I think it's a protea

Looks like Protea cynaroides - the King Protea.

Yup that is my thought to Bernieh - native to South Africa. I only recognise because they appear in florists arrangements once in a while.

They are grown quite widely over here too MG - see lots of these in the southern states.

Hi everybody - my goodness that WAS quick!
I have just Googled it and of course you are all absolutely spot on correct and I have emailed her the info already! She will be thrilled to bits as she hasn't long been in this new house and is not much of a gardener - well not in an Oz way yet!
She is a good UK gardener but has re-located.
Thanks very much indeed....so much for my Banksia rubbish....Ha ha!

I saw them at tresco amongst other unusual plants -- wonderful place--

You are right Pamg.....one of my all time want-to-visit places!! One of these days....LOL
No wonder you recognised it Bernieh...my friend is out in New South Wales...and just coming to terms with Santa and Reindeer all decked out in neighbours gardens....in high summer....eek! Must feel very odd for a newby Pom!!!
Yes MG..that IS where I have seen them - in florists of course. Didn't think of that earlier - just remembered them on the Chelsea Shows....but obviously wrong stand...:>>)))
Anyway - thanks again everybody....mystery solved!

it was one of mine Altz. and loved every minute--- the helicopter over to the island was magical ( a bit like the harry potter night bus!) and looking down over the islands set in the blue sea and then all the plants and flowers........
if you do get a chance its really worth the effort but rather a long way for you!

Yes - just a bit....but I have always wanted to go there.....rather a different climate to what we get up here too!! It must indeed be magical flying over to the island and well worth the effort...oh well...I can always dream!
We are fffffreeeezzzing today!! Started off -4 and is now +4 BUT the wind has risen - like big time and it feels like -4 all over again!!
My friend who helps on the garden - was raking leaves for me today - and he said that every time he put a load in the barrow - turned round and half of them had gone again!!

Alzheimer - you weren't completely off the mark. Proteas and banksias belong to the proteacae family; proteas originate from South Africa and banksias from Australia, so five out of ten :-)

Thanks Andrewr....nearly a pass then :>>>)))