On the way from Kalbarri to Jurien Bay, we took the tourist drive through Geraldton and were pleasantly surprised as many had told us to give Geraldton a miss. Western Australia has an amazing coastline and there are many, many beautiful spots along the way to enjoy it. Along the highway we had also passed through beautiful coastal pastoral country as well. A truly gorgeous part of W.A.
The Old Jetty at Jurien Bay |
These are made all the more fascinating by the fact that it is a bit of a scientific mystery as to how they were formed. There are a couple of theories, but nobody knows for sure. We all enjoyed the very good Discovery Centre then walked and drove around the surprisingly large area of rock formations. The boys and I played lots of games: hide and seek, shops, dinosaur explorers...just to name a few; while Tony walked around with his camera.
At long last we headed for the City of Perth...well, the Swan Valley, which is just outside Perth. The Swan Valley is a feast for the senses: plenty of delicious food and wine to taste and smell; and green countryside, the Swan river and historic towns such as Guildford to admire. For the ears: sadly, there are planes flying overhead. It is such a shame to have a flight path over such a beautiful area.
While initially appalled at our run-down caravan park we have ended up quite enjoying it . We are in a very handy spot for lots of activities, close to Midland for shopping and just down the road is beautiful Guildford (with the boy's favourite playground). There are kangaroos, parrots and occasional visits from gorgeous blue wrens all right beside our caravan, as we seem to be next to a nature area. And the showers are pretty bloody good! So, first impressions can be wrong, it seems.
We are pretty sure this is the female. (on our water pipe) There were two males seeking her affections! |
This is literally a few steps from our van! Great view! |
If you can't beat them, join them: the boys have become 'plane spotters'. |
On Saturday, I met up with my beautiful cousin Martina, who now lives in Perth. We spent the day being driven around the Swan Valley area, tasting delicious wines and eating delicious food. What a tough day out that was, I was very early to bed that night! It was absolutely wonderful to see Martina and for her to meet my family.
Two very full and satisfied ladies. |
We then stopped in at Guildford, where there was a Family Fun Day as part of the 2011 Avon Descent. We were able to see boats (paddled and motor) coming down the Swan River, and the boys were kept happy with music, a jumping castle, baby animals and lots more. Doing this trip with younger children certainly allows us to see more of the family side of each place that we visit, as well as the touristy side.
An absolutely enthralling percussion group - loved it! |
Monday brought the day to put the car in to be serviced, and so a train trip in to the City. The boys absolutely love train rides of all types, and it was great to see some more of Perth itself. On TV that morning, I had seen an interview with some bakers who had been voted as having the best bakery in Australia...it was a french patisserie, and it was in Perth - so, we couldn't miss that! We made use of the city's CAT (Central Area Transit) buses, which are free and take you around different spots in the city. We made it there in time for morning tea and it was YUM!! Jean Pierre Sancho Boulangerie Patisserie (I just LOVE saying that name) - you deserve to be called the best!
Chocolate cake, with a white chocolate covered cherry in the middle. Delicieux! |
Tuesday we stayed closer to home, and went down the road to the Swan Valley shopfront of the Margaret River Chocolate Co. The boys were fascinated to watch the chocolate being made. Tony and I love our Dairy Milk chocolate and thought nothing could beat it...but this was delicious! It is a pity it is a bit on the pricey side. Nevermind, we enjoyed lots of free samples and bought a block to take away. It was our intention to spend the afternoon at Whiteman Park, which has a number of transport exhibits as well as being the home of Caversham Wildlife Park...but the boys had better ideas. They got busy building with boxes and didn't want to leave the caravan!
The masterpieces..within an hour Matt's was trashed, but Charlie's is still intact and is in the 'playroom' (other end of the caravan). He says it is now an art gallery, so some of what he sees on the trip must be sinking in :) |
Wednesday was absolutely perfect weather so we headed up to the Northern Beaches (in our opinion, the pick of Perth!) and visited the Aquarium of Western Australia, cleverly named AQWA. This is much like Underwater World on the Sunshine Coast, but with more of a focus on marine animals indigenous to WA. We all enjoyed it very much.
Right before our eyes, this sting ray caught a fish and gobbled it up! Incredible! |
We enjoyed the area for a while and then headed further north to the Yanchep National Park area. We stopped in at a lovely little town called Two Rocks where we met up with Lesley and Barry, who we had previously met on the road both at Point Samson and at Exmouth. They are both keen kayakers and it is easy to see why as the area is perfectly suited to the hobby. We enjoyed catching up with them and look forward to seeing them when they make it as far as the East Coast one day.
King Neptune, who guards a once famous aquarium and water park at Two Rocks. Sadly, it has been closed for many years now. |
Matt having a 'bedtime' story from Mike. It was such a great night! |
A wee bit weary despite a sleep in, we headed into the City Thursday morning to once again tackle the enormous King's Park, this time with a car. This made it so much easier and we were able to take the boys to the Synergy Parkland at the back of the Park. This is dinosaur themed and was a real hit with the boys. The beautiful environment and perfect weather allowed us all to have a great romp, followed by a picnic at the Lookout side, overlooking the City.
A massive container ship came into Port while we were there as well, complete with tug boat...which almost took the edge off missing out on the submarine, for Charlie.
To end our time in Perth, we enjoyed another serendipitous meeting with a friend...Roxy and her family were in Perth for a few days only, and we were both to be in Fremantle at the same time! Roxy is a friend made in Rocky, who now lives in Brisbane, which makes it all the more amazing that we should be in the same place at the same time! Say what you like about Facebook, but it has certainly led to some wonderful encounters with friends and family whilst on this trip! We all enjoyed a drink at the Little Creatures Brewery while our boys and Roxy's son, Xavier, played in the sandpit provided just so parents can do exactly that! Great idea, Little Creatures!! I enjoyed a cuddle with new baby Griffin; what a wonderful and unexpected opportunity to meet their new gorgeous little man.
Tomorrow we head for Busselton, and begin our exploration of the South-West. I have promised not to buy a carton of wine in Margaret River...but that doesn't stop me from tasting!! Until next time, cheers from all of us!
Thanks for the excellent updates Tania. I'm really enjoying your blog and seeing all the pics of your adventures. You have two very lucky little boys who must adore this wonderful opportunity. Safe travels! x
ReplyDeleteLove this blog in particular - I've always wanted to see Perth and its surrounds - I'm living through your travels at the moment - although we are off to Melbourne next week!!! Very excited :) Perth appears to be very family friendly with lots to do. Definitely on my to do list. Best wishes. Lee xx
ReplyDeleteOh Tanya,
ReplyDeleteThis update gave me the warm & fuzzies! We live in the suburb next to Guildford (I should have got you to do a drive by our house!) and it was so nice to see familiar things. I am wondering which caravan park you were at? MMmmm Chocolate!!! We go there most school holidays - the fondue is yummy. Thanks for the photos and enjoy the rest of our state. More wine to come down south!