In 2014 we spent 5 months living and working in Perth so we were excited to revisit our old haunts and see how much had changed. It’s still a lovely clean city with free transport within the city centre zone and plenty of good restaurants. We spent a day travelling by train to Freemantle to have lunch on the waterfront and a beer at Little Creatures Brewing.
Scarborough for breakfast was another must do, as was lunch at Claisebrook Cove and a morning at Cottesloe Beach. Sounds like we spent a lot of time eating and drinking! We were able to catch up with some more new friends we met a few months ago in Borroloola and again in Darwin. Craig and Cath – who live in Midland, Perth and kindly took us on a day tour of their local area, the Swan Valley.
This historic region (1829) is the oldest wine region in WA and home to over 40 world class wineries, 11 boutique breweries, half a dozen distilleries, cideries plus nougat, chocolate and honey specialty shops and but for a better PR campaign, would surpass the better known Margaret River! Being only a short drive from the city centre it is a hidden gem and we thoroughly enjoyed our day out with great company.
While in Perth I managed to fit in a couple of shopping days – enjoying the variety of goodies in the big city department stores. John made an effort to catch up with friends from the past – one from Uni days not seen for 40+ years!
Our Perth caravan park was not in the most salubrious area but was close to city transport and quite quiet – in fact deathly quiet! The single gentleman in his converted truck/mobile home parked next to us had passed away in his sleep a few days prior – not that we knew it at the time. Luckily he had left an itinerary with a friend who was worried when he didn’t check in. A call to the caravan park and next thing the police and ambulance were breaking down his door. Once we found out the situation we went touring for the day while they removed him, his truck and the Nissan Micra he towed behind the truck. So sad but at least he was living his dream. About time to leave southwards down the coast.