Staying with Friends in Perth

	An old cottage in Byford

Perth is located some 4,500 km from Sydney and has about 1.3 million inhabitants. Perth's landscape shows much of the Australian Bushland and is mostly dry in most areas. There are a few old structures of historical interest which stand out among the new architectural design featuring modern and futuristic skyscrapers.

I was in Perth in the third week of July 2004 for a business trip which later ended up as a short holiday with my Australian friends. The months of June - August are known as not the best times for sightseeing as it is in winter. Nevertheless, I managed to have an excellent time staying with friends on a 120 acre land in Byford.

My visit was organized as a mixture of nature walks in the late mornings, some touristy sight seeing and of course shopping. My favorite activity was driving around in a 4WD looking for wild kangaroos in the night which was quite exciting. There is abundant wildlife in the Australian Bushlands and if you are a nature enthusiast this might be a good idea to spend your time in the evenings.

For a layback and relaxing experience, I suggest staying with friends rather than going for a tour package. This will grant more flexibility in managing your time so that you may enjoy your stay to the fullest.

	Rugged Australian Natural Forest

King’s Park
I visited King’s on the evening of my arrival as I was supposed to meet my friends in a pub not too far from there. The weather was a bit chilly but was bearable. On the hill, there was an outpost where I captured a spectacular view of Perth City Centre in Sunset. There is also bridge/walkway not too far from the hill, leading to the botanical gardens - nicer part of the park with a diverse collection of plants and trees from Australia. This gate was closed after 5 p.m but I managed to take a stroll in this area two days later in the morning before my trip to the city centre.

Perth Zoo
As a nature enthusiast, my visit to Perth would not have been complete if I did not visit the much talked about Perth Zoo. I had heard that the African Savannah had excellent exhibits of large mammals. I was pleased to see the endangered white Rhinos in their enclosures. It was a most interesting walk in this part of the Zoo. I also enjoyed the Rainforest Retreat which offered an experience of the Australian Rainforest. Being from Malaysia, I was able to compare the diversity. It was very interesting.

Perth’s City Centre
While in the City, I visited the Museum of Western Australia and The Western Australia’s Art Gallery which was just 5 minutes walk from the Central Railway Station. The Art gallery featured several collections ranging from fine arts to native Australian Aboriginal Art. It was very interesting to appreciate these works of art. While strolling in the city, I stopped by Botanical Gardens near the Bell tower and the Courts. There were many old buildings that are restored located near the Courthouse including the Fire Brigade Museum. Shopping and Dining in Perth was convenient and interesting. I returned home with several souvenirs such as sheepskins and boomerangs!

	Roo and Baby..

I really enjoyed my visit to the Perth Zoo and the kangaroo spotlighting experience with my friends. I know that this may not always be available but it's a great idea for some safe adventure for the tourist. Shopping is also great in Perth. There are many stores and souvenir shops to visit and get the best prices for anything that you like. Overall, I enjoyed shopping in Perth (even though I suffered from sore feet!)

	Sunset view from Kings Park

I really enjoyed my evening walk in Kings Park just before sunset.

	Yummy .. yummy

The CBD Restaurant and Bar is a nice contemporary restaurant and wine bar. I stopped by here one evening after spending a day in the city. The restaurant is located at the West End corner of Hay and King Street.