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beelikejIn March and April I went on a businesstrip to Australia. Before work I spent a day in Sydney with my brother and his family who live in New South Wales, then I had a weeklong meeting followed by a 4-day workshop in Victoria (with a weekend in between where I met up with a fandomfriend in Melbourne and did touristy stuff:-).
When work was done, I flew to Western Australia for a week of old fashioned traveling around on my own. (The big difference with my backpacking days Down Under being that I now stay in hotels instead of hostels;)
I managed to see and do so much each day, that I had to split my vacationreport into several parts. Here's the first picspam; exploring Perth and a daytrip to Rottnest Island, where I got to see quokkas!
FR03APR2026 Vacation Day 1: Traveling to Perth
Packed and ready to go; I drive to the airport with my GBR colleagues G. & A. - along the way we make a fanboy stop at Pin Oak Court, which is the original out-doors setting of the Australian soap-opera Neighbours.
Fans of the tv-series will recognize this as Ramsay Street where all the Neighbours live. I remember watching the original series of Neighbours back in 1985 which ran for about a year before it was transfered to another network in 1986, after that I slowly lost interest. (My favorite Australian series in the eighties was Sons & Daughters, that was big before Neighbours).
I was mostly fascinated by the funky lemon-trees in the street :-)
At the airport I said goodbye to G. and A. (we all had different destinations in Australia). I had to check in my own bag (do not like that, but I am getting better at it).
Had a slow cooked chunky beef pie for lunch, which was scrumptious. Unfortunately the photo of that and the equally delicious chai latte failed, so you get a picture of the plane instead :-p
Glorious view of Western Australia *heart eyes* and a welcome by the Whadjuk people, the Traditional Owners.
It was a four and a half hour flight, and a three hour time-difference with me traveling back in time; so that was not confusing at all, pfff.
Lovely art all around at the airport and at the Perth trainstation.
It was only a short walk (and a slightly steep climb for this flatland girl) from the station to my hotel. I dumped my backpack and went for an evening walk; on Barrack street I passed Perth Town Hall with it's lit clock tower on my way to the harbour.
The impressive landmark Bell Tower has a futuristic sci-fi design; it is 82.5 m. high and holds the 12 royal bells of London's St. Martin-in-the-Fields that were given to WA in 1988 to commemorate Australia's bicenennial.
Along the waterfront there is a lot of information on the history of its development. Across the Swan River you can see South Perth.
Tile on William Street of a black swan, the official state bird emblem of Western Australia. I get some food at Hungry Jack's (AUS version of Burger King) to eat in my hotel room.
SA04APR2026 Vacation Day 2: Elizabeth Quay & Matagarup Bridge
G'day! This is the first day in a while that I can sleep in a little and take my time for breakfast. I treat myself to scrambled eggs, sausage, toast with butter, tiny blueberry muffin and chocolate roll with juice and milk. I also have some fruit!
I read up in my Lonely Planet and make sort of a plan for today, starting with a walk through the city.
I walk along Murray Street Mall, one of the two long pedestrianised shopping streets, to Forrest Place; on this square there is a poem about the swampland that was here before. The visitors centre kiosk is decorated in Aboriginal art.
Other streets in the city centre have wide side walks, it is the best Australian city for pedestrians! I saw Perth Town Hall by daylight this time; the building in Victorian Free Gothic style was built by convicts and free men between 1867 and 1870.
I walked down Barrack Street to Elizabeth Quay, and saw the Bell Tower shining in the sunlight, just as cool as by night :-)
At the waterfront (with that view across the Swan River of South Perth) I made arrangements for a boattour tomorrow. Then I wandered around the water for a view of Perth CBD (Central Business District).
Sculptures by Jon Tarry (2015): the swan with a cygnet nestled in its feathers, symbolises the work of Bessie Mabel Rischbieth (1874-1967), a champion of children's rights and a social advocate for the rights of women and Aboriginal people.
The first of many glorious bridges I come across in Perth is the Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge (Design by Arup, 2016), an 22 metre high S-shaped suspension bridge offering pedestrians and cyclists a 360-degree view of the Swan River.
