A taste of Perth (and vicinity)
Nov 10th, 2010, 12:36 AM
#61
22) Visiting the penguins…
Not wanting a blessedly cool November morning to go to waste, we saddle up the Toyota, hop on the Mitchell/Kwinana Freeway and point south, the beach community of Rockingham in our sights. We’re armed with a fistful of Google maps, hopeful that we can find the destinations I’ve selected for the day’s outing.
Some 45 minutes later, we take the Safety Bay Road exit and meander through neighborhoods and along the seemingly endless shoreline, admiring the large residential lots and wide avenues of Rockingham; a refreshing change from the claustrophobic streets of Perth.
We reach our destination, Rockingham Wild Encounters, mere minutes before the 10 am sailing to Penguin Island. We couldn’t have timed it better if we’d tried. We hurriedly purchase tickets for the ferry and penguin feeding ($17.50 each), and we’re soon aboard.
Minutes later we’re disembarking on Penguin Island, part of Shoalwater Marine Park, home to Western Australia’s largest colony of Little Penguins (~700).
http://www.penguinisland.com.au/
That the island is a bird sanctuary is immediately obvious; we’ve never seen so many birds…gulls, oystercatchers, pelicans, and countless other species we have no hope of identifying. They squawk, they caw, they screech; oddly, the gulls seem almost angry as they flit about and scold us. We flinch, we duck…Alfred Hitchcock suddenly comes to mind…
We’re soon in the Discovery Center, watching the antics of the world’s smallest penguins. I take a few photos and my camera promptly dies. I reach for my spare batteries, only to find I’ve forgotten to recharge them. It figures.
We anxiously await the 10:30 am feeding of ten penguins, all hand raised and/or rescued, therefore, ill-equipped to return to the wild.
What a hoot. These little guys are barely a foot tall, ungainly and awkward, until they get into the pool, where they shoot torpedo-like through the water.
We watch as one particularly hungry penguin is hand fed, putting away 16 minnows before he loses interest and waddles off. Another seems disinterested in food, sufficiently plumped up, ready to molt.
After the feeding, we wander the boardwalks of the island, taking in the ocean views, dodging errant birds, listening for the chatter of penguins in their hides and watching where we step. We return to the Discovery Center to watch the workers clean the pool while we await our return ferry.
We’re back on the mainland two hours later, wondering how we escaped Penguin Island without being shat upon.
Food beckons. We reclaim our car, head back towards Rockingham, and begin our search for BettyBlue Bistro, a café on the waterfront I’d run across during my online research.
http://www.bettybluebistro.com/
Nice place this…excellent location, great food. As we gaze out towards Garden Island, it dawns on us that this is the site of a shark attack, which occurred just days before.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...garden-island/
But enough about that, let’s get on to the food. I opt for the cous cous salad with chicken breast, roasted zucchini, eggplant and capsicum ($21). My spouse chooses the blackboard special, a pasta dish with chicken breast, vegetables and a decadent cream and cheese sauce ($24). Both are delicious. I’d have loved to try their dessert, but there was just no room, the servings were particularly generous. We did manage to squeeze in a flat white. Two thumbs up for BettyBlue Bistro ($52 total).
We next seek out Peel Estate winery, which I’ve read is one of the oldest wineries in the Peel Region. It lies between Rockingham and Mandurah in either Karnup or Baldivis, depending on which map you believe. Regardless, it’s out in the country, yet I’m a bit surprised as we pass a rhubarb farm. Is there anything they don’t grow in WA?
We sample Peel Estate’s offerings and have a nice long chat with friendly winemaker Mark. Internet shopping, golf and sharks are on his mind. We fall for some of their whites, and leave with a few bottles in tow.
Our final stop is an encore visit to Mac Nuts WA in Baldivis. I don’t know why, but I still have trouble accepting that macadamia nuts grow in WA. We don’t linger; we buy some of their smoked nuts and call it a day.
Back on the Kwinana headed north, we spend well over an hour in the mother of all traffic jams, the result of a five car pile-up, but we eventually find our way home.
Some photos (155-159): http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo155.html
Not wanting a blessedly cool November morning to go to waste, we saddle up the Toyota, hop on the Mitchell/Kwinana Freeway and point south, the beach community of Rockingham in our sights. We’re armed with a fistful of Google maps, hopeful that we can find the destinations I’ve selected for the day’s outing.
