Azzy woke up early and went for a run to start maintaining his fitness now that he has had a bit of a rest. After a late breakfast for the rest of us (except Jen & Checkez who both had to go to work today), it was time to explore Perth City with Pete as our guide. It was about an hours drive into Perth where we made a beeline for the new Elizabeth Quays area on the riverside (Swan River), for a stroll around what is reported as being the Gunwharf Quays of Perth. Clearly it has not got that far yet as it consists only of the renovation of the quayside and doorways with a bit of artistic architecture and home to the quays for the various ferries and river tour operators. I was a little disappointed in it as I had expected a bigger development. However, We were not disappointed with the City Shopping Centre. Although I hate shopping, it was not an intimidating centre, had lots of interesting shops and lots contrasting views. Although Perth is one of Australia's main cities it is not a big centre and the shopping is well laid out. With a Tea Tasting session at a very interesting Tea Shop followed by a very nice coffee at the Coffee Club, it turned out to be a very pleasant experience. Parking wasn't that difficult either......!
After a quick comfort break it was time to see what a Perth City beach looked like. We chose to drive about 20 minutes to the North side of the City centre to City Beach. Like just about every where on this holiday we were not to be let down. Long expanse of golden sand, warm Indian Ocean waters and just a hint of surf suitable for body surfing. No rip currents and no hint of large marine species looking for a meal. Safe swimming and not too many people on the beach to crowd us out. Finally time ran out, though the weather was still like a good summers day in the UK and we needed to tackle the pre Easter Rush out of the City and back to Byford - about an hours drive. Traffic was nothing like the gridlock we get around Eastleigh even though it was very heavy. We stopped at a Coles Supermarket in Armadale near home on the way back to get provisions as nothing opens in Aussie on Bank Holidays. I had volunteered to cook a Thai Curry for us all tonight and even by my own high standards of Cheffery, it was excellent