Western Australia… The way we’ve seen it…

Australia, the land of abundance… Having travelled to Australia since 1996 and subsequently, every other year, I was there for holidays. Have trotted from Cairns all the way to Melbourne, I decided to expand my trail to Western Australia, which is just 5 hours flight from Singapore. I was there with my wife in April 2007 for a short trip before the birth of my son in June and this time round, I was there again before the birth of my second child in September 2009. But this time round, the trip was different. It was a long and relaxing trip for 9 days covering the whole southern part of WA and with a big group of friends. A group of 8 adults, with 4 toddlers trotting around in 2 Toyota Taragos.


We had a very nice flight experience on Qantas, having an empty for my toddler, meant that we could enjoy our flight. The airline was very thoughtful and prepared three different types of jar food for him. The chief air steward was very thoughtful and offered to warm up my son’s jar food prior to feeding him… The meal ended with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, which was a very sweet gesture especially for the children.


The inflight entertainment was world class, having travelled on rival world class airlines. The games were fun and I was able to entertain my son with the kid’s programme.


Upon arrival, we took our rental car from Avis and we set off for our first destination in WA, Fremantle, or Freo as the locals would call it. It was a lovely place and we had dinner at the famous Fish & Chips restaurant at the harbour, Cicerellos. The next morning, we had breakfast along Cappuccino Strip, where we had one of the nicest Cappuccino. Next, we had to Fremantle Market, where we combed through the stores, from souvenirs to grocery; you can find everything you need there. It was popular with the locals too. After which, we headed back to our apartments where we chill out and got ready for some nice dinner preparation.


Day 3, we headed south to Mandurah, where we tasted the award winning pies from Miami Bakehouse. According to one of my travelling kakis, the taste was unforgettable. After a hearty breakfast, we headed to Donnybrook. We headed to the largest free to play outdoor playground in the southern hemisphere in Donnybrook and the children had a ball of time before we picked some apples from the orchard. Next stop, Busselton Jetty. It was a pity that the jetty was closed due to weak structure but we managed to take some nice photos at the beach. As the sun was setting, we headed to for our farmstay near Dunsborough.


We were greeted by the coolness in the air and headed quickly to the animal feeding time at 8:30am, as the owners stated it, be there or be square. The children hesitated to feed the animals at first, but after some coercion, they did. It was a first time for many of the adults, having grown up as an urbanite in Singapore. After feeding the animals, it was time to feed ourselves. Off we went to Simmos Ice Creamery. Yes, all 60 flavours were displayed and we had a hard time deciding on what to eat. The playground was great fun for the children. Next destination, a place where you can get your endorphin shot high, yes, the Margaret River Chocolate Company. We tasted free chocolates and bought chocolates as gifts. Yummy… Just next door, was Margaret River Providore, and we went for jam tasting and of course, it was difficult deciding what to buy back. Our last stop for the day was at The Natural Olive Oil Soap Company. It was interesting to know from the owner that they imported Chamomile oil from EU at $6000 per litre to blend with Natural Olive Oil. As I was having quite severe chapped fingers, I was recommended to buy the intensive ointment for my hand.


Next stop, Albany. It was a long drive from Busselton, but we managed to take a breather at Bridgetown, a scenic town inland. We stopped at the Valley of the Giant Tree Top Walk and marveled at God’s creation of such gigantic and magificient looking trees. The Tree Top Walk, was a walkway that rises up to 38m above the forest. All ages can view the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest. Visitors get a different perspective on the shapes, sounds and movement of the forest. Below, a boardwalk winds though a grove of veteran tingle trees known as the Ancient Empire. The first part is suitable for people in wheelchairs (assisted), and the carpark, with picnic facilities and toilets, is conveniently located nearby. After this pit stop break, we headed into Albany. As we were all craving for oriental food, we managed to find a Chinese restaurant in the middle of the city and they served really authentic Chinese cuisine.


Sightseeing at Albany was our day 6 agenda. We headed straight to Albany Wind Farm, where we were awed by the size of the windmill and was told that these 12 windmills generate about 75% of Albany’s power supply. Such is the use of nature for green energy. From nature energy to nature creation, we visited the Gap and Natural Bridge where we once again stood in awe at how the nature has shaped the landscape of Albany.


Day 7, we headed straight back to Perth from Albany, just 4.5 hours drive away. Kojonup was a nice place for stopover, having out lunch and taking our coffee break. Once back in Perth, we headed to Harbourtown, our shopping destination. It was intended to be a stopover but in the end, we left only after the shops closed. After dinner, we headed to one of the biggest shopping centre in the suburbs as it was Thursday late night shopping in the suburbs.


Next morning, we headed to an unusual place to view kangaroos for free, in a memorial park in the surburb as recommended by the rental house owner. After chasing the kangaroos, we are back again in Harbourtown to pick up great bargains and discounts from the various factory outlets.


On our last day in Perth, we headed to the picturesque Kings Park and had a great time taking in the scenic views of the city and the Swan River and rolling on the greens in the park…Last minute shopping at Coles before grabbing lunch at Red Rooster and checking out of our rental house. The flight back was ok, except that the airline forgot to cater for my son’s meal. Thank God, he was sleeping for 3 hours on the flight, hence not hungry… I managed to catch 2 movies and both provoked my thoughts in the way to view people and life….


It was a beautiful 9 days in WA, and who says WA was boring. I would never dare say now…