Category Archives: Western Australia

Sightseeing Cruise – Perth to Fremantle for the Day

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in Perth to Fremantle Cruise, WA, Western Australia

≈ 32 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

We boarded the cruiser at Elizabeth Quay in the city of Perth for our leisurely cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle

20200120_083614_resized

We glided along the river, admiring the waterfront scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline, upscale suburbs with their very large mansions and yacht clubs. We saw all sorts of water craft from the tiny to the very opulent, including folks taking sailing lessons at the sailing clubs along the way.

20200120_083549_resized

This picturesque cruise came with some very lively and interesting commentary for most of the cruise.  The cruise, which took about an hour and 20 mins from Perth to Fremantle was really excellent with so many beautiful sights. There was inside and outside seating but I chose to stay outside for the entire trip. It was so fun and relaxing and the weather was perfect.

20200120_083518_resized

After an hour and 20 mins we arrived at Fremantle

20200120_122011_resized

Fremantle is a lively port city southwest of Perth in Western Australia, where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean. On the edge of the Indian Ocean, Fremantle has great ocean and river beaches to enjoy.

This pedestrian-friendly city with unique winding streets offers you a glimpse of a colonial and Gold Rush past in balance with a modern and vibrant present

I stopped for coffee at a café near the cruise terminal before boarding one of the many local red CAT buses to take a tour around the city. As lunch time was approaching my stomach reminded me that it was time to meet up with my friends at Joes Fish Shack at South Beach. Gosh, what a fun lively area South Beach is. It certainly is worthy of a full day. Next time!

20200120_122047_resized

This well known tourist attraction of Fremantle, Joe’s Fish Shack has been a part of the shore front for many years. The inside has lots of fishing and ocean related decor as well as the front and back of an old VW kombi van which looked fabulous. The restaurant is right on the water at Fremantle wharf area with scenic views of the water through the many large windows. Joe’s offers full service dining in comfortable and quirky surroundings. It was bubbling with happy people, great atmosphere and good simple food. This was such a fantastic fun experience.
20200120_122129_resized

After lunch, from the restaurant I took the blue bus back to the train station which is in the centre of town and hopped in a train to travel back to Perth city. It was all so so easy. Public transport in Perth and Fremantle is outstanding.

Fremantle is a city rich with history and alive with modern culture.

I really  enjoyed Fremantle and hope to return again soon.

 

 

My Perfect Nature Cruise – Monkey Mia, WA

22 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Australia, Monkey Mia, Western Australia, Western Australia

≈ 45 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

From where we where staying in Denham we drove the short distance north for our visit to Monkey Mia.

Monkey Mia has been on my dream list for many years so I could barely contain my excitement as we drove up. Famous for its wild dolphin experience, Monkey Mia is surrounded by rusty red sand dunes, white sandy beaches and water teeming with wildlife.

20190913_124745

Dolphins close to shore

Our planned cruise on the Aristocat 18 metre luxury sailing Catamaran was for 9am departure so we had enough time to make a short explore around the beach and resort area before boarding this fantastic vessel at the end of the pier. Both the captain and the 1st mate were gorgeous young ladies. These very capable, interesting and friendly young ladies are excellent sailors.

As the shoreline melted away we were on high alert for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and other marine life.

20191210_074614

The girls, who are very knowledgeable were excellent and explained everything to us for the entire time. They did their best to find sea life for us; we saw Dugongs, dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and flying fish.

It was pretty hot out on the water so many of us ladies got to refresh in the boom net which was super welcome and super fun.

20190913_085323

Aristocat is the only boat licensed to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia Exclusion Zone, and Restricted Dugong Access Zone. The vessel itself is spacious with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, 360o viewing and is exceptionally clean and well maintained. It was very comfortable and suitable for all ages from small children to elderly as there is plenty of comfortable seating and it is easy to walk around the boat with handrails to hold on to.

20191210_074532

After we finished our cruise, many of us swam and played in the pristine water. Dolphins were nearby as they come in to shore often for feeding. Pelicans were lazing around on the sand and later emus were seen walking on the beach. Today dolphins are only fed according to strict guidelines and under supervision of Parks and Wildlife Service officers to ensure the dolphins continue to hunt and behave naturally.

20191210_074503

20190913_165014_resized

Before our departure from Monkey Mia we had enough time to enjoy a coffee and lay back on the chaise lounges overlooking the exquisite view of the beach, ocean and boats and to reflect on this perfect morning.

20190913_102441

20190913_103306_resized_1

Monkey Mia was everything and more than I expected.

This place is paradise