After my trip to the north of Western Australia I decided to have a few days relaxing on the beach. So instead of staying in Perth city I headed for Cottesloe beach, just a short train ride away. Well at least the train journey is short but the trek from the station to the hostel seemed like a couple of marathons, lugging my huge expanding rucksack and everything else that's now attached to the outside cos I can't fit it in! But puffing and blowing I made it and it was worth it. Cottesloe is a beautiful golden beach with plenty of surf for the more adventurous amongst us. As for me well I thought I deserved a rest so I did no more than soak up the rays for a few hours from the comfort of my towel!

Recovery didn't last long though as the next day I decided to go to Rottnest island. I met up with a couple of other people in the hostel who wanted to go so we set off for the early ferry to make the most of the day. When you get to the island the best way to get around and see the stunning coastline is by bike. There is a hop-on hop-off bus for those who wish to save their energy, but it's not half as much fun. To cycle around the whole island is about 30km, so that's just what we did. There is plenty of time to stop along the way, have a swim in beautiful secluded coves, go snorkelling or just sit on your own beach making the most of the sun. We also saw some of the local wildlife, some cuter than others - a couple of snakes on the road (who knows if they were poisonous, but I'm pretty sure the second one would have been flattened by the bus which came around the corner shortly after us, as the snake wasn't moving too fast!), and we also saw some Qakkas (I think spelt totally wrong!). But Rottnest is famous for these strange little creatures. They are a cross between an overgrown rat a wombat and a wallaby. Despite that brilliant description they are in fact very cute!

Another day on the beach followed, although I had to give in to the wind and retreat to the grassy terraces instead as it was just too much to sit on the beach and have your left side totally battered by sand, particularly when it's in your ears too!

As well as the beautiful beach Cottesloe also has wonderful sunsets, as facing due west the sun sets right over the ocean. I sat on the beach nearly every night I was there just watching the sun go down and the locals heading out for a windsurf or swim as the sky turned amazing colours of red and pink...