This is a beautiful...and huge...park area that has some nice views of Perth and the Swan River. Being such a gorgeous summer day...32 degrees today...we took a little wander around the immediate area. We saw the eternal flame and war memorial...very nicely done.
A few cafés, lots of magpies...a black and white bird you see and hear everywhere in Australia...and also a large trail system that takes you through the botanical gardens. As we entered we were greeted by an image of the Western Australia state flower...the Anogozanthos or Red and Green Kangaroo Paw.
The gardens are layed out using some native beliefs and most of the areas are named using native words.
The flora here is quite brown due to the heat...has a burnt look at times. Along our route we saw the Swan Brewing Company...Australians like their beer!!
After about an hour we decided to have a little break at the cafe...fantastic view and yummy milkshake...and then headed a bit further down the park area to another restaurant for lunch. So off we went by car...I told you this park was big...in search of some grub. Had lunch at a perfectly situated spot...another beautiful view and so relaxing.
At about 2:30pm we headed off to try some kayaking on the Swan River...we booked 2 hours earlier in the morning. So from 3-5pm we travelled along the Swan...sorry no pictures as it was very winding and I didn't want to loose my camera along the way. For the first 30 minutes we pushed our way against the wind...I've decided I'm a fair weather kayaker!!...and finally made it to a small inlet located in East Perth. Beautiful stucco condos with spectacular views, packed restaurants along the water and people just out enjoying the day. For a brief moment I thought we should ditch the kayaks and hop out for a drink...but I needed to work off that big lunch so on we went.
This time, with the wind being so high, we decided to go back in the other direction towards the city center where there was also more of a skyline and view. With Cathy way ahead of me...I think she's done this before...we finally made it further up the Swan. Lots of jellyfish in the river...some of them were pretty big...so I'm glad I didn't fall in. At one point we had a bit of a rest and just enjoyed the sun and view...yes I did have on my SPF...and then the wind picked up and started blowing us away from our final destination. So with the last of my energy...my poor little arms didn't know what happened to them...we headed back and arrived just before 5pm, tired...well I was...and ready for some well deserved beer!
I must say, the water in the Swan was very salty...I think we took home our fair share after that windy and watery trip....at least that's what my shorts were saying!!
So from here we headed back to Cathy's, cleaned up and had some local beer...Little Creatures...nice pale ale.
We then headed over to the local Tavern for dinner and to see what was happening on this nice Saturday evening. I had some delicious stone fired pizza...with pumpkin on it...and then what we thought was the band starting, turned out to be karaoke!! Yep you heard me.
For the next hour we were treated to some interesting musical talent and dance moves...oh and I can't forget our friend with the gold chains and flashy "dope" ball cap....while I enjoyed a local cider...Strongbow. A nice evening out over all...good people watching opportunities for sure! After Cathy could take it no longer, we walked back to her place for a nightcap...I am such a party animal - ready for bed at 10:00pm!!...I was even too tired to blog before I fell asleep.
Off to Freemantle tomorrow to check out the hip and artsy area...can't wait!
Until then...
No comments:
Post a Comment