08.05.2026

For the 1st photo: The swan, particularly the black swan, plays a central, identity-forming role in Perth and throughout Western Australia. It is the official emblematic animal of Western Australia and features on the state flag.

After a month in the eastern part of Australia, it was time to go west today! Of course, we didn't walk the distance; we flew with 'Jetstar' from Cairns to Perth, which is 3450 km away, in 4.5 hours. Quite a bit has changed: we set the clocks back by two hours, we are now at the Indian Ocean, in the state of Western Australia, and it is a bit cooler, which means it was 'only' 23°C here in the afternoon. The transfer from the airport was in a 10-day-old Audi Q7, which still 'smelled' new. Like in Brisbane, we are staying at an Adina hotel. We arrived here around 3:30 PM. Freshened up, changed clothes, and had a cup of coffee, and then we were off again. As the sun relentlessly moves across the sky - in Australia, it goes from east to north and then to the west - there were about 2 hours left until sunset. So 'hurry hurry quick quick'.

When we step out the door, we are already at the first bakery. A short walk up and down the street, and then we headed to the harbor district on the Swan River, another large river. The swan sculptures from the opening picture are located there. A bronze memorial has also been erected for a deceased hippopotamus in that area. We passed by well-maintained green spaces with plants that are new to us, which are only found here in Western Australia. The white 'nuts' are the fruits of the 'Silver Princess'. The pointed tower houses a bell. It is located not far from 'St. George Cathedral', which is very beautifully designed inside. The light coming through the stained glass windows makes the nave literally shine. It is named after George, the dragon slayer. A carving at the altar also depicts this scene. The last four pictures were taken from our 'living room window', two in the late afternoon and the other two after nightfall. The first impression: top ...

What have we noticed? Here the streets and sidewalks are even wider, and by Friday there was no sign of weekend hustle. The vegetation is smaller, some things have dried up, and it is much drier than on the other side ...