Day 20 Perth

Perth has a population of 1,507,900 and when you consider that the total population of the state is 2,050,884 you can see that most of the population is in the capital.  The next biggest city is Albany, closely followed by Bunbury, then Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Mandurah.

The Swan River Settlement was founded in June 1829 and three towns were formed - Perth in between Freemantle and Guildford.  Fremantle which was 20kms downstream on the coast served as the colony's functional port and Guildford, 20kms upstream to the east was chosen to supply produce to the surrounding regional because of the rich fertile soil found in the Swan Valley.  Today, the three settlements are as one, with building having filled in the gaps. 

Some of the coastline

Today we went for a drive to Hillarys Boat Harbour, Sorrento Quay and North Beach.  We couldn't get over how busy the area was and then we noticed that the State Surf Lifesaving Championships were being held on the beach.  We went to Sorrento Quay and explored all the shops and enjoyed looking at all the boats moored in the harbour.  The AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) is here and it takes you on an underwater journey to discover the fascinating and unique marine life of Western Australia.  It overlooks a living coral reef and has an underwater gallery.  There is also a touch pool exhibit where you can handle some of the living animals. 

A view of the Indian Ocean

Hillarys Harbour Resort

Some of the boats in the harbour

We also checked out some of the beaches, there is an amazing coastline.  We couldn't get over the number of kite surfers.  There are specific areas of the beaches set aside for them and it is nothing to see 20 or 30 at every area. 

Tomorrow we are going to Fremantle.

cheers
Pete and Roz