Perthfect Ponderings Travel Agency

I have been planning for my first visitors since I got to Perth. Making a list of places to show off, tailored to the interests of my visitors that is. I finally got the chance when two of my favorite people (my parents), showed how much they loved me and flew around the world to see me and the country I've been lucky to call "home" for the past year and a half. 

I like to be organized, but I've never thought of myself as a control freak. After reading this, some of you may view me differently. I prefer to think of myself as organized, efficient, and a superb hostess. With only 2.5 weeks to see Western Australia, I wanted to make the most of it. Hence, I went into travel agent mode.

 Here follows the briefest itinerary summary. 

Please contact Perthfect Ponderings Travel for your own unique Australian experience.

Part One: Perth

Yes, it takes a long time to get to Australia. So what better way to relax than with a Coopers in a stubby holder with your new authentic Akubra hat?

 

A day in the bush with gumtrees and kangaroos.

 

A day at the races. You can't come to Australia and not partake in the gambling culture. Even if it's just having a beer in the sunshine.

Part 2: The Western Australia Loop

2,188 km

Despite speeding through 8 days and spending a lot of the time on the road, please note how little of the STATE of Western Australia we covered. Granted, the majority of the rest of the state is pretty barren and the roads don't even go there.

We spent the day at the SuperPit gold mine in the goldfields of Western Australia, Kalgoorlie

The authentic Australian Pub is a necessary experience. What doesn't sound appealing about sleeping in a less than new, old room complete with a bed and a communal bathroom down the spooky hallway? Norseman Hotel is one of the best (according to some).

 

Jack lives here. It's a sign.

And just outside of Norseman is where I have found what I think just looks like Australia. Complete with some of WA's largest lakes. See the water?

Then on to my favorite coast line with white sandy beaches and blue water. It was a bit cloudy and cool, but I think my visitors still got a bit of the Esperance magic.

We wound our way along the coast to Mt Barker, Albany, Denmark, Pemberton, and Augusta where the rain finally hit us. That didn't stop us from heading to Cape Leeuwin where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

No trip down south would be complete without a stop and wine tasting (or two) in Margaret River.

Part Three: Flying from Perth to Adelaide

A short flight to the nearest city, 2,133 km

Part Four: The East

1,651 km

Most people who come to Australia come here, well at least Sydney, possibly Melbourne, and then up to Cairns. Not including Western Australia, they may still miss some of Australia's character hidden away in towns like Mt Gambier, Beechworth, and even Canberra.

A whirlwind tour of Adelaide, what some describe as Perth 20 years ago.

 Overlooking Adelaide from Mt. Lofty.

Then on to the Blue Lake of Mt Gambier.

 

And the hill I made my parents climb up :)

One of Australia's most famous coast lines is the Great Ocean Road, home of the 12 Apostles (which we decided were overrated). And it was spectacular.

 

On to Melbourne where we had dinner on a Tram and headed down to see the Littlest Penguins on Phillip Island.

We headed up through Ned Kelly country through Wangarratta to Beechworth and on to Canberra. I don't care what Australian's say, I like Canberra. Even in the rain.

 

The steps my father would take to get a picture of Australian fauna.

And Canberra is where I parted ways with my visitors. They headed on the Sydney and I flew back to Perth. They successfully navigated Sydney's roads, enjoyed a bit of Australia's most iconic city and made it safely back to American soil.

My dad clearly belonged here.

But this is only the beginning of the adventures we had. 

There's no way to show and tell it all. You just had to be there. And there. And there. But I'll share some of the highlights.

To be continued...