#14 - Perth & Rottnest Island (29.12.16 - 01.02.17)

New Year's Eve in Sydney... for many travelers, one of the highlights that is at the top of the list. And accordingly, it's packed during the holidays. Backpacker hostels are fully booked (or you can only get a double room for 150$ per night), the famous Bondi Beach is crowded, and even the locals leave the city and go on vacation outside. But even though the fireworks with a view of the Opera House must be impressive, it wasn't worth the stress and cost for me. And since my next destination was Western Australia and Lukas had to return to Switzerland due to his visa, it was time for a "fresh start" in Perth.

Compared to the other big cities in Australia, Perth has a much more relaxed character. People seem to live a stress-free and calm life, but there is still plenty to experience at every corner. Relaxing walks in Kings Park, nightlife in Northbridge, food markets in the city center, and numerous beaches near the city. So I started to think about staying in Perth for a while. Looking for a job and an apartment, earning some money, and then continuing to travel. But the search for an apartment and a job turned out to be more stressful than beneficial, so I ended up going on some day trips instead. However, the apartment search had a positive side. During a viewing, I met Mo from Germany. I didn't get the room in the shared apartment, but I found a new travel mate :)

Together, we explored the surroundings of Perth, went to the night market in Fremantle, and attended a backpacker meetup in Cottesloe Beach.

Then we took the ferry to Rottnest Island... Exploring the island by bike:

Snorkeling:

And then feeding the little Quokkas :)

The following weekend, the two of us went to Black Diamond Lake with Lynn and Paulina (whom we met at the backpacker meetup).

And finally, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset in Bunbury:

Hostels: Perth City YHA (+-)