Day 56-60 Perth, WA

On our way to Perth we visited the famous pinnacles- limestone forms rising from the ground.

 

We camped at the Kurrinup Waters Resort, north of Perth for a week. We were lucky to get a campsite near the lake, though the serenity was shattered when the housing construction started up the next morning. The trials of setting up camp in the dark or on a weekend. Visits from the wildlife including resident bunny and lots of water birds made it fun. 

On our first day we visited the lovely Kings Park which has spectacular views of Perth with playgrounds and plant species from across the different regions of WA.

A flower clock!

While in Perth, Joel had to fly back to Coffs Harbour for three nights to visit his sick Dad- Tom. We kept busy by visiting Rottnest Island- what a wonderful place- we could have easily stayed for two days exploring the whole island. We took our bikes on the ferry and rode around half of the island. We swam in the clearest blue water I've seen, met friendly Quokkas and saw whales and dolphins off Cape Vlamingh. We came home with sore bottoms but sleepy happy faces.

On Joel's return we did all the touristy stuff in Perth. 

Perth Mint- the large coin above the twins' heads is worth $60m and is the largest gold coin in the world. The Mint turned out to not be too boring. The guide spoke with a deep theatrical 'John Laws' voice and his jokes and demonstration of pouring a gold bar kept us interested.

The Swan Bell Tower- we were lucky enough to be there to hear a bell lesson for beginners- some need more help then others- see video below

L-R Sculpture at Elizabeth Quay (like our Darling Harbour) but had no plaque, 

and Government House quite accessible on the main street with no guards.

Photo on right Kangas and Ore Obelisk (reminds me of the poo on a stick sculpture at Kings Cross), in front of a groovy looking 1950s styled City Council building.

Joel and the kids also went to some daggy museum of old consoles and video games. 

We were lucky to catch up with some family on the Gibbens side, my nephew Scott and wife Loren who live in a great house and foster kittens and cats- ahhh. 

I was lucky to meet my Uncle Walter and Aunty Faye. Wal is my father's brother whom I have not met since I was two. We don't have much family on Dad's side, so it was very special to be able to ask questions about my dear Dad who passed away when I was nine. He told me of the great ANZAC days in Sydney when he, his brother Bob and Dad went 'out on the town' (things don't change). Wal retold stories of my Great Grandmother milking 77 cows by hand twice a day on Dad's farm at Newee Creek on the NSW Nth Coast. I learnt a lot that day about my Dad and I am very grateful I could visit. Faye put on a lovely lunch. Nothing more special than to be able to add new people to the family.

Onto Margaret River.