? Did you know that there is a book by Pam Tamblyn called "Haven on the Hill - Old Government House, Belair". You can buy a copy for only $15.00 plus post. Or pick one up next time you are up at OGH. It's a delightful read, and beautifully illustrated with photographs by James McLean. The author, Pam Tamblyn, is a highly regarded and extremely knowledgeable South Australian historian. If you want a copy, get in touch by messenger, or as I said, pick up a copy next time we are open (26th and 27th January).

16.01.2022 OGH will be open 3rd December for a very special event. Book through Eventbrite. https://www.parks.sa.gov.au//international-day-of-people-w

16.01.2022 A very special delivery for us yesterday - Paul Dipuglia from Neutrog came around to drop off a ute load of product for the garden. Neutrog is a valued (and valuable) sponsor of the garden at OGH. I took great pride in showing him our Banksia Rose - when we first started work in the garden, this rose was two or three dry spindly sticks - and look at it now. And I can tell you that Rapid Raiser for Roses, Seamungus and Go-Go Juice had a great deal to do with its recovery. #Neutrog

15.01.2022 The rain showers have been very welcome over the past couple of days, but the damp hasn't stopped our dedicated gardeners. They are working hard to get the garden ready for Easter - we are open on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday for tours and a delicious Devonshire tea, from 1 pm to 4 pm each day. $10.00 each for tour and tea, $5 tour only. PLEASE BOOK by sending a message, or email [email protected]. I rather think the weather will be fine, hope so anyway, so you can enjoy sitting outside. The roses are in the middle of their autumn flush, and there's plenty of colour. AND, because we have been so busy dividing and propagating, we will be selling some of our excess stock to raise money for even more plants.

15.01.2022 Here are a few more recent photos and one old one.

15.01.2022 Sorry to say we are still closed, and will remain closed throughout most of October. I promise we will open up again as soon as we can.

13.01.2022 Great news: We have streamlined our membership criteria, and more specifically the fees to join. It is now $15.00 per annum for single members, or $25.00 per annum for family members (2 adults). Why not come along and join us? It's a lot of fun, and you'll be contributing to a very important South Australian asset. #belairnationalpark

13.01.2022 Luckily the weather is being kind and Old Government House will be open tomorrow from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is by donation $5 per adult, children under 12 free of charge. Every penny given to OGH goes towards the maintenance and preservation of the garden and contents of this wonderful property. We will also be open Sunday 5th January.

12.01.2022 We're back - sort of! We are allowed back into the garden - and believe me, it needs our attention. Weeds up to your armpits in some places. The rain has been very welcome though, and I think we will be in good shape when the weather warms up in Spring. We have tentative plans to re-open in August. We would normally be closed throughout July anyway, and given that there will be building works going on in the Coach House within the next few weeks, it seems sensible to de...lay our opening until all that is finished. I am certain there will be restrictions, and we'll have to do things differently but we are working that out. As always, we welcome new volunteers, and we also welcome donations of plants that fit into our Victorian era cottage garden. BUT we don't want agapanthus or roses! If you are tempted to join us, we garden every Saturday morning from about 9 am to about 10.30 to 11 am. Why not come along and introduce yourself and see what we get up to. If you have any plants that you think could be of interest let me know. We're short on funds and there's a lot of garden to fill up.

12.01.2022 A segment featuring Old Government House shown on Gardening Australia Friday 25th September 2020.

12.01.2022 HISTORY SA OPEN DAYS; Saturday 1st May, and Sunday 2nd May from 1 pm to 4.30 pm. Come along and enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace; listen to our antique pianos being played, and if you are lucky you will see members of the Victoriana Society dressed in authentic period costume. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: by email at [email protected], or message me through Face Book. The weather is going to be perfect - make the most of it, and tour around our gem of a museum. New exhibits on display. Free entry into the Belair National Park when you are coming to an event at Old Government House.

