Perth

A grouchy looking wombat at Caversham Wildlife Park - my favorite shot of the trip! I knew very little about the wombat before this trip, and certainly did not expect it to be as big as a bull-dog in actual size! I remember its sleepy red-eyes following my every movements as I got close to him. The wombat carer said this fella is just a 4 year old teenager, with its grouchy demeanor & sleepy red-eyes ~ it certainly was full of character! I am still amused looking through the photographs now :)

Jogging along Perth's beautiful Swan River - what better way to start your day. The sun illuminated the city skyline & we had the privilege of enjoying the inspiring views & sunrise as we jogged along Swan River.

Took a short drive & ferry ride across to Penguin Island - we chose to explore the island using the well-constructed boardwalks but didn't see many wild penguins (saw just the one!), instead we were squawked at by thousands of gulls who were all ferociously guarding their eggs (it was hatching season!) ~ & it was fantastic being able to get so close to them & taking photos. Picnic lunch couldn't get anymore adventurous as we took shelter inside a cove as the rain had started coming down just as our tummies started growling.. the wife got it right when she said it was such a Nancy Drew setting! :)
 

Bushwalking at Bells Rapids - sadly there weren't any rapids & the river was totally dried up. I learnt it is usually in the winter months when there would be more rain & water flow. Nonetheless the walk was certainly challenging (plus we got a bit lost!) & was a good primer to the flora faunas of Oz (& the intensity of the Ozzie sun!). Our picnic lunch had the perfect setting ~ on some big boulders overlooking Bells Rapids, in the shade & with a lulling & much-needed breeze, and a view of Perth city at a far distance. We later saw our first wild kangaroo as we explored deeper towards Mount Mambup (& it was huge roo!), which without a doubt got our hearts pumping a bit & had been unanimously voted as our first Ozzie moment! :)

Chilling out at King's Park with the locals and tourists - the weather picked up towards the end of the week & we were happy just to spend the afternoon lying on the soft grass & taking in the city view. The skies were gorgeous & we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wrap-up to our visit to Perth.