Some 45 minutes later, we take the Safety Bay Road exit and meander through neighborhoods and along the seemingly endless shoreline, admiring the large residential lots and wide avenues of Rockingham; a refreshing change from the claustrophobic streets of Perth.
We reach our destination, Rockingham Wild Encounters, mere minutes before the 10 am sailing to Penguin Island. We couldn’t have timed it better if we’d tried. We hurriedly purchase tickets for the ferry and penguin feeding ($17.50 each), and we’re soon aboard.
Minutes later we’re disembarking on Penguin Island, part of Shoalwater Marine Park, home to Western Australia’s largest colony of Little Penguins (~700).
http://www.penguinisland.com.au/
That the island is a bird sanctuary is immediately obvious; we’ve never seen so many birds…gulls, oystercatchers, pelicans, and countless other species we have no hope of identifying. They squawk, they caw, they screech; oddly, the gulls seem almost angry as they flit about and scold us. We flinch, we duck…Alfred Hitchcock suddenly comes to mind…
We’re soon in the Discovery Center, watching the antics of the world’s smallest penguins. I take a few photos and my camera promptly dies. I reach for my spare batteries, only to find I’ve forgotten to recharge them. It figures.
We anxiously await the 10:30 am feeding of ten penguins, all hand raised and/or rescued, therefore, ill-equipped to return to the wild.
What a hoot. These little guys are barely a foot tall, ungainly and awkward, until they get into the pool, where they shoot torpedo-like through the water.
We watch as one particularly hungry penguin is hand fed, putting away 16 minnows before he loses interest and waddles off. Another seems disinterested in food, sufficiently plumped up, ready to molt.
After the feeding, we wander the boardwalks of the island, taking in the ocean views, dodging errant birds, listening for the chatter of penguins in their hides and watching where we step. We return to the Discovery Center to watch the workers clean the pool while we await our return ferry.
We’re back on the mainland two hours later, wondering how we escaped Penguin Island without being shat upon.
Food beckons. We reclaim our car, head back towards Rockingham, and begin our search for BettyBlue Bistro, a café on the waterfront I’d run across during my online research.
http://www.bettybluebistro.com/
Nice place this…excellent location, great food. As we gaze out towards Garden Island, it dawns on us that this is the site of a shark attack, which occurred just days before.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...garden-island/
But enough about that, let’s get on to the food. I opt for the cous cous salad with chicken breast, roasted zucchini, eggplant and capsicum ($21). My spouse chooses the blackboard special, a pasta dish with chicken breast, vegetables and a decadent cream and cheese sauce ($24). Both are delicious. I’d have loved to try their dessert, but there was just no room, the servings were particularly generous. We did manage to squeeze in a flat white. Two thumbs up for BettyBlue Bistro ($52 total).
We next seek out Peel Estate winery, which I’ve read is one of the oldest wineries in the Peel Region. It lies between Rockingham and Mandurah in either Karnup or Baldivis, depending on which map you believe. Regardless, it’s out in the country, yet I’m a bit surprised as we pass a rhubarb farm. Is there anything they don’t grow in WA?
We sample Peel Estate’s offerings and have a nice long chat with friendly winemaker Mark. Internet shopping, golf and sharks are on his mind. We fall for some of their whites, and leave with a few bottles in tow.
Our final stop is an encore visit to Mac Nuts WA in Baldivis. I don’t know why, but I still have trouble accepting that macadamia nuts grow in WA. We don’t linger; we buy some of their smoked nuts and call it a day.
Back on the Kwinana headed north, we spend well over an hour in the mother of all traffic jams, the result of a five car pile-up, but we eventually find our way home.
Some photos (155-159): http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo155.html
Feb 9th, 2011, 04:38 PM
#63
Thank you sassy_cat.
I've gotten behind on my entries, but I have managed to put together a more interesing presentation of photos:
http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripw...f-6cec-a9f6?lb
I've gotten behind on my entries, but I have managed to put together a more interesing presentation of photos:
http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripw...f-6cec-a9f6?lb
Feb 10th, 2011, 08:28 PM
#65
Hi Toucan2 -
No, it wasn't difficult, but it was time consuming. I need to clean up my computer photo files, they're a mess.
