063 – Perth and Surrounds (Freemantle, Central Perth, Avon Valley), , Australia – Out 'n' (Walk)About

While I’ve been dilly-dallying around taking pictures of dinner plates, trying to pretend I’m Emeril Legasse, a whole week’s worth of wandering has gone by.  It’s time to get back on track,

“All aboard!”

And bring this blog up to speed.

Here’s the abridged version.

Freemantle

At the mouth of the Swan River, “Freo”, the port city servicing Perth,

Was the first area settled by the Swan River colonists in 1829. It boasts Western Australia’s oldest public building, The Roundhouse.

Initially constructed as a “gaol” (jail), it still houses some unsavoury characters.

But not for long…

“We’re outta here!”

Down on the wharf,

 The “Welcome Walls”

Pay tribute to all the migrants who arrived via the port of Fremantle.  Including, our very own… Aunt Sandra (Ref. Blog #043)!

(When she was just a wee Scottish lassie)

“Is that Aunt Sandra?”

No…wait…

“There she is!”

It’s also a great place to find a cold beer,

And “pink” ice cream.

We’ve whiled away a couple days there, mingling with the locals,

And working on Ciel’s high-wire routine.

Béla Károlyi’s got nothing on us.

And as usual, Taz has been fully supportive.

Central Perth

Our trusty “LP” (Lonely Planet) took us on a self-guided walking tour through the CBD (Central Business District), where we learned:

Some stuff is old,

(Old Central Fire Station)

Some stuff is new,

(The Bell Tower)

Some stuff pretends to be old,

(London Court)

And some stuff is old and new.

(St. Mary’s Cathedral)

We also discovered that if there’s one thing Perth loves, it’s sculptures.

Which is great, ‘cause if there’s one thing we love,

It’s mocking them.

“Thank-you! I’ll be here all month!”

We had a great time at the Western Australia Museum Children’s Discovery Centre,

Until Ciel scarfed down some strawberries in the middle of the Mesozoic Era, prompting a scolding from one of the museum attendants.  We had to walk a fine line after that,

As the attendant tailed around after us, repeatedly (but cheerfully) offering to give us directions to the exit.

We eventually took the hint and left to make friends outside in the park.

"If I run in the same direction as you that makes us friends."

Avon Valley

Our week rounded out with a trip inland through the Avon Valley.

(See downtown Perth in the distance)

First, stopping to check out the trails at John Forrest National Park,

Where after half an hour of intense hiking,

We’d basically made it just past the end of the car park.

Fortunately, our cleverly directed photos hide it well.

Next we moved on to York, Western Australia’s oldest inland town. Established in 1831,

Not a whole lot’s changed since then. 

But, it was a quaint spot to stop for lunch, and the views from the Mt Brown lookout pretty much tell the tale of interior Western Australia.

The day trips have been a lot of fun, but our trusty homestead continues to be the best place to find reprieve from the summer heat,

And, of course, a sizzling grill.

(Portabello Mushroom Burger with Barbequed Free-Range Bacon, Emmental and Caramelized Onions on a Fresh Multigrain Roll)

"BAM!"