I have just returned from a whistle-stop 7 days in Western Australia, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia. We hit the ground running after an excellent flight through Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines. 12 hours to KL, followed by only 5 hours to Perth.
Western Australia, huge as it is, has only 2.5 million inhabitants, with 2 million of those in Perth. Such a friendly and laid-back city with a wonderful Indian Ocean climate, though now it's spring, still a bit cool in the evenings.
We had a beautiful morning visit to Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens. One of the world's largest city parks, with stunning views of the city skyline and the Swan River. Here, we had an Aboriginal experience, getting an insight into the area's cultural history.
We discovered the rich history and traditions of the Noongar people, led by Steve, promoting cultural awareness through storytelling. So interesting and sad, really. We followed this with a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, located 19 km off the coast from Fremantle.
This was pure paradise, with the most stunning bays and beaches. A car-free island, perfect for families and romantic breaks. Bikes are the preferred mode of transport. We took a Segway tour exploring the island, getting off the beaten track and visiting some exquisite beaches and learning about the island's controversial history with its prison and resting place for over 400 Aboriginal prisoners, making it the largest Aboriginal burial ground in Australia.
We stayed on Pinky Beach in Discovery Resorts. Luxurious glamping in an eco tent right by the ocean, allowing us to be close to nature and interact with the island's Quokkas, a small marsupial closest to a wallaby. Very cute and inquisitive, and a tourist attraction all on their own. The challenge was to get a Quokka 'selfie'.
Pinky Beach, the perfect spot to watch the sunset or watch the sunrise from the lighthouse on the beach. 1 night spent here before taking the ferry back to Perth, where we were booked in for a bridge climb and zip line at Matagarup Bridge. I can't say I was looking forward to that. The team at Matagarup Zip and Climb made us feel completely safe and reassured and ensured we had fun. Was an incredible experience. A challenging climb, but so glad I did it.
After this exhilaration, we had some welcome downtime in the Swan Valley and its award-winning wineries. We visited Mandoon Estate and Sandalford Wines. Some stunning food and wine, including an indigenous tasting platter that included kangaroo and crocodile. Western Australia wine was an unexpected treat.
As if we hadn't had enough treats and experiences, today we were taken to a Country Club in the Swan Valley, where they have resident kangaroos on the fairways. Hop in a golf buggy with a guide and immerse yourself, getting close and personal with these beautiful animals. I was thinking, can we have any more incredible experiences? But yes, we were off again.
Next day, we were booked on a Seafood Cruise in the resort of Mandurah. Less than an hour from Perth, and what a stunning place. Beautiful grand houses all built along the waterways and resident dolphins in the estuary. We were taken out to lift some lobster pots, learning about these creatures, and what a treat to have lobster fresh from ocean to plate.
This was followed by an 8-course seafood banquet, thanks to Chef Tony, washed down with more Western Australia chilled wine.
Further south again, you come to Fremantle. A beautiful town steeped in history with a very large working port. Stunning sunsets from the beach.
We had a really interesting visit to Fremantle Prison. A former colonial prison and now a UNESCO-listed site. A prison that was continuously used for 140 years, right up to 1991. A very grim place.
After the most amazing 4 days, we flew over to the Gold Coast via Sydney, where we were meeting other groups of agents for a workshop in Surfers Paradise. What a contrast to the laid-back Perth. A resort I don't think ever sleeps, but the most incredible beach and a place that, at 6 am in the morning, is alive with people surfing, walking, running or even walking the dog and just enjoying the outdoors or having a coffee. It is all about the outdoors and maybe a bit of partying in the evening. Very different to a lot of resorts in Queensland and Australia itself.
We only had 2 days here but had time to take in some sunrises and sunsets and a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We were guided by an experienced keeper who took us around. Had some interaction with more kangaroos, but the highlight for everyone was having time with the Koalas, who were definitely the star of the show. Just too cute!
A Saturday night sampling the delights of 'Surfers' to finish off our trip before a packed last day, which included a brewery tour and an evening dinner cruise.
Gorgeous food and wine while enjoying the city's waterways and taking in the city's skyline.
Straight from here to the airport in Brisbane and home via Kuala Lumpur again.
Flight again very good, but a little longer going West.
What an action-packed week. Can't quite believe what I did and saw in 7 days.
An experience I will never forget, and thank you to Tourism Australia and, in particular, Tourism Western Australia, as you have my heart and can't wait to come back. If you would like to find out more about visiting Australia or start planning your own unforgettable adventure, why not pop in for a chat with the team at Miles Morgan Travel in Abergavenny? You can call them on 01873 566028 or email [email protected].
