ROTTO - RATS AS BIG AS CATS

Eye popping ocean view on Rottnest Island

When the Dutch explorers first discovered this part of the world they were taken aback.  

Rottnest Island, just offshore from the mainland, was awash with small marsupials and the explorers assumed they were extremely large rats.  

We had come to understand that everything in Australia seems to have its own unique abbreviation - Rottnest Island is actually "Rotto". And the rat spotted by the Dutch? That would be a Quoka.  

Quoka on Rottnest Island

On the mainland more surprises for the Dutch - black, not white swans graced the Swan River.  Where on earth were they?  Truth be known, one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth.

Cruising the Swan River

Perth is a surprise. Modern, vibrant, sunny and expensive.  A city fueled by the wealth of Western Australia's mining boom but with the feel of a big country town.  

A trip down the Swan River reveals a great deal - beautiful waterfront homes hug the shoreline and inlets, most with their own impressive floating real estate. There are a lot of boats in Perth!  

Perth's Central Business District

Newly developed suburbs stretch out in all directions from a fairly compact central business district.  But you don't have to walk far along one of the many leafy boulevards to come across any number of compact, character homes with well tended gardens - many of which have been converted into office space.

Character home - now office space 

The atmosphere in the Perth-Freemantle (Freo) area is relaxed and pleasant.  Its remoteness has probably protected it from becoming big and brash although it seems that Perth has been discovered.  

Infrastructure projects are underway all over the city.  The transportation system is impressive -  modern highways and an extensive public transportation system.  We particularly appreciated the free bus system in the central business district.

Gardener in King's Park 

A sprawling Kings Park is an absolute treasure and must see, not just for the varieties of Western Australian flora but for the views over the city and Swan River.

A gardener stopped to chat.  We asked why her Toro had been decorated in crochet patches.  "No reason" she replied "seemed like a good idea at the time".

Making our way from Kings Park to Freemantle, we waited for the free bus.  It was the end of the route for the bus driver who had taken a break, returning to the bus with a cup of tea and a sausage roll. Brushing the crumbs from his sweater, he told us exactly what to do, dropping us at the the train station, along with some parting instructions.  "See you in Vancouver one day", he said with a broad smile on his face.