11.01.2022 The weather is perfect!! And we are open on Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry by minimum $2.00 donation. Although DEW owns the bricks and mortar of Old Government House, the Friends are 100% responsible for the contents and the garden - and every penny you donate helps to maintain this stunning property. There's never enough money to go around - so if there is a particular project you would like to support, please let us know. At the moment we are saving for the restoratio...n of a very rare and valuable stereoscope (it's in the Study if you want to have a look) and of course the garden simply eats money. If you are driving into the Park specifically to come to OGH, there's free entry - tell the info staff at the gate. And we always need volunteers. If the colonial history of South Australia interests you, and you like talking to people, maybe you could consider becoming a guide. You get full training and our everlasting gratitude. And, if we had more volunteers, we could open every weekend. That would be wonderful.

11.01.2022 Here are a few more photos from yesterday.

11.01.2022 The garden is definitely waking up. It should be at its peak on 31st October when we reopen after all that's happened over the past few months. We're celebrating with a Tea and Tour event - book through Eventbrite. Tickets $12.00 - includes a beautiful afternoon tea on the terrace. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grand-reopening-old-governm

10.01.2022 Couldn't resist putting up some more garden pictures today. We are looking outstanding right now. This cool weather is the best thing that could have happened to us this season. It's a shame we're not open this weekend, but it should be looking just as good when we are open on 17th November (1 pm to 4 pm - minimum donation $2 per adult; children under 12 free). If you are coming specifically to OGH you get into the Park free - but we do ask that you donate that entry fee to us. Every penny goes towards to the upkeep of the garden and the contents of the house.

10.01.2022 We are open this coming Sunday 1pm to 4pm - entry fee $5 per adult (children under 12 free of charge). Free entry into Belair NP if you are coming to visit Old Government House. Let them know at the info office where you are headed, and they will wave you through :) Every penny donated goes towards the upkeep and conservation of the contents and the garden of this iconic property. The weather is being very kind to us - a perfect day to visit. Monarchs and their caterpillars are everywhere in the garden, and quite a few blue banded bees if you know where to look (try the Verbena bonariensis which is in flower at the moment). #belairnationalpark

09.01.2022 It's getting exciting in the garden at OGH. Spring is coming, and I do so wish we could open up. But it's going to be another 4 weeks before we can share it all with you. In the meantime, here's some Spring images to enjoy. One positive thought - we are taking bookings for 2021 weddings. Get in touch if you want more details.

09.01.2022 We had a wonderful event last Saturday for the reopening of Old Government House. The refurbishment of the Coach House and upgrades to the garden were funded by the Australian Government under the Adelaide City Deal. #AdelaideCityDeal Live music from St. John's Junior String Ensemble, a visit from members of the Victoriana Society, and lots and lots of guests. Admittedly the weather could have been kinder, but it was still warm enough for a delicious afternoon tea on the T...errace. And if you were wondering who made the fabulous Victoria Sponge, and the Jubilee Cake - it was Coromandel Bakery. If you missed out, there's good news. We will be opening this coming Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, and as an experiment we will offer afternoon tea. $5 entry or $10 if you want refreshments. We accept MasterCard or Visa, and of course cash. The weather looks like it's going to be perfect, so look forward to seeing you there. We have worked out a one-way route through the House and Servants' quarters which complies with Covid Social Distancing. #BelairnationalPark

07.01.2022 Just in case you thought we might run out of teacups. We are open Monday 26th April (Anzac Day) 1 pm to 4 pm $10 each including tea, and $5 each for tour only. Children under 12 - free tour, tea is $5. Gluten free options. (Jam is home made and delicious; icecream and water also available for sale). PLEASE BOOK - send me a message or email [email protected]. Places are filling fast so if you want to come, best let me know sooner rather than later. Our latest acq...uisition is on display in the Servants' Quarters. It's a gorgeous South Australian colonial kitchen safe in superb condition. Ask our guides about it. Oh, and if it's a bit cold, we'll light the fire in the Coach House. #belairnationalpark #oldgovernmenthouse

07.01.2022 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Our first public event for the year is happening on Saturday 31st October. Afternoon tea and a tour of Old Government House and Grounds. Tickets through Eventbrite, $12 per person (no extra Eventbrite fees will be charged). Tickets are spaced at 30 minutes intervals, starting at 1.00 pm but you can stay as long as you like once you are in the grounds. Covid rules will be in place, so the number of people allowed in the House and Servants' Quarters at any one time will be strictly policed. Tables and chairs will be on the Terrace for afternoon tea. Here's the event URL: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grand-reopening-old-governm

07.01.2022 CLOSED! Old Government House will not open this coming Sunday 22nd November because of the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

06.01.2022 PLEASE NOTE: The Christmas Brunch scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. The weather conditions are too extreme. Apologies. We spent all of this morning covering the tender plants with shade cloth to protect them.

