DAY 204 - 09/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

Cabin fever has set in and its time to go out.

We drove into the city via the coastal tourist route. Most of the beaches looked damaged from the recent bad weather. There was lots of seaweed washed up on the sand and at the waters edge. The water also looked quite murky.

Cottesloe Beach

We stopped at the popular Cottesloe Beach for a coffee and watch the girls have a play in the park. We didn't stay long because it is quite breezy and some of us have forgotten our warm jackets back at the van.

A lot of the houses around these parts of Perth are massive mansions, unique in design from one another and very beautiful. Lots of money on the northside of Perth, thats for sure.

Today we also visited the Perth Mint.

Its historical building is striking in appearance but there is a lot of renovation work going on here and it sort of spoils it.

There were construction vehicles parked everywhere in the entry circular driveway and there was construction work going on in the foyer of the building. They still charge us full price to enter ($34 per family) and there isn't much on offer here to warrant the fee. Especially when you compare it to the Canberra Mint which is so much better and the admission is free. They had a tour which we were intially told would go for 40min but went for 10 min max.

Theres our tour guide

The girls holding replica gold nuggets found in Australia

They had gold nuggets, a bullion bar to lift, medals and commemorative coins in display cabinets. There was a replica campsite of a typical gold mine in the olden days and a gold pouring display which was the most interesting part of the whole visit. They showed us melted down gold and how they turn it into a bullion. The only place we were permitted to take photos was the campsite display.

After our invigorating and over priced Perth Mint visit we decided to go for a short walk around town.

We didn't do much other than have lunch and briefly visit the beautiful St Mary's Cathedral.

St Marys Cathedral, Perth

Side view of St Marys Cathedral, Perth

The very impressive in your face 3D Stations of the Cross plaques in St Marys Cathedral

The visit was very brief because Lilly wanted to go and explore areas that were signposted "Do Not Enter" and there were cameras everywhere. So best we move on.

We collected our car and went for a drive to Kings Park. Kings Park is high on a hill and it is huge and holds the botanical gardens. There is also a lookout here which overlooks the city.

City view from Kings Park, Perth

The park is huge and you can drive around it. There are beautiful gardens, lots of playgrounds, ponds with fountains and picnic areas here.

Its been a big day but we promised the girls a trip to the cinemas. Despicable Me is out today and they really want to watch it. Its in 3D though which I'm not too crazy about but a promise is a promise.

The girls thought the movie was fantastic but Waz and I thought it was a flop. I couldn't wait for it to end.

DAY 203 - 08/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

We had another lazy day due to the crappy weather. The wind was so strong that it felt like it was going to blow our van over. The only person who went out today was Warren to visit the dentist and Woolys to get some comfort food. Other than shower and loo runs, the rest of us stayed indoors all day and night.

Alicia was a good girl and with a little help from me cooked us all dinner tonight. We had savoury lamb meatballs and vege's. She loves to cook and has told me she wants to learn more and wants me to teach her what i know. Since we've been on the road I have allowed her to help me with cooking sometimes but I will up the anty and let her help out more often in the kitchen.

DAY 202 - 07/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

We were planning to go out for a drive today down the coast line but the weather turned ugly. Strong winds and icy cold rain have kept us indoors all day. We dread the loo run and hold on for as long as we can.

Just before the rain hit.

The walkway is deserted.

but what a view

I spent most of the day updating our blog, the girls make and play with their finger puppets while watching movies and Waz enjoys a day nap.

Waz leaves to get more goon juice then returns back to the den.

Yummy curried snags and sticky date pudding for dinner are the highlight for the evening.

This map shows where we have travelled so far. Its amazing how far we have driven which is approx 26,000kms.

Quiet night indoors.

DAY 201 - 06/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

Its a very lazy morning for us all. I finally decide to get out of my pj's at lunchtime and I am reluctant to do so but we need to do a grocery shop.

The girls get some school work done. Anything is better than nothing.

Quiet night tonight.

DAY 200 - 05/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

Today is Fathers Day and the girls have given Waz their gifts and personal handmade cards. After brekky we get organised and go out for the day. We are going to visit the Perth Zoo.

We caught the train into Perth, walk to the ferry terminal then ferry across the Swan River to East Perth, where the zoo is. Public transport is unreal and definately the way to go here.

