Arrived safely into Perth .... and surprise, surprise our luggage was last off the carousel! That will teach us for checking in early!

About a 20 minute cab ride to our accommodation at the Mounts Bay Apartment Hotel - a large complex on the Kings Park side of the city. Checked in about midnight to our very comfortable and spacious apartment ....everything you would need for an extended stay. Pity we only have two nights!

Managed a decent sleep in then wandered into the city. Certainly a very obvious mixture of "old & new" architecture ....accentuated by the prevalence of cranes and ongoing construction. We walked along The Esplanade and up to St Georges Terrace into the CBD area and found "London Court" , a Tudor-style historic walkway of shops and cafes. Gorgeous, and an obvious stop for brekkie. Then continued strolling through various malls and shopping areas, again noticing the contrast of historical buildings such as the Post Office and banks with the modern shopping and office precincts. Finally found the WA Tourist Information centre and after much advice decided to undertake the "hop-on-hop-off" bus tour .....did the full loop in just over two hours -such a good way to get a feel of the whole city. Took in significant sites such as the Bell Tower at Barrack Street Jetty (new Elizabeth Quay development), the Supreme Court, the cultural area of Northbridge, out to Crown Casino at Burswood, back to Perth Mint and on to the spectacular 400 + hectares of the Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens with amazing views over Perth and the Swan river. Ended back at the jetty and despite the 32 + degree heat caught the ferry ($2.90 each return allowing a stay of 2 hours) across to South Perth. Strolled along South Perth Esplanade with great views back across to the city, along to the Old Mill, then back into the town. Enjoyed a cider at a lovely old pub, The Windsor, before catching the ferry back. Had a drink at "the Lucky Shag" bar right at the jetty before wandering back into town, collecting some brekkie provisions and heading back to the apartment. Managed to catch most of the footy (Bulldogs v Manly) before freshening up and getting a cab the short distance into town. Found the highly recommended "Print Hall". Wow, what an amazing place! Four levels of up market trendy bars and dining. Raym loved meeting the renowned Jerry, the oyster Shucker- and tasting his wares! Unfortunately hunger and exhaustion set in so the hour and a half wait at Jamie Oliver's restaurant was no longer an option. We settled for the Belgian Beer Hotel and enjoyed our burgers and wine before cabbing it home. The end of a long but fulfilling day!