06.01.2022 Please note that we are NOT OPEN tomorrow Sunday 15th November. We will be open next week on Sunday 22nd November, and then the first and third Sunday of every month (plus public holidays, closed Christmas Day). Afternoon tea will be available - feel free to book as it helps with catering. Message me, or email [email protected]

06.01.2022 Please note: Old Government House, in the Belair National Park, will be closed from now until the end of July. We hope to reopen the first Sunday 2nd August. We very much regret having to take this step, but we believe it is for the common good. I'd greatly appreciate everyone who can, sharing this post so we can advise as many people as possible.

05.01.2022 What a gorgeously cool day it is today. So far this summer we have been blessed with the weather on our open days. And yes, we are open: 1 pm to 4 pm - and now we can accept your donations on our brand new EFTPOS machine. $5 per adult, children under 12 free of charge. When I had a look yesterday I found some Monarch caterpillars in the eastern side of the qarden. Good to know the next generation is coming along nicely.

04.01.2022 Old Government House is open this coming Sunday 15th March 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee $5 per adult - children under 12 free. If you are driving into the Park you get free entry. Tell the gate staff you are coming to Old Government House and they will wave you through. Price includes a full guided tour. All the money we collect goes towards the maintenance of the garden and the restoration and upkeep of the contents.

03.01.2022 Some colleagues and I spent an hour or so this morning trying to make sure our most precious plants are protected against tomorrow's heat. You wouldn't believe the timing, but we are filming on Thursday for Gardening Australia. It's all a bit sad, because the garden was holding up remarkable well because it's been cool. Who knows what we'll see Thursday. Keep everything crossed for us that the cool change comes through Wednesday night as predicted. Because if it doesn't, the consequences don't bear thinking about.

03.01.2022 Sadly, we won't be able to open in August as we had tentatively planned. Maybe mid to end of September, and as soon as I have a definite date, I'll certainly let you know. In the meantime, here's some garden images for you to enjoy.