On the other side of the bridge stands a 5-metre tall cast aluminium sculpture: First Contact by Laurel Nannup (2016), inspired by the Noongar people’s initial encounter with European settlers as distant sailing ships appeared as giant floating birds on the horizon.
OOooh, I spot a pair of black swans!
Part of In This Life Together (2019), a community mural designed by Melski (Mel McVee & Tash Alibegovic) depicting native flora and fauna, it was painted over 4 days, involving over 500 people. (It is 60m long x 4m high)
Spanda (2016) a 29-meter-high abstract sculpture by Christian de Vietri, it is designed to look like waves of activity, rippling water, and the cycles of life.
A final full view of the Swan Bell Tower (2000), designed by architect William Hames.
I visit Perth's oldest building: the old court-house was designed by E.w. Revelley and built in 1836, close to the original river foreshore.
The chairs in the court were decorated with a swan emblem.
In Stirling Gardens I came across more artworks: Boonji Spaceman by Brendan Murphy (2025) was created for the city of Perth (There are currently six cities in the world that have their own spaceman).
Kangaroos (1998) by Charlie Smith and Joan Walsh-Smith.
Back in the city centre, I walked through London Court, a Tudor-style arcade from 1937, between St. George Terrace and Hay Street Mall, another great pedestrian area.
I got some food and drinks at Woolworths and then tried to find Wolf Lane, a back alley full of street art. The map in the Lonely Planet confused me, but I eventually found it, hidden right across from my hotel, haha! What I'm sharing here is a mere selection of all the awesome I saw.
Duck & Donkey - artist unknown
Cheeky Sparrows - Jackson Harvey, Australia (2024)
Left: Hope by Ketones6000 (Jerome Davenport, 2025; the piece wraps around the building, see below)
Right: in the background: Abstract by Maya Hayuk, Ukraine (2014)
+ Untitled mural by Hyuro, Argentina (2014)
Left: Seahorse by Alexis Diaz, Puerto Rico (2014)
behind that, on the corner: the silver ballons that are part of Hope by Ketones6000.
Right: Wolf Mural (updated) by Steven Buckles, Australia (2024)
Left: Inside your head there is a heart by Steven Buckles aka Hurben, Australia (2024)
Right: City Labyrinth and Gecko, both by Liam Dee (2024)
(To find more for yourself, check out the Perth street art interactive map.
After that longer than expected artwalk, I had a break in my hotelroom before walking to the station to catch the free yellow CAT bus to the West side of Perth.
(In the background sculpture Grow Your Own, aka The Cactus by James Angus(2011).
I got off at Arden Street Park and walked to the Matagarup Bridge.
Matagarup Bridge between Burswood and East Perth is a steel cable-stayed bridge with intertwined arches, that can be interpreted as ribbons, swans or Wagyl serpents. Design: Denton Corker Marshall architects (2018). I LOVE IT!
The bridge also features in my video
Bridges in Perth [AUS 2026] :-)
It's a 400 m. long pedestrian (and bicycle) bridge leading to the Perth (Optus) Stadium, where a lot of people were walking to for the Australian Football match.
There is an option to zoom down on a zip-line. For me just walking across and the view of the river and Perth was already exciting enough. I made so many photos *happy sigh*.
From the bridge I walked to Victoria Gardens and got on the Yellow Cat back to the city centre.
Since there was still a lot of day left, I decided to go to Elizabeth Quay again and catch the ferry across the river. Look at my happy faaaaace.
Going underneath the pretty Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge across a very wide part of the Swan River towards Mindeerup, gateway of South Perth.
Massive Frill-neck Lizard by Iredale Pederson Hook (2019), an origami-inspired sculpture (behind it is a Numbat).
Cute meerkat sculptures, looking at Perth CBD: Mends Street Mob by Mikaela Castledine (2019, crocheted polypropylene, stainless steel).
I sat reading below these trees filled with Rainbow Lorikeets, can you spot them? They were very noisy, but a lovely background sound :-)
I read until it was dark, enjoying the changing view on the city across the water.
Walking around in search of food I found this sculpure, part of a group Promenading Emus by Russell Sheridan (2019).
