After enjoying breakfast out on the patio of our friend’s lovely home located in one of Perth’s leafy western suburbs we spent the morning exploring Kings Park and the Botanical Garden.
This beautiful city park comprises natural bushland, parkland, and a botanical garden displaying over 3,000 species of flora unique to Western Australia. It’s easily accessible from the city centre on the free blue line CAT bus. We travelled by car as there are several free parking areas within the park.
The park originated in 1895 and was originally known as Perth Park but by the turn of the century when King Edward VII came to the British throne the park was renamed in his honour.
At the time of our visit in late November, Perth was experiencing a heatwave with temperatures approaching 39 degrees, so it was good to find that many of the walking trails were partially shaded with overhanging trees.
We decided to follow a trail to the Tree Top Walk which started next to the statue of Lord Forrest who was the first premier of Western Australia. The trail passed some beautiful wildflower gardens and onto the tropical water garden with information boards along the way detailing the flora and Aboriginal cultural history of the area.
Soon we had arrived at the Tree Top Walk, a 222 metre long suspension bridge stretching over the forest canopy. From the lookout points, we enjoyed some spectacular views of the city skyline and the Swan River.
We then decided it was time for a cool drink and where better than in the delightful setting of the Botanical Cafe. With a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating we opted to sit indoors as it was much cooler.
Adjacent to the cafe is a large gift shop showcasing arts and crafts from around Western Australia so we popped in there for a look around before taking a stroll along to the State War Memorial viewing the cenotaph, flame of remembrance and pool of reflection. It’s located in a beautiful position commanding stunning views over the river and Matilda Bay.
On leaving Kings Park, we drove into Claremont for some lunch at The Lane Cafe, tucked down Old Theatre Lane. Luckily for us, there was just one table free so we settled down there enjoying refreshing chicken and smoked salmon salads.
After a short rest back at our friend’s house we set off again, parking at Pelican Point located south of Perth, enabling us to take a stroll along the banks of the Swan River through the Matilda Bay Reserve.
An information board informed us that Pelican Point is an important breeding ground for migrating birds. We were hopeful of spotting some pelicans but sadly they were nowhere to be seen.
A pathway winds its way around Matilda Bay affording some beautiful views of the Swan River and Perth city centre beyond. As it was a weekend, lots of people were out and about, with families enjoying picnics under the shade of the large trees.
We passed the Matilda Bay restaurant where a wedding celebration was taking place out on its terrace. With its spectacular setting it looked to be a delightful venue for a special occasion.
Continuing slightly further we spotted some black swans gliding slowing by the river bank. Native to Australia, the Black Swan has been associated with Western Australia since early settlement, with the river given its name by a Dutch explorer who discovered the Swan River in 1697 due to the number of swans he encountered there. The Black Swan is the official emblem of Western Australia, depicted on its state flag and coat of arms.
Our afternoon stroll continued as far as the University of Western Australia (UWA) which is one of the oldest universities in Australia. Its campus comprises a number of impressive 100 year old sandstone buildings, colonnades and quadrangles with their manicured lawns.
Particularly notable is Winthrop Hall, the most prominent landmark of the UWA campus with its clock tower and we also enjoyed viewing the heritage cricket pavilion close to the river.
Our friends had booked a table for dinner at Bathers Beach House in Fremantle. We’d explored the city centre a few days earlier but hadn’t been down to the beach front and arriving just before sunset we had beautiful views from our window table. The restaurant had a relaxed vibe with friendly service and my roasted barramundi served on a bed of crushed potatoes tasted very fresh and flavoursome.
We spent a lovely evening with Alison and Anthony and despite only knowing them in person for 24 hours as we’d met through our blogs, conversation flowed easily and it felt as if we’d known each other for years.
