Perth

Well, the weather has continued to be less than friendly, with some regular showers each day since we have arrived here. However, we have managed to get out and about. 

On Wednesday, after setting up, we headed to King’s Park for a drive around, and a wander. It is a massive park, so much of it in its natural state. But there is also a large area of formal plantings, with virtually every Australian plant grown here. It’s not all out in flower, but still plenty of colour. 

Thursday was a day for domestic activities.  Car servicing and some shopping before our short trip to Melbourne on Sunday night (for Noel’s funeral).   It was also a catch up with an old school friend of Russell’s (Trevor). 

On Friday, we caught the train into town ( a great rail system) followed by a river cruise up the Swan River to Fremantle. Just a round trip to Freo, as we drove out to Fremantle today. They weather was a bit ordinary so being on a closed in boat wasn’t a bad place to be. 

Elizabeth Quay with a view back over the CBD. The tallest buildings are BHP and Rio Tinto. 

A new development on the foreshore will overshadow the Bell Tower on the right. 

On of the mansions on the river. This was sold in 2009 for $58 million!  It was the most expensive sale at the time in Australia. 

The WA Maritime Museum on the end of the pier. The highest part accommodates America’s Cup winner, Australia 2

A visit to Fremantle.

Maritime Museum.  A great collection of sailing craft. 

Street performance at the Markets

Historic buildings in High Street. Not sure why they have yellow lines on the buildings. May be something to do with the whaling industry?  A whale skeleton?  After doing some internet research, I discovered it is temporary yellow foil, part of an optical illusion exhibition to celebrate Fremantle’s biennial??  October 2017. 

Our caravan park here is not far from Perth Airport (which will be handy for our red eye flight on Sunday night).  It is a super busy airport with planes going overhead constantly. They don’t really worry us, but some seem that close that you can almost see what will be served for dinner in first class!  The park is also handy to the railway station and shopping centre. 

On our return to Perth, on Wednesday, we shall have another night here, then it will be hook up the van and head East. A couple of weeks to get ourselves home, with time exploring the Southern coastline. 

Bye for now.