The Virgin Bellini Mocktail with peach purée, ginger ale and grenadine was a disappointment, but the Cheesy Garlic Pizza was delicious.
After one last look at Karl Kep Ngoornd-iny (Fire and Water Dreaming) the Mindeerup sound and light show (Designed by Yondee Shane Hansen), I got on the ferry back.
Saw a fascinating bird next to the boat: a Nankeen Night-Heron.
Look at the moooooon! Back at Elizabeth Quay; such lovely lights.
What an awesome day, I saw so many things!
SU05APR2026 Vacation Day 3: Rottnest Island (Wajuk: Wadjemup)
When I planned today's trip to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), I was told there were beaches there, so I figured I put my bathing suit on just in case I would get an opportunity to swim ;-)
The boat left from Barrack Street Jetty (I walked there from my hotel).
First part was an hour long relaxing rivercruise with a gorgeous view of the Swan River.
There was an audio guide talking about the history of the area an the sights along the way. I loved the build of a new bridge we passed.
The river flows into the Indian Ocean, where the waves get a bit wilder.
From the coast it's about half an hour to Rottnest Island.
There's a lot of people visiting the island, but I did manage to find some quiet spots on my short walk around the Thomson Bay Settlement.
These military barracks from 1844 were converted into cottages in 1864.
The Rottnest Prison Bell on Signal Hill (this one is a replacement of the original from 1864 that was removed in 1902).
For more lazy exploring, I get on a tourbus
This tour drives me all around the island, with gorgeous views along the way!
Jeannies Lookout, the southern most point of the island.
The Rottnest Island Lighthouse from 1896 stands at the highest point of the island.
Crocodile Rock in the back (can you see it?) with also a hidden hippo behind the rock in the front.
Eagle Bay (apparently a good place to spot seals, but I didn't see any, aahw)
Herschel Lake (salt pans & wetlands)
Back at the Thomson Bay Settlement, I buy some food and souvenirs before I walk to the North side of the island.
I pass Lomas Cottage, built around 1850s and later used for the island telephone exchange in 1901; it now serves as the Wadjemup Museum for Children.
Saw some gallahs!
Yay, spotted my first quokka: can you spot it? It's rolled up like a fluffy ball, sleeping under the tree.
Found The Basin beach!
First I sit down for lunch: I bought a potato pie (with mashed potato and beef, still warm!) and orange juice.
Then I go for a dip in the Indian Ocean, wahey! The bottom is rocky and the water doesn't reach much higher than my butt, so it's not real swimming, more a bit of floating, heehee.
On my walk back I spot more quokkas and I even manage to capture that enigmatic smile!
I join a guided nature walk to the Garden Lake.
A small trail leads us to an area with a whole group of quokkas, check out my video below!
Rottnest Island, continued
It's a lovely area, I also spot birds and these intriguing treetrunks.
But the main attraction are of course the quokkas, very adorable, especially when they hop!
After the guided walk, I go on a short hike on my own; I climb to Vlamingh Lookout, named after the Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh, who visited the island on 30 December 1696 and named it Rottenest Island (Rat's nest in Dutch, because he mistook the quokkas for rats!).
The lookout offers a 360-degree view all over the island and features a monument with a central sundial and inscription.
I climb down, back to Thomson Bay Settlement, see more quokkas along the way (I made so many photos y'all). I come across this Beacon for Land Spirits, before I walk to the port to catch the ferry back to Perth.
Waves are bit more choppy on the way back and it's busy on the water; there are a lot of huge ships.
Gosh, I so love being on a boat. It's another hour and a half of bliss across the ocean and then back on the Swan River.
Hello Perth! I manage to capture the perfect view of the Spanda sculpture in between the Elizabeth Quay Bridge, woohoo!.
I end the day in the hotel restaurant with a Turkish bread burger with cevapi beef sausage and fries. Bon appétit!
Another splendid day :-)
To be continued with a trip to Kalgoorlie and more days in Perth...
J.
