Scarborough Beach, Perth, WA, Australia

March 2014

With some spare time on a sunny afternoon I thought I would drive up to Scarborough Beach and see what all the fuss is about.

Known as the best (or one of the best) beaches in the Perth area, I could see the attraction, but didn't find it much more impressive than the beaches I live around.

Kings Park, Perth, WA, Australia

March 2014

Kings Park is one of the world's largest inner-city park's and located in Perth, Western Australia.

I had a spare half and hour and decided to check it out myself. I was particularly impressed with the view over the city and how green it was.

 

On a Friday afternoon it was packed with families and friends having BBQs, people running and walking and people just enjoying the last of the sun.

Geordie Bay Cafe, Rottnest Island, WA, Australia

March 2014

There are a few food options on Rottnest Island, but Geordie's Cafe at Geordie Bay was the closest for us during lunch on our recent trip.

I was expecting the service to be slow, so we were pleasantly surprised when we had our drinks and our meals within 15 minutes.

Caramel Milkshakes $8 ea

Beef Burger with chips $22

Lentil Burger with chips $18

Rottnest Island, WA, Australia

March 2014

Rottnest Island is located off the Western Australian coast, just 19 km from Fremantle. The island is 11 km long and 4.5 km wide at the widest point. It is popular with Perth/Fremantle locals and tourists alike, and attracts the young, old, families, friends, couples and everyone else I may have missed!

Rottnest Island is also the easiest place to locate the Quokka (easier than I thought it would be). The Quokka is a funny animal, that looks rat like, hops like a kangaroo and hence the name for Rottnest (Rat Nest).

Our main objective was snorkeling and hiking. When we realised we were very limited in time, we had to pair back our objective to just snorkeling, next time we'll be sure to check out the Rottnest Wadjemup Walk Trail (which will be expended before we are back).

Our first stop was Parker Point, which was a bit of a disappointment and mainly covered in weed beds.

Our next stop was Mary Cove, which was the best of the three locations of all day. The bus dropped us at Green Island and we walked the 700 m to the cove where coral and fish were plentiful.

We stopped at Geordie Bay for lunch, the service was a lot quicker than I expected but next time to allow for more flexibility I would bring a packed lunch (we really wanted to snorkel at Little Armstrong bay but couldn't fit it in time wise).

After lunch, was our final snorkel spot at The Basin. Conveniently located 1 km from both the ferry port and main town and Geordie Bay where we had lunch. I've read that you can see stingrays in this area, but there were none seen during the time we were there.

There are plenty of places to snorkel, dive, hike, swim and just relax on Rottnest. There are a number of accommodation options, but I'm told they are hard to book. We found a day trip fine and as long as you have an idea of what you want to do and where on the island you want to do it you should have a great day on Rotto.

Little Creatures, Fremantle Brewery, WA, Australia

March 2014

I don't drink alcohol, while H doesn't mind a nice pale ale. The advantage of places like Little Creatures is you get great food, in a neat setting with microbrew as a main item.

We arrived at 1130 am and the outdoor area was already packed, so we had to settle for inside the hall.

Fresh WA Oysters - $3 ea

Refried bean nachos, capsicum, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos - $22

Beetroot salad, red onion, feta, spinach - $12

Run Amuk, Hotdogs Unleashed, Fremantle, WA, Australia

March 2014

I'm a big fan of hot dogs, growing up in an American household I learnt to appreciate from an early age a hot dog with more than just tomato sauce/ketchup and mustard. Run Amuk in South Fremantle has hot dog and toppings to a fine art.

 

Banana Milkshake $5

Stumbles - Premium bratwurst, lightly caramelised onions, aged cheddar, gherkin relish, baby spinach, tasty tomato relish & cream cheese $11.5

Minx - Premium bratwurst, guacamole, tasty tomato relish, sour cream and a corn, capsicum, red onion & fresh mint salsa $11.5

Coleslaw $3

Pottery Green Bakers, Gordon, Sydney, Australia

March 2014

Pottery Green Bakers is