I've put together two more in the last day, and I'm working on one for Switzerland now, so it's potentially addictive!
No, it wasn't difficult, but it was time consuming. I need to clean up my computer photo files, they're a mess.
I've put together two more in the last day, and I'm working on one for Switzerland now, so it's potentially addictive!
Feb 11th, 2011, 09:47 AM
#66
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Cool photos! I love the weird looking plants and the adorable koala backed by the blue blue sky.
Thanks Melnq
I'm a little reluctant to add that we're considering a move to Perth but it seems too good to be true at the moment. I'd like your take on the pros and cons IF we get a firm offer but don't burst my bubble just yet!
BTW, I've just ruled out a move to CA, USA and we're also considering London which would be the easy option for us (Brits currently living in Massachusetts).
Thanks Melnq
I'm a little reluctant to add that we're considering a move to Perth but it seems too good to be true at the moment. I'd like your take on the pros and cons IF we get a firm offer but don't burst my bubble just yet!
BTW, I've just ruled out a move to CA, USA and we're also considering London which would be the easy option for us (Brits currently living in Massachusetts).
Feb 11th, 2011, 06:21 PM
#68
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Melnq, Thanks that would be great!
My biggest challenge would be finding a good school for my DD. She's almost 14 and would start high school here in the fall but we would probably move in late July or August.
My biggest challenge would be finding a good school for my DD. She's almost 14 and would start high school here in the fall but we would probably move in late July or August.
Mar 5th, 2011, 09:14 PM
#71
23) Pancakes and jellyfish...
A stinking hot muggy Friday in late February…with illusions (or in this case delusions) of escaping the heat, we hop in the car and head north on West Coast Drive, planning to have a leisurely breakfast and then hide out in the aquarium for a few hours. As we meander along the coast we pass a steady stream of beachgoers, coming, going and generally wandering about. So this is where Perth goes on a Friday morning...
We locate our destination, Voyage Kitchen in Sorrento, which has been recommended. We luck into a parking spot and work our way to the café, shocked to find it completely packed at 8:30 am. Does everyone in Perth have Friday off? We enter the stifling hot establishment, grab the last table, and proceed to swelter and swat flies as we peruse the menu. It’s oppressively hot, we feel like we’re sitting in an oven; there’s a distinct sheen of sweat on the face of every customer and employee.
We order what turns out to be some very good flat whites, mine extra hot (have I gone completely mad?). Bill selects the Eggs Benedict, in this case, free range poached eggs, Karri smoked free range ham and hollandaise on an organic muffin, which they must have run out of because it sure looks like a bagel to me - $16.50.
I choose the grilled peach pancakes dressed with orange water and vanilla mascarpone, complemented with a toasted macadamia praline and maple syrup - $16.00.
We’re presented with two massive plates of food and I immediately realize I’m in trouble; my stomach has a small pancake capacity. The food is deemed excellent; Bill manages to finish his and then tries to help me with mine, but despite our valiant efforts, we can’t stuff anymore in. We’re impressed by the service too, the best we’ve had in WA for quite awhile.
http://www.voyagekitchen.com.au/
We reclaim our car and continue north, popping into Sorrento Quay at Hillary’s Boat Harbor to poke around a bit, as the aquarium doesn’t open until 10 am.
http://www.hillarysboatharbour.com.au/
We eventually join the queue waiting for AQWA to open; quite a crowd has gathered and I have to wonder why it doesn't open earlier.
Our waitress at Voyage mentioned that she didn’t think much of the aquarium, suggesting our day would be better spent at the beach, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect.
We pay our admission ($28 each) and enter Australia’s largest aquarium, trying to stay ahead of the ankle biters and school groups nipping at our heels. Ten minutes later, the peace is shattered by squeals of delight; apparently the munchkins are having a ball.
We make two rounds through the underwater tunnel, surrounded by large toothed, beady-eyed sharks, gliding stingrays and all manner of marine life. These jaded old farts are suitably impressed, glad we didn't listen to the waitress.
