A few days into my Perth adventure, and I must say I like it here very much. Somebody told me – in fact, lots of people have told me – that coming to Perth is something you must do, because it is the place that most accurately resembles people’s preconceptions of Australia, without having been here to witness it first hand. I have to say this is spot on.

I always imagined Australia to have long, golden beaches, lined with palm trees and beautifully bronzed bodies of locals, as well as the lobster-bodied tourists. I dreamed the sea would be blue, with numerous heads bobbing up and down from the surfers hoping to catch the next big wave. The sun always shined in these dreams, and I was there, laying on the beach, watching it all. For me, Perth is this place, and now I can lay on this beach and see it all for real, and I don’t have to wake up and console myself at the realisation it was all a dream. I think I am falling for Perth in a big way.

My first day took me on a lengthy walk up the coast along the beach, my head permanently twisted to the left watching the surfers and body boarders spread out along this never-ending beach. I walked for what seemed an eternity, yet on my map I had barely moved. I retraced my steps as the evening drew in, and sat for a while to watch the sun set in a glow of orange and red. Did I mention I love this place?

Another day was spent in the city, wandering about as I do, taking in the sights and sounds. I visited the beautiful botanic gardens and kings park, situated on a hillside elevated over swan river, with fantastic views of the city and surrounding areas in all directions. Families and tourists occupied much of this vast parkland, but it is easy to see why. You end up losing track of time as the stunning panoramic views, and beautifully-coloured flowers fill your mind, pushing out all the useless thoughts and junk that were there before. I could have stayed for hours, but time was getting on. I took the bus back to my accommodation and relaxed into the evening.

Everybody also talked about Perth being the perfect example of 4 seasons in one day. Until now I had yet to experience this, as England tends to have 1 season all year round, apart from a couple of weeks. Today, though, I experienced this. The morning was bright, hot and sunny. So off to the beach I went. Moments later, the wind picked up, the clouds rolled in, and suddenly it was cold, wet and windy. It gives me a chance to update my blog though, so I can’t complain too much.

On a whole, I am very pleased with Perth, and it has lived up to my expectations, and to the reputation that precedes it. I could be happy here I think. I have been told to visit areas south of Perth for an even greater experience, so I am off to Fremantle, and to Rottnest Island just as soon as the weather regains it’s greatness. I am told the beaches here are stunning, and the snorkelling is a must.

I miss my friends in Cairns, and I miss the familiarity, but I am relieved to be on the road again. I have missed the travelling more than I had realised. So, the last chapter has begun and I am so very ready to embrace it.

Author Box Written by Daniel Stevens, Founder of Roundtheworldtrip.org. Find out more about the author in my About page. Follow me on Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter, or Subscribe to my RSS Feed

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