Previous AUS2026 posts:
Day 1 & 2: flying to Sydney [LJ] Day 3: Sydney Opera House [LJ] Day 4: Ferry & Swimming with family [LJ] Day 5: Flying to Victoria & Birdspotting [LJ] Day 6: Australian Football in the MGC [LJ] Day 7: Underground Goldmine [LJ] Workweek 1: tech meeting & fruitbats! [LJ] Saturday: Fangirlmeet-up Daytrip Melbourne [LJ] Sunday: Riverboat tour & Aussie Beer Museum [LJ] Workweek 2: tech workshop & a sightseeing tram! [LJ]
X-posted to https://beelikej.livejournal.com/590018.html
Lurk or comment wherever you like:)
When work was done, I flew to Western Australia for a week of old fashioned traveling around on my own. (The big difference with my backpacking days Down Under being that I now stay in hotels instead of hostels;)
I managed to see and do so much each day, that I had to split my vacationreport into several parts. Here's the first picspam; exploring Perth and a daytrip to Rottnest Island, where I got to see quokkas!
FR03APR2026 Vacation Day 1: Traveling to Perth
Packed and ready to go; I drive to the airport with my GBR colleagues G. & A. - along the way we make a fanboy stop at Pin Oak Court, which is the original out-doors setting of the Australian soap-opera Neighbours.
Fans of the tv-series will recognize this as Ramsay Street where all the Neighbours live. I remember watching the original series of Neighbours back in 1985 which ran for about a year before it was transfered to another network in 1986, after that I slowly lost interest. (My favorite Australian series in the eighties was Sons & Daughters, that was big before Neighbours).
I was mostly fascinated by the funky lemon-trees in the street :-)
At the airport I said goodbye to G. and A. (we all had different destinations in Australia). I had to check in my own bag (do not like that, but I am getting better at it).
Had a slow cooked chunky beef pie for lunch, which was scrumptious. Unfortunately the photo of that and the equally delicious chai latte failed, so you get a picture of the plane instead :-p
Glorious view of Western Australia *heart eyes* and a welcome by the Whadjuk people, the Traditional Owners.
It was a four and a half hour flight, and a three hour time-difference with me traveling back in time; so that was not confusing at all, pfff.
Lovely art all around at the airport and at the Perth trainstation.
It was only a short walk (and a slightly steep climb for this flatland girl) from the station to my hotel. I dumped my backpack and went for an evening walk; on Barrack street I passed Perth Town Hall with it's lit clock tower on my way to the harbour.
The impressive landmark Bell Tower has a futuristic sci-fi design; it is 82.5 m. high and holds the 12 royal bells of London's St. Martin-in-the-Fields that were given to WA in 1988 to commemorate Australia's bicenennial.
Along the waterfront there is a lot of information on the history of its development. Across the Swan River you can see South Perth.
Tile on William Street of a black swan, the official state bird emblem of Western Australia. I get some food at Hungry Jack's (AUS version of Burger King) to eat in my hotel room.
SA04APR2026 Vacation Day 2: Elizabeth Quay & Matagarup Bridge
G'day! This is the first day in a while that I can sleep in a little and take my time for breakfast. I treat myself to scrambled eggs, sausage, toast with butter, tiny blueberry muffin and chocolate roll with juice and milk. I also have some fruit!
I read up in my Lonely Planet and make sort of a plan for today, starting with a walk through the city.
I walk along Murray Street Mall, one of the two long pedestrianised shopping streets, to Forrest Place; on this square there is a poem about the swampland that was here before. The visitors centre kiosk is decorated in Aboriginal art.
Other streets in the city centre have wide side walks, it is the best Australian city for pedestrians! I saw Perth Town Hall by daylight this time; the building in Victorian Free Gothic style was built by convicts and free men between 1867 and 1870.
I walked down Barrack Street to Elizabeth Quay, and saw the Bell Tower shining in the sunlight, just as cool as by night :-)
At the waterfront (with that view across the Swan River of South Perth) I made arrangements for a boattour tomorrow. Then I wandered around the water for a view of Perth CBD (Central Business District).
Sculptures by Jon Tarry (2015): the swan with a cygnet nestled in its feathers, symbolises the work of Bessie Mabel Rischbieth (1874-1967), a champion of children's rights and a social advocate for the rights of women and Aboriginal people.
The first of many glorious bridges I come across in Perth is the Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge (Design by Arup, 2016), an 22 metre high S-shaped suspension bridge offering pedestrians and cyclists a 360-degree view of the Swan River.