We spend the next few hours making our way around the 12,000 kilometers of Australian coastline represented in the aquarium, mesmerized by the Leafy Seadragons, the Blue Ringed Octopus and some downright horrifying jellyfish.
http://www.aqwa.com.au/main.asp
We exit to the scorching sun, sweat drenched despite the ‘air conditioned‘ (ha!) aquarium. We decide a cold beer and glass of grape are in order, so we head down the road to Spinnakers, a spot overlooking the water that I’ve scouted out for this very purpose. We advise that we’re just there for a drink, and we’re promptly dismissed...alcohol is only served with meals here…okay. On to plan B.
Our next stop is nearby Mia Cucina, which looks decidedly closed. On to Plan C. We return to Hillary’s Boat Harbor, park, and work our way towards The Breakwater, but it’s so unbearably hot that the five minute walk is daunting…instead, we duck into the first café we see and head for the ‘air conditioned’ interior (double ha!). We sit, order and proceed to melt in the sweltering café, watching beads of sweat form on our beverage glasses, and on each other. Will this summer ever end?
Some photos (160-168):
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo160.html
A stinking hot muggy Friday in late February…with illusions (or in this case delusions) of escaping the heat, we hop in the car and head north on West Coast Drive, planning to have a leisurely breakfast and then hide out in the aquarium for a few hours. As we meander along the coast we pass a steady stream of beachgoers, coming, going and generally wandering about. So this is where Perth goes on a Friday morning...
We locate our destination, Voyage Kitchen in Sorrento, which has been recommended. We luck into a parking spot and work our way to the café, shocked to find it completely packed at 8:30 am. Does everyone in Perth have Friday off? We enter the stifling hot establishment, grab the last table, and proceed to swelter and swat flies as we peruse the menu. It’s oppressively hot, we feel like we’re sitting in an oven; there’s a distinct sheen of sweat on the face of every customer and employee.
We order what turns out to be some very good flat whites, mine extra hot (have I gone completely mad?). Bill selects the Eggs Benedict, in this case, free range poached eggs, Karri smoked free range ham and hollandaise on an organic muffin, which they must have run out of because it sure looks like a bagel to me - $16.50.
I choose the grilled peach pancakes dressed with orange water and vanilla mascarpone, complemented with a toasted macadamia praline and maple syrup - $16.00.
We’re presented with two massive plates of food and I immediately realize I’m in trouble; my stomach has a small pancake capacity. The food is deemed excellent; Bill manages to finish his and then tries to help me with mine, but despite our valiant efforts, we can’t stuff anymore in. We’re impressed by the service too, the best we’ve had in WA for quite awhile.
http://www.voyagekitchen.com.au/
We reclaim our car and continue north, popping into Sorrento Quay at Hillary’s Boat Harbor to poke around a bit, as the aquarium doesn’t open until 10 am.
http://www.hillarysboatharbour.com.au/
We eventually join the queue waiting for AQWA to open; quite a crowd has gathered and I have to wonder why it doesn't open earlier.
Our waitress at Voyage mentioned that she didn’t think much of the aquarium, suggesting our day would be better spent at the beach, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect.
We pay our admission ($28 each) and enter Australia’s largest aquarium, trying to stay ahead of the ankle biters and school groups nipping at our heels. Ten minutes later, the peace is shattered by squeals of delight; apparently the munchkins are having a ball.
We make two rounds through the underwater tunnel, surrounded by large toothed, beady-eyed sharks, gliding stingrays and all manner of marine life. These jaded old farts are suitably impressed, glad we didn't listen to the waitress.
We spend the next few hours making our way around the 12,000 kilometers of Australian coastline represented in the aquarium, mesmerized by the Leafy Seadragons, the Blue Ringed Octopus and some downright horrifying jellyfish.
http://www.aqwa.com.au/main.asp
We exit to the scorching sun, sweat drenched despite the ‘air conditioned‘ (ha!) aquarium. We decide a cold beer and glass of grape are in order, so we head down the road to Spinnakers, a spot overlooking the water that I’ve scouted out for this very purpose. We advise that we’re just there for a drink, and we’re promptly dismissed...alcohol is only served with meals here…okay. On to plan B.
Our next stop is nearby Mia Cucina, which looks decidedly closed. On to Plan C. We return to Hillary’s Boat Harbor, park, and work our way towards The Breakwater, but it’s so unbearably hot that the five minute walk is daunting…instead, we duck into the first café we see and head for the ‘air conditioned’ interior (double ha!). We sit, order and proceed to melt in the sweltering café, watching beads of sweat form on our beverage glasses, and on each other. Will this summer ever end?
