Beautiful Western Australia

Last night I happen to catch the new show Iron Chef Australia and was excited

to see that they were featuring a WA Chef contestant who runs a beaut restaurant

in the heart of Perth. Sorry I did not run and put pen to paper and get the name

of the restaurant but I know exactly where it is and since this is only our second

trip there as a couple. We were staying close to the city centre and came across

this unique little restaurant that caught our eye mainly because it had a netting

frame around the brick walls that accommodated 1000's of pots full of fresh leafy

green herbs of all types. It was amazing to see. Because we were just doing some

shopping we had a quick peek inside and decided it looked very interesting and

alternative. Something to explore another day. You could see that they had a

roof top garden too, that concept of a country style garden in the middle of a

busy city really intrigues me.

When we visited Perth in May on Holidays we had a great week relaxing and

enjoying some late sunny and warm weather before Winter kicked in. This

time we just pottered around and did our own thing. Last time we did lots of

tourist trips here, there and everywhere. So we tried to find new things and

revisit other fav spots more leisurely this time around. We walked our legs off!

Wandering for miles. The Swan river surrounds Perth and all the pretty

gardens.

The photo of the Gum nut babies was taken late one afternoon on our way

back from the wharf. We had just spent the most relaxing time on a Captain

Cook Cruise down river to a Winery. It was a Luncheon Cruise with wine

tasting on board as well as later at the Winery. This is my type of Cruise, no

packing, no customs, no seasickness on the open sea. Plenty of scenery to look

at, good company, excellent food and a very talented crew who entertained

us back into Perth. Next time we go we will invite our friends who live there

to come along and enjoy.

Kings Park in the central park lands overlooking the water views is something

we love. Lots of Native plants and trees. We got to see the seasonal difference

as last time it was spring wildflower season. The last photo shows the huge

Boab Tree transplanted from the Kimberley area. It is much bigger than it looks

in the photo. In Australia the boab is found only in the Kimberley and the

neighbouring area of Northern Territory. Really something to see. When you

hit the road to outback WA it is fantastic to see them doted along the landscape

all the way to Broome and beyond. Truly Magical!

We venture to Fremantle for the day by trail. Nice new and speedy. Everything

is so easy to see without having to drive. Bus trips around the city are FREE.

Plus if you do book a bus tour you usually get a Welcome to Perth tour of the

city FREE to! The day we went to the Art Gallery it was closed but we did the

Museum that is big enough to keep us busy for ages. Perth has two Malls for

shopping and one of the arcades are very old world English. Lots of old

buildings and architecture to look at and appreciate.

Next visit we hope to Fly/Drive so that we can see some more of the coastal

towns and treasure hunt without worrying about excess luggage! The good

thing about traveling is you can always plan to do all the things you missed

next time and reminisce often.

Here is to lots of happy travels to everyone!

Sue