On the other side of the bridge stands a 5-metre tall cast aluminium sculpture: First Contact by Laurel Nannup (2016), inspired by the Noongar people’s initial encounter with European settlers as distant sailing ships appeared as giant floating birds on the horizon.
OOooh, I spot a pair of black swans!
Part of In This Life Together (2019), a community mural designed by Melski (Mel McVee & Tash Alibegovic) depicting native flora and fauna, it was painted over 4 days, involving over 500 people. (It is 60m long x 4m high)
Spanda (2016) a 29-meter-high abstract sculpture by Christian de Vietri, it is designed to look like waves of activity, rippling water, and the cycles of life.
A final full view of the Swan Bell Tower (2000), designed by architect William Hames.
I visit Perth's oldest building: the old court-house was designed by E.w. Revelley and built in 1836, close to the original river foreshore.
The chairs in the court were decorated with a swan emblem.
In Stirling Gardens I came across more artworks: Boonji Spaceman by Brendan Murphy (2025) was created for the city of Perth (There are currently six cities in the world that have their own spaceman).
Kangaroos (1998) by Charlie Smith and Joan Walsh-Smith.
Back in the city centre, I walked through London Court, a Tudor-style arcade from 1937, between St. George Terrace and Hay Street Mall, another great pedestrian area.
I got some food and drinks at Woolworths and then tried to find Wolf Lane, a back alley full of street art. The map in the Lonely Planet confused me, but I eventually found it, hidden right across from my hotel, haha! What I'm sharing here is a mere selection of all the awesome I saw.
Duck & Donkey - artist unknown
Cheeky Sparrows - Jackson Harvey, Australia (2024)
Left: Hope by Ketones6000 (Jerome Davenport, 2025; the piece wraps around the building, see below)
Right: in the background: Abstract by Maya Hayuk, Ukraine (2014)
+ Untitled mural by Hyuro, Argentina (2014)
Left: Seahorse by Alexis Diaz, Puerto Rico (2014)
behind that, on the corner: the silver ballons that are part of Hope by Ketones6000.
Right: Wolf Mural (updated) by Steven Buckles, Australia (2024)
Left: Inside your head there is a heart by Steven Buckles aka Hurben, Australia (2024)
Right: City Labyrinth and Gecko, both by Liam Dee (2024)
(To find more for yourself, check out the Perth street art interactive map.
After that longer than expected artwalk, I had a break in my hotelroom before walking to the station to catch the free yellow CAT bus to the West side of Perth.
(In the background sculpture Grow Your Own, aka The Cactus by James Angus(2011).
I got off at Arden Street Park and walked to the Matagarup Bridge.
Matagarup Bridge between Burswood and East Perth is a steel cable-stayed bridge with intertwined arches, that can be interpreted as ribbons, swans or Wagyl serpents. Design: Denton Corker Marshall architects (2018). I LOVE IT!
The bridge also features in my video
Bridges in Perth [AUS 2026] :-)
It's a 400 m. long pedestrian (and bicycle) bridge leading to the Perth (Optus) Stadium, where a lot of people were walking to for the Australian Football match.
There is an option to zoom down on a zip-line. For me just walking across and the view of the river and Perth was already exciting enough. I made so many photos *happy sigh*.
From the bridge I walked to Victoria Gardens and got on the Yellow Cat back to the city centre.
Since there was still a lot of day left, I decided to go to Elizabeth Quay again and catch the ferry across the river. Look at my happy faaaaace.
Going underneath the pretty Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge across a very wide part of the Swan River towards Mindeerup, gateway of South Perth.
Massive Frill-neck Lizard by Iredale Pederson Hook (2019), an origami-inspired sculpture (behind it is a Numbat).
Cute meerkat sculptures, looking at Perth CBD: Mends Street Mob by Mikaela Castledine (2019, crocheted polypropylene, stainless steel).
I sat reading below these trees filled with Rainbow Lorikeets, can you spot them? They were very noisy, but a lovely background sound :-)
I read until it was dark, enjoying the changing view on the city across the water.