Some photos (160-168):
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo160.html
Mar 6th, 2011, 03:36 PM
#73
It sure was Toucan2. I barely made a dent in them.
We went to Voyage for an encore breakfast yesterday...I had a muffin this time...most of which came home with me and was reheated for lunch. They don't do small there.
We went to Voyage for an encore breakfast yesterday...I had a muffin this time...most of which came home with me and was reheated for lunch. They don't do small there.
Mar 7th, 2011, 03:44 PM
#74
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Hi Mel
Nice to be reminded of our trip up the coast to Hillary’s Boat Harbour and AQWA, although in much cooler conditions in August!
We really enjoyed AQWA, even if we scared ourselves stupid after seeing the numerous creatures which could kill us in the ocean we would soon be swimming/snorkelling in! I think the guide enjoyed laying it on particularly thick to a couple of Pomms straight off the plane!! We did three rounds through the underwater tunnel and we two old farts were also suitably impressed!
Nice to be reminded of our trip up the coast to Hillary’s Boat Harbour and AQWA, although in much cooler conditions in August!
We really enjoyed AQWA, even if we scared ourselves stupid after seeing the numerous creatures which could kill us in the ocean we would soon be swimming/snorkelling in! I think the guide enjoyed laying it on particularly thick to a couple of Pomms straight off the plane!! We did three rounds through the underwater tunnel and we two old farts were also suitably impressed!
Mar 7th, 2011, 04:14 PM
#75
Ah, what I wouldn't give for August right about now!
Actually, the past few days have been pretty nice - it's only supposed to get up to 31c today, so perhaps autumn is finally on its way (I can only hope...).
Actually, the past few days have been pretty nice - it's only supposed to get up to 31c today, so perhaps autumn is finally on its way (I can only hope...).
Apr 8th, 2011, 11:32 PM
#76
24) Old friends re-unite…
It’s early March, we’ve just seen off some old friends, who ended their week long stay in WA with a few nights at Melnq8’s B&B. These folks live on the same remote company camp on Sumatra that we once inhabited; a place where a delivery of sour cream to the commissary sends ripples of glee throughout the community; a place where a good drop is as scarce as hen’s teeth.
Hence, we were determined to introduce our gastronomically deprived friends to some of the culinary delights of WA. Luckily for them we like to eat, luckily for us, their visit coincided with the coolest weather we’d seen in Perth for four months – too bad it didn’t last.
Despite my less-than-enthusiastic initial impressions of the Swan Valley (see #1 above), the place has really grown on me. Repeated trips to the valley over the past few years have uncovered a few waistline expanding gems, so it seemed only fitting that we take our visitors to the valley.
Our first stop was Mondo Nougat, where we watched the staff make sheet after sheet of snowy white confection. I’ve developed a fondness for their macadamia and honey nougat; likewise, our friends took advantage of the opportunity to pick up some treats to take home.
Next was Jarrahridge Winery, where not long ago we discovered Kalamata olives…now we’re hooked. Apparently, many of the Kalamata olives sold in WA are actually grown in South Australia. These particular olives are marinated in garlic, rosemary and olive oil, and they are divine! The green marinated olives imported from Sicily aren’t too shabby either; they’re marinated in garlic, chili, parmesan cheese and oregano. Jarrahridge also sells some unusual cheeses; zesty creamy cheddars with ingredients like basil and cashew, black olive and tomato. And yes, they make wine….including some surprisingly good red zinfandel, which has me questioning my long held belief that “friends don’t let friends drink zinfandel”.
Laden with several kilos of olives, we were ready for some serious eating. So it was off to Lamont’s, an unassuming winery that makes some lovely wine and serves up some truly wonderful food.
Lamont’s became our favorite Friday lunch venue about 30 minutes after we discovered it for the first time. They offer an ever changing tapas style menu, and everything we’ve tried here has been unfailingly good. The atmosphere is laid back and casual, particularly the alfresco area. It’s the perfect place to share good food and wine while catching up with old friends.
We noshed on an assortment of goodies including pork rillette with chutney, grilled chorizo with lemon, white bean and smoky paprika dip, brownies with walnuts and cream...every bite was excellent and not a morsel was left behind.