The Barrack Street Ferry Terminal

Views of the city skyline from the ferry

We arrive in East Perth

While we were on the ferry, Lilly's pram took its last breath. We had big dreams for the pram, especially for today. It was going to carry all our stuff like food, nappy bag, jackets and drinks. We arrive at the zoo and all the courtesy prams are being used but lucky for us there are lockers here to put our things in.

Walking to the zoo

Waiting for Aunty Nay and Devin

Renee and Devin met us at the zoo and spend the day with us. The girls are stoked to see their Aunty again and we all enjoy their company.

The Primates were a hit as always and the very cute baby Orangutan was a highlight and so were the Cotton Head Tamarins. We were able to walk inside their enclosure during their Primate Walk Through show.

Cotton Head Tamarins

 

It was a fun but long day and we were all very tired from lots of walking, especially Lilly who did it without a pram. Well done Lil.

We still had a ferry and a train to catch and a 10 minute car ride home.

Some snapshots of the city of Perth

The Swan Bells tower

Like other capital cities around Australia, Perth has a combination of Victorian and modern style buildings which complement one another. Perth is a neat, pretty and an attractive city. We were very impressed.

Takeaway pizzas for dinner, home to eat and quickly change into warm clothes then out again. Going to Carni's, Rod and Chris's for a drink and a catch up. They are 10km down the road at Burns Beach.

Home late and very tired.

DAY 199 - 04/09/2010 - Quinns Rocks, WA

Today we spent the day in the city of Perth. We caught the train in and walked around the mall and adjoining arcades, in particular, London Court. It has a medievil decor thing going on which is pretty cool and something different from your run of the mill arcades.

London Court

Inside London Court

"Hey"

Waz bought the girls some balloons from baskers.

Then walked around the city some more.

While we were here we thought we would visit the museum. We've visited every other major museum in major cities so why not here. They had a special Pompeii exhibit on but we decided against seeing it as we've seen the real deal in Pompeii itself.

Alicia and Taylah love going to museums. Taylah loves to read all the fact files on each display piece and Lilly just wants to see the dinosaurs.

Skeleton of the extinct Dodo bird.

This is not a cast. Its the real deal.

Alicia was impressed with the huge stuffed American Bison in the Mammals section. I was interested in the display of many meteorites found on Earth and the skeleton head of the Great White Shark caught in Albany measuring 5.6m long. It was huge.

We really enjoyed our trip into Perth and like other capital cities, there is plenty to see and do.

Tonight will be spent researching on the internet and looking through tourist information brochures for, things to do around Perth. Some sort of itineary is needed so we make the most of our visit here.

DAY 198 - 03/09/2010 - Moore River, WA & Quinns Rocks, WA

Moore River Rest Area WA

We left Moore River quite early and quickly check out Guilderton which is only a few kms up the road. Its a small quiet pretty little town. Our friends told us about this place and recommend that we see it.

Guilderton WA (River side)

Guilderton WA (beachside)

We look around a bit and then back on the road heading south. We arrive in Quinns Rocks at 10am and check in to our new home, Quinns Rocks Caravan Park which overlooks the beach. Our actual site is beachfront with million dollar 180 degree views of the water at $162 per week. I love this place.

These are our views from our site....Priceless

While we get ourselves unpacked and settled the girls play craft on the camping mats outside.

Craft time

Then pancakes with maple syrup for a late morning tea followed by a play on the beach. Its a beautiful day and better spent outdoors than anywhere else. I enjoy a relaxing afternoon reading on the beach while the kids play and explore the beach.

In the late afternoon we take a stroll along the walk/bike path that runs adjacent to the beach. We sticky beak at the beautiful houses along the strip and take in the scenery. We get back in time just as the sun sets.

While waiting to get the perfect sunset photo a man driving a motorised parachute flys past and takes us all by surprise.

He comes just as suddenly as....

he leaves!

Warren is meeting Renee and Devon at the Perth Casino for a night out tonight. No plans for the girls and I except a quiet night in front of the tv.

It is day 4 for Lilly without her bottle and she is doing great, better than I thought. She asked for it a couple of times but thats it. I suppose throwing it into the bin herself was a big help at kicking the bobo habit.