Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island 31st August 2010

We started off dry and ended up cold & wet! Our first day of miserable weather and it just happened to be on our trip to Rottnest Island. By the time we arrived at the island it was raining steadily, we had several minutes walk to catch the railcar up to Oliver Hill where we viewed the guns & underground tunnels that were built in 1935 to defend the port of Fremantle from enemy invasion. It is incredible how the tunnels were built all by hand without any machinery. My brain left me, blame the cold, I did'nt take any pictures underground! On returning from the Oliver Hill it was pelting down, had no choice so we headed back to the jetty area looking like drowned rats to get some lunch. We saw some Quokka's, one in particular was very friendly, Graham was feeding it chips!

Dinner Perth 30th August 2010

We set off for a leisurly walk this evening looking for somewhere to have dinner. After several blocks from where we are staying and still no sight of anything remotely looking like a pub, obviously we went in the wrong direction, decided to hop in a cab and head back to where we had lunch yesterday, oh no this was not to be upon the recommendation of the 'english speaking' cab driver. He took us to Sorrento's Restaurant in Northbridge, (equivalent to Park St. Milton) where we had a delicious meal of lamb shanks and vegetables accompanied by the essential alcoholic drinks of course. After leaving the restaurant and wanting to savour the atmosphere of the area walked a couple of blocks before getting a cab back to the unit, a nice little variant of what we set out to do!!!

Government House & Gardens

Perth 30th August 2010

We headed out to the 2 huge shopping malls this morning, Graham stayed with us long enough to buy a pair of shoes, then he went down to the pier and a walk along the river. There is a gorgeous little arcade called 'London Court', made me think I was back in London. Here I purchased a chocolate shaped tool set for Graham for father's day! While we were having a coffee in the mall I felt this big plop on my shoulder and sure enough a seagull had pooped on me, you should of seen Heather cleaning it up in between swearing & laughing! I was very happy to find the place mats for Marilyn to match her coasters! We hopped on the Blue bus for a further look around the city. Just as we were heading back to the unit there was a very heavy shower, first rain since arriving, otherwise a mild cloudy day.

Perth City to Surf Fun Run ~ 29th August 2010

Perth 29th August 2010

Just a tad weary with a few sore spots after our mammoth trek yesterday!

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we walked to ~The Perth Mint~ there was great potential to do serious damage to the bank account here but NO. From here we hopped on the Red CAT (central area transit) bus which took us all around the city. It has well & truly lived up to it's name of being a beautiful city. Next we had lunch at the Grosvenor Hotel, along with a couple of beck's beers and tia maria, no prizes for guessing who had that!! So far since arriving on Friday we have had beautiful sunny, mild days with very little wind. We are waiting for it, expecting it will get us before our holiday is over!

Boab Tree estimated to be 750 years old

Kings Park ~ Botanic Gardens

Ovalup Bell~~~~~~~~Mangles Kangaroo Paw

Kings Park & Botanic Gardens Perth 28th August 2010

This morning Graham's sister Helen & partner Peter came in from a farm sit place they are looking after about half an hour east of the City. We ventured out to Kings Park & the Botanic Gardens. From where we are staying is was a long walk and up some very steep steps, a track called "The Kokoda Track" lots of huffing & puffing by the time we made it to the top. We spent several hours looking around the park and as you will see by some of the pictures it is a vast beautiful area.

Perth 27th August 2010

Perth 27th August 2010

We had a good flight over with no head winds which meant we landed 30 mins. earlier than schedule. Been off to do our necessary alcohol & grocery shopping, all at IGA! Now on the balcony consuming same and soaking up the beautiful view over the Swan River. Of course here it is only 4pm, but something told us it was time for a drink!!!

Birds at Dayboro August 2010

Eastern Yellow Robin

Rufous Whistler ......................................................Scarlett Honeyeater