Content and sated, we popped in to Feral Brewing Company, for a wee bit of beer sampling, before ending the day at Talijancich, home to some seriously good fortified wines (much to the chagrin of our designated driver, who happens to love this place).
As we so often do, we ran out of steam, so we called it a day. So much good food and wine, so little time...
Some photos (169-171):
http://www.worldisround.com/edit/354397/photo169.html
It’s early March, we’ve just seen off some old friends, who ended their week long stay in WA with a few nights at Melnq8’s B&B. These folks live on the same remote company camp on Sumatra that we once inhabited; a place where a delivery of sour cream to the commissary sends ripples of glee throughout the community; a place where a good drop is as scarce as hen’s teeth.
Hence, we were determined to introduce our gastronomically deprived friends to some of the culinary delights of WA. Luckily for them we like to eat, luckily for us, their visit coincided with the coolest weather we’d seen in Perth for four months – too bad it didn’t last.
Despite my less-than-enthusiastic initial impressions of the Swan Valley (see #1 above), the place has really grown on me. Repeated trips to the valley over the past few years have uncovered a few waistline expanding gems, so it seemed only fitting that we take our visitors to the valley.
Our first stop was Mondo Nougat, where we watched the staff make sheet after sheet of snowy white confection. I’ve developed a fondness for their macadamia and honey nougat; likewise, our friends took advantage of the opportunity to pick up some treats to take home.
Next was Jarrahridge Winery, where not long ago we discovered Kalamata olives…now we’re hooked. Apparently, many of the Kalamata olives sold in WA are actually grown in South Australia. These particular olives are marinated in garlic, rosemary and olive oil, and they are divine! The green marinated olives imported from Sicily aren’t too shabby either; they’re marinated in garlic, chili, parmesan cheese and oregano. Jarrahridge also sells some unusual cheeses; zesty creamy cheddars with ingredients like basil and cashew, black olive and tomato. And yes, they make wine….including some surprisingly good red zinfandel, which has me questioning my long held belief that “friends don’t let friends drink zinfandel”.
Laden with several kilos of olives, we were ready for some serious eating. So it was off to Lamont’s, an unassuming winery that makes some lovely wine and serves up some truly wonderful food.
Lamont’s became our favorite Friday lunch venue about 30 minutes after we discovered it for the first time. They offer an ever changing tapas style menu, and everything we’ve tried here has been unfailingly good. The atmosphere is laid back and casual, particularly the alfresco area. It’s the perfect place to share good food and wine while catching up with old friends.
We noshed on an assortment of goodies including pork rillette with chutney, grilled chorizo with lemon, white bean and smoky paprika dip, brownies with walnuts and cream...every bite was excellent and not a morsel was left behind.
Content and sated, we popped in to Feral Brewing Company, for a wee bit of beer sampling, before ending the day at Talijancich, home to some seriously good fortified wines (much to the chagrin of our designated driver, who happens to love this place).
As we so often do, we ran out of steam, so we called it a day. So much good food and wine, so little time...
Some photos (169-171):
http://www.worldisround.com/edit/354397/photo169.html
Apr 9th, 2011, 12:19 AM
#77
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Hi, Mel. Tried to look at the last set of photos but the site wants a log in. Does the fact that it has /edit/ in the url have anything to do with it?
Have been enjoying your commentary and photos so far. Thanks for sharing both with us all.
Have been enjoying your commentary and photos so far. Thanks for sharing both with us all.
Apr 9th, 2011, 01:25 AM
#79
25) Autumn finally arrives!
As promised by the weather guessers, we wake to a blessedly cool day – we’ve been waiting months for this, the first day of the 2011 nq8 hiking season. We load our backpacks and leave home at 7:30 am, thrilled at the fresh cool air – it’s a 10° (50F), and we’re in heaven!
We hop into the car, locate the Tonkin Highway and head south. We turn east onto Gosnells Road, make a right onto Pitt Rd, another right onto Hayward, a left onto Quarry, and another left onto Rushton, arriving at the Valley Head car park of Ellis Brook Valley Reserve some 45 minutes later. Having just learned about this reserve a few days prior, it’s our first visit; I’ve read there’s a waterfall, but I’ve lived in WA long enough to know that there won’t be any water…not this time of year anyway...especially after 60+ days without rain.
