Day 1

Landed in Perth at 2.05 and was hit with fresh air - very different to the humid conditions that we have been use to in South East Asia. Again we had the stressful job of finding a hostel but managed to have checked into one by 5.30! We went for a wander around Perth but it was like a ghost town because it was the public holiday. As we were now in hostels that were dorms as opposite to our own beach huts, we had a kitchen so bought some pasta and tuna, cooked our tea and then chatted to our 14 other room mates! Despite, them being quite during the night, the others outside the room decided to party until 6 in the morning! Not the best nights sleep!

Day 2

Checked out of this noisy hostel and checked into one that appeared much quieter. Then spent the day exploring Perth by jumping on the free buses that run around the city centre. Got off one of these buses and walked up 200 steps to the famous Kings Park - this was amazing - really good views of the city so we spent a while just relaxing here. Then jumped on another free bus to explore more of the city. Again, to save a bit of cash we cooked for ourselves in the evening before heading out to an Irish bar in Northbridge (Perths party town).

Day 3

Got the free bus around the city in the morning before getting the train to Fremantle where we got another free bus around the town before doing a bit of shopping. We ate our homemade sandwiches down at the Victoria Quay before boarding our boat to go whale spotting. After 20 minutes of being on the boat the captain spotted two whales. They stopped the boat and everyone made there way to the front of the boat in order to see them (we were at the front of course!!). Watched these massive animals playing games with each other, splashing there tails and we were even lucky enough to witness one of them jump! Amazing. The crew said it was the best sighting they had had all season. Approx size of one of the whales was 14 meters / 45 tonnes. After this we headed to Cottosloe beach to watch the sunset (recommended by locals because the sunsets into the water). Arrived with a couple of hours to spare so chilled out on the beach waiting and was bought a couple of beers by some locals. Perth by night goes slightly cold and as we were in our beach clothes by 7pm we were freezing but definatly worth it. Headed back to our hostel to cook our tuna sweetcorn pasta special

Day 4

This morning we went for a 10km bike ride around swan river - stunning views and very relaxing (despite Nickys high pace!). Then we went back to our hostel where we were picked up by Jarrad (a guy Charlotte met a few years ago whilst coaching in England). He became our tour guide for the rest of our time in Perth. Firstly he drove us to Scarborough beach (apparantly one of the nicest in Perth) - despite the sun shining it was too cold to go in the water. Next we went to a brewery which has been converted into a bar to sample some local beers before heading back to his house (our accomodation for the night). As night fell we went back to Kings Park to see lit up views of the city at night. We sat drinking our bottle of wine whilst watching the world go by below us. Jarrad then drove us back to his house and cooked us Snapper fish and salad. Yum yum very nice.

Day 5

This morning our tour guide drove us into town to do a little spot of shopping before driving us to Swan Valley to visit many local wineries. Amazing all free. After sampling some wine we were then treated to free chocolate tasting at a chocolate factory! Headed to the widelife sanctuary to hand feed the Kangaroos and stoke koalas. To remember this Jarrad bought us two small Kangaroo and Koala cuddly teddies - how sweet of him! After this busy day we headed back to his house to quickly shower and change as we had been invited to join him and Clinton (his house mate) at there Aussie rules end of season dinner. We had to try and dig out some appropriate dressy clothes from the bottom of our backpacks as it was black tie! Speeches and presentation of awards was first up followed by a massive buffet which was very impressive and not what us backpackers are accustomed too. This was a brilliant way to finish our Perth adventure. Our tour guide kindly dropped us off at the airport at 10pm for our midnight flight to Caines - at the airport we quickly changed back into the usual slob clothes