The North Loop ends in Perth

12.11.2018

Today our North Loop ends after 4611 kilometers driven. We drive back to Perth, where it all began.

On our route, we first visit one of the most famous attractions in Western Australia - the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles Desert is located in Nambung NP. It impresses with the brightly yellow color of the sand and the countless bizarrely shaped limestone columns scattered in it. We drive the 3.5 km long Scenic Drive through this unique desert sea. Again and again, we stop to admire these artworks created by wind and weather. It is a fantastic natural spectacle!

Then we continue along the Indian Ocean Drive along the Turquoise Coast. It lives up to its name - high dunes of snow-white fine sand rise out of the green bush and glow against the turquoise ocean. Beautiful!

In some places, grasstrees dominate the landscape. With their "fluffy heads" made of countless long, thin leaves and their charred trunks, they look very interesting.

We enjoy our leftover pizza from yesterday in Yanchep NP, which is already at the northern edge of the Perth metropolitan area. We sit under shady eucalyptus trees with a view of a large freshwater lake. Afterwards, we observe some koalas who are taking their afternoon nap high up in the eucalyptus trees. We could use a nap now too!

We finally arrived in Perth! After checking into the hotel on the outskirts of the city center, we head to nearby Kings Park. From there, we have the perfect view of the city and the Swan River. The skyline is impressive. The generously designed park landscape features a botanical garden, which provides an insight into the vegetation of WA. There are beautifully arranged flower beds. The whole park is perfect for relaxing.

We have seen enough for today. There is still tomorrow!

Exploring Perth

13.11.2018

In the morning, we have planned a boat trip on the Swan River to get to know Perth and its surroundings from the water.

After breakfast, we walk to the boat docks next to Elisabeth Quay near the city. According to the reception, it takes about 20 minutes on foot. Fortunately, we plan extra time and arrive just in time before departure. We even have a little chat with the captain.

The 2 ½ hour tour takes us on the Swan River to Fremantle and back. Along the route, we receive information about the sights along the way. We pass exclusive residential areas whose real estate prices normal mortals cannot afford. It is like on the "Gold Coast" on Lake Zurich. On the ship, there is free tea, coffee, and water. But we toast Gerhard's birthday with wine. In Fremantle, the Swan River flows into the ocean, and this is where the port of Perth is. Most passengers change at the dock, but we don't.

Back on solid ground, we split up: Gisela and I want to explore the city, and Gerhard and Günther drive to the Hertz car rental station to exchange our tire-damaged car.

So here we go! It is really a pleasure to roam around Perth. Everything is very clean, tidy, and modern. The Swan River in the middle of the city, the numerous parks, and the greenery make it very charming and attractive. In the pedestrian zone, Hay Street, there are shade trees and many benches inviting you to linger. Next to modern buildings, there are also older ones. Everything is very relaxed - no noise and no hustle and bustle like in other big cities. I love Perth!

Shortly after we are back at the hotel, our husbands arrive too. They bring a new and clean car with five proper tires and without any dust from the Outback. Now we can calmly start the second part of our tour.

In the evening, we go back to Kings Park. Yesterday, we already reserved a table at "Fraser's Restaurant" to celebrate Gerhard's birthday with a "Dinner for four" in a cozy atmosphere.

(The birthday boy is sad because the oysters are almost gone...)

As a farewell, we enjoy the view of the night-lit skyline of Perth.