Ellis Brook is part of Banyowla Regional Park, and purportedly contains some 550 species of plants and 116 species of birds. It’s no doubt beautiful in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the brook actually has water…today however, it’s dry and dusty.
Information found online indicates that there are four trails here and we walk them all. The most difficult, and also the most interesting, is the two kilometer Sixty Foot Falls Trail. It’s a wee bit steep, but short, so it’s not all that challenging in the scheme of things. The views of the Perth CBD from the top are rewarding; the constant drone of the planes overhead coming in to land at the Perth Airport, not-so-much. The trail skirts the old Barrington Quarry, an interesting feature. The Eagle View Trail is even shorter, but traverses a ridge of heathland, an eyeful of bright yellow and muted green.
We walk for two hours, just over four miles. The flies don’t take long to find us and I’m forced to don my oh-so-fashionable fly net. It’s a beautiful cool day, and that’s really all that matters.
Sufficiently exercised, we leave the park and follow the signs to family run Jadran Winery, which I’ve read makes some nice fortified wines. The reports are accurate; we have a nice chat and leave with a bottle each of their white port and their Old Country Port. It seems the wine discoveries in WA are never ending.
We reward our hiking efforts with a leisurely tapas lunch at Lamont’s in the Swan Valley. We sit under the trees on the patio and munch on slow cooked pork and sage croquettes, chili spiced chicken breast strips on avocado, shaved ham on white bean paprika dip, and of course, we share a brownie with walnuts and cream. Ahhhh, this is the life.
Some photos (172-179):
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo172.html
As promised by the weather guessers, we wake to a blessedly cool day – we’ve been waiting months for this, the first day of the 2011 nq8 hiking season. We load our backpacks and leave home at 7:30 am, thrilled at the fresh cool air – it’s a 10° (50F), and we’re in heaven!
We hop into the car, locate the Tonkin Highway and head south. We turn east onto Gosnells Road, make a right onto Pitt Rd, another right onto Hayward, a left onto Quarry, and another left onto Rushton, arriving at the Valley Head car park of Ellis Brook Valley Reserve some 45 minutes later. Having just learned about this reserve a few days prior, it’s our first visit; I’ve read there’s a waterfall, but I’ve lived in WA long enough to know that there won’t be any water…not this time of year anyway...especially after 60+ days without rain.
Ellis Brook is part of Banyowla Regional Park, and purportedly contains some 550 species of plants and 116 species of birds. It’s no doubt beautiful in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the brook actually has water…today however, it’s dry and dusty.
Information found online indicates that there are four trails here and we walk them all. The most difficult, and also the most interesting, is the two kilometer Sixty Foot Falls Trail. It’s a wee bit steep, but short, so it’s not all that challenging in the scheme of things. The views of the Perth CBD from the top are rewarding; the constant drone of the planes overhead coming in to land at the Perth Airport, not-so-much. The trail skirts the old Barrington Quarry, an interesting feature. The Eagle View Trail is even shorter, but traverses a ridge of heathland, an eyeful of bright yellow and muted green.
We walk for two hours, just over four miles. The flies don’t take long to find us and I’m forced to don my oh-so-fashionable fly net. It’s a beautiful cool day, and that’s really all that matters.
Sufficiently exercised, we leave the park and follow the signs to family run Jadran Winery, which I’ve read makes some nice fortified wines. The reports are accurate; we have a nice chat and leave with a bottle each of their white port and their Old Country Port. It seems the wine discoveries in WA are never ending.
We reward our hiking efforts with a leisurely tapas lunch at Lamont’s in the Swan Valley. We sit under the trees on the patio and munch on slow cooked pork and sage croquettes, chili spiced chicken breast strips on avocado, shaved ham on white bean paprika dip, and of course, we share a brownie with walnuts and cream. Ahhhh, this is the life.
Some photos (172-179):
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo172.html
Apr 9th, 2011, 01:32 AM
#80
Thanks Dotty.
Oops...I posted incorrectly - here's the public link:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo169.html
I have a Canon PowerShot A720 IS, a simple point and shoot. I plan to upgrade to a real camera pretty soon, as I do love to take photos.
Oops...I posted incorrectly - here's the public link:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles.../photo169.html
I have a Canon PowerShot A720 IS, a simple point and shoot. I plan to upgrade to a real camera pretty soon, as I do love to take photos.
