Western Australia
Perth and Western Australia
We had a wonderful time with friends who live just north of
Perth, Western Australia – a four-hour flight from Melbourne. We loved their
home just up from the beach – beautiful sea views from their wrap-around
balcony in the mornings. First thing the next morning was a dip in the ocean
before it got too hot. The water was not nearly as warm as expected but a great
glimpse of their seaside life. A beautiful sunset walk along the promenade was
a great way to end that first day.
They had strongly suggested a visit to Rottnest Island
(named after the native marsupial called a Quokka that appeared to be a large
rat to the German’s who named the island). It has been a Western Australia
island resort for a very long time and was fun to see this family resort
community. We had booked one of the least expensive options other than camping
or a hostel, but our friends said “heritage” actually just means “old”. The
front of the cottage was, in fact, tented, and we left that part closed to
avoid any flying bugs that might be around at night. Other parts of the
building had solid walls, screens and fans – it was quite comfortable. One
“nod” to the modern world was a modern bath, albeit out back 😊.
The whole thing was very nicely equipped and had one of the best ocean views
from the Thompson Bay settlement. We had thought we’d rent a bike since that’s
the primary transportation option, but wind and cool temperatures nudged us to
the Hop-On bus. We took that on both days and did a little bit of snorkeling. A
fun break from the days in a car.
We returned to Perth on a Friday afternoon – the local
ukulele night was on at the pier. Our friends are active players and it was
great fun to see a room full of people playing along – a couple of hours of
folk music fun.
We were toured around the Swan River area (wineries and
chocolate factories) the next day and then a quick tour around the highlights
of downtown Perth. That was all we had time for as we headed southeast the following
day to go gliding – a special treat for us. Even though the weather wasn’t
great, Peter persevered to give both of us a ride – so fun 😊.
Then it was time for the south coast of Western Australia (which is a very
large state). We spent a couple of nights in Albany – a seaside town with
important historical importance to Australia (and New Zealand). It was from
this harbor that the ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) troops sailed to
war in WWI – and a famous battle at Gallipoli in Turkey where they sustained huge
losses. The national ANZAC Center is in Albany and has done a great job of
bringing some of those stories to life from the writings of the soldiers – very
well-done museum.
We also had a chance to see the impressive coastal land mass
in Australia that corresponds from long ago the Antarctica which is south
across the open Southern Ocean.
Then is was time to head back to Perth before flying on to
Singapore for our second cruising segment. We had a day to take the ferry to
Fremantle, which is Perth’s port and historic area. We were able to attend Good
Friday services in Perth and also had several opportunities to visit a bit with
our host’s local friends. Then off on a late afternoon flight to arrive at our
Singapore Airbnb home in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Our time with friends on both the east and west coast of
Australia was wonderful – getting to know them better and seeing the parts of
their country that they thought we should experience. Great fun.
Here is Stan’s Photo Blog – enjoy
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