Walking around in search of food I found this sculpure, part of a group Promenading Emus by Russell Sheridan (2019).
The Virgin Bellini Mocktail with peach purée, ginger ale and grenadine was a disappointment, but the Cheesy Garlic Pizza was delicious.
After one last look at Karl Kep Ngoornd-iny (Fire and Water Dreaming) the Mindeerup sound and light show (Designed by Yondee Shane Hansen), I got on the ferry back.
Saw a fascinating bird next to the boat: a Nankeen Night-Heron.
Look at the moooooon! Back at Elizabeth Quay; such lovely lights.
What an awesome day, I saw so many things!
SU05APR2026 Vacation Day 3: Rottnest Island (Wajuk: Wadjemup)
When I planned today's trip to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), I was told there were beaches there, so I figured I put my bathing suit on just in case I would get an opportunity to swim ;-)
The boat left from Barrack Street Jetty (I walked there from my hotel).
First part was an hour long relaxing rivercruise with a gorgeous view of the Swan River.
There was an audio guide talking about the history of the area an the sights along the way. I loved the build of a new bridge we passed.
The river flows into the Indian Ocean, where the waves get a bit wilder.
From the coast it's about half an hour to Rottnest Island.
There's a lot of people visiting the island, but I did manage to find some quiet spots on my short walk around the Thomson Bay Settlement.
These military barracks from 1844 were converted into cottages in 1864.
The Rottnest Prison Bell on Signal Hill (this one is a replacement of the original from 1864 that was removed in 1902).
For more lazy exploring, I get on a tourbus
This tour drives me all around the island, with gorgeous views along the way!
Jeannies Lookout, the southern most point of the island.
The Rottnest Island Lighthouse from 1896 stands at the highest point of the island.
Crocodile Rock in the back (can you see it?) with also a hidden hippo behind the rock in the front.
Eagle Bay (apparently a good place to spot seals, but I didn't see any, aahw)
Herschel Lake (salt pans & wetlands)
Back at the Thomson Bay Settlement, I buy some food and souvenirs before I walk to the North side of the island.
I pass Lomas Cottage, built around 1850s and later used for the island telephone exchange in 1901; it now serves as the Wadjemup Museum for Children.
Saw some gallahs!
Yay, spotted my first quokka: can you spot it? It's rolled up like a fluffy ball, sleeping under the tree.
Found The Basin beach!
First I sit down for lunch: I bought a potato pie (with mashed potato and beef, still warm!) and orange juice.
Then I go for a dip in the Indian Ocean, wahey! The bottom is rocky and the water doesn't reach much higher than my butt, so it's not real swimming, more a bit of floating, heehee.
On my walk back I spot more quokkas and I even manage to capture that enigmatic smile!
I join a guided nature walk to the Garden Lake.
A small trail leads us to an area with a whole group of quokkas, check out my video below!
Rottnest Island, continued
It's a lovely area, I also spot birds and these intriguing treetrunks.
But the main attraction are of course the quokkas, very adorable, especially when they hop!
After the guided walk, I go on a short hike on my own; I climb to Vlamingh Lookout, named after the Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh, who visited the island on 30 December 1696 and named it Rottenest Island (Rat's nest in Dutch, because he mistook the quokkas for rats!).
The lookout offers a 360-degree view all over the island and features a monument with a central sundial and inscription.
I climb down, back to Thomson Bay Settlement, see more quokkas along the way (I made so many photos y'all). I come across this Beacon for Land Spirits, before I walk to the port to catch the ferry back to Perth.
Waves are bit more choppy on the way back and it's busy on the water; there are a lot of huge ships.
Gosh, I so love being on a boat. It's another hour and a half of bliss across the ocean and then back on the Swan River.
Hello Perth! I manage to capture the perfect view of the Spanda sculpture in between the Elizabeth Quay Bridge, woohoo!.
I end the day in the hotel restaurant with a Turkish bread burger with cevapi beef sausage and fries. Bon appétit!
Another splendid day :-)
To be continued with a trip to Kalgoorlie and more days in Perth...
J.
Previous AUS2026 posts:
X-posted to https://beelikej.livejournal.com/590018.html
Lurk or comment wherever you like:)