03.01.2022 With thanks to Miranda Little who shared this on another page: Enjoy this excerpt from May Vivienne describing the natural beauty of Belair National Park in her... 1908 travelogue of South Australia. (Vivienne, M 1908, Sunny South Australia, Hussey & Gillingham, Adelaide, pp. 123-125.) The train flew past Blackwood Station, the place where doctors advise people to go who want a quiet spot with not too strong mountain air, wherewith to regain lost health and strength. How cool and enticing the deep-green woods looked from the train window. The next station was Belair, where the great National Park is. I alighted at Belair, as I was going to spend a few days there at a pretty cottage I knew of, and to explore the beauties of the park, which is a possession the people of this State may well be proud of. On my way to the cottage, the wafting breezes and the birds' sweet pipe on the lovely hillsides, and valleys covered with treasure-trove in the like of flowers and shrubs, were delightful. It was in the springtime, "the merry, merry ring- time,'' when everything seemed glad and lovely. I felt I would have liked to have been up above in an airship or balloon to view the whole of the 2,000 acres of the lovely park; for it had then its most attractive charm. What a delightful drive it is! No one should miss it. The last time I visited Belair I had driven through the lovely hills: passing through them the trees sent forth their brightest leaves, the sweet grass its tenderest green, the perfume of the wild flowers was so rare and delicate, white-floating clouds sailed o'er the blue vault of the sky, like floating mountains of down in an azure setting, seeming almost to tip the hills with silver. According to geologists, those lovely hills are the remnants of a magnificent chain of mountains higher than the Himalayas, which were extant millions of years ago, when even the great Himalayas were beneath the sea. But I am digressing, and it's time I arrived at the cottage, where tea was waiting for me. Next morning I started out early to view the beautiful park. Flowers were everywhere blooming in brilliancy and sweetness; the combination of colouring with delicate perfume made the landscape "a thing of beauty and a joy for ever." The morning had just dawned over the hills in a blush of rose and opal, while the song of the merry birds heralded the beauteous day with soft and gentle notes of joy. The glorious oxygen of the morning seemed to enter my frame and lift my very soul above the earth. From entrancing nooks, silvery cascades rippled down the valley. From one particular point of the park a magnificent panoramic view of Adelaide and the plains unfolded itself. Fresh beauties were to be seen in the lovely park at every step, and the scene compared well with many of the choice beauty-spots of the old world and the Continent that I had visited during my recent tour there. One day some friends drove up to the cottage and took me for a picnic, to what could be a more appropriate spot than Picnic Point? From Queen Victoria Drive, along which we went, there was a most delightful view of the Happy Valley Reservoir, and glimpses of the lower end of Spencer Gulf, from an elevation of 1,100 ft. Coming back, at one of the pavilions, of which there are a great many in different parts of the park it being a holiday crowds of people were refreshing themselves with tea, cakes, and other good things. We followed suit. The children were rolling about on the green grass with hands full of goodies. In this we did not follow suit. Everyone seemed to be full of the joy of living. Wandering through the park one gets lost in admiration of its beauties, the lovely fern-glens, with the murmur of the stream below, which finally finishes in a glorious cascade from one of the lovely hills. The wild picturesque beauty of the whole place was further enhanced by a lovely sunset. Old Sol going to sleep behind a gorgeous curtain of blue, gold, and crimson, sending his last beams over the branches of the tall gum-trees, whose leaves were casting shadows and sending forth their healthful perfume around. The park also abounds with many ornamental trees and shrubberies. In other parts the natural wild beauty of the bush forms quite a typical Australian scene. This splendid park is only eight miles from Adelaide, and either to drive there or take the journey by train will, I am sure, afford great pleasure to anyone entering the fair City of Adelaide. The railway fare is only 1s. return, and if one catches the early-morning train, when "the bright morning star comes dancing from the east, and leads with her the flowery spring," they will be strengthened with such invigorating air, and derive so much health and pleasure from the trip, that no doubt it will frequently be repeated, as they will long for the sweet fresh air of the hills and the general delight of the National Park, Belair.

03.01.2022 Up close in the Belair Park outside OGH. This photo was taken right after the video clip above.

03.01.2022 We are open this coming Monday - Adelaide Cup day - from 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee $5 per adult - children under 12 free. If you are driving into the Park you get free entry. Tell the gate staff you are coming to Old Government House and they will wave you through. Price includes a full guided tour. All the money we collect goes towards the maintenance of the contents and the garden. As an example, we have just paid for a ceiling installation in one of our storage sheds to make it rat proof, and we are saving up for the installation of the Victorian toilet bowl we bought last year. And then there's the restoration of the stereoscope. It's never ending. Don't think that there's nothing to interest the kids. The last time I was up there, there were literally hundreds of Monarch caterpillars and dozens of butterflies.

01.01.2022 Very bleak at Old Government House this morning, but two hardy gardeners were still at work. If you ever feel inspired to join us, let me know. We would welcome a few more willing hands. But as always, there is colour if you look for it. #BelairNationalPark. Does anyone have any spare Hostas? We would love to have a few. If you have a clump that needs dividing it would be fantastic to hear from you. Because of the closures we've had no income for quite a while, so there's no spare money to buy plants.

01.01.2022 Normally we would be open at Old Government House this afternoon, being a Public Holiday and Anzac Day. Sadly we are still closed, and there is no word on any reopening date. Belair Park was absolutely hopping, and, whilst we were there this afternoon, several people were very disappointed because we had to turn them away. We were only there for 15 minutes, but plenty long enough to take a few photos. No matter what the season there are always little pockets of colour. I think we have lost a few plants but they can always be replaced - and there's plenty of weeding to be done, if anyone wants to volunteer.

01.01.2022 Great to catch up with Nicolle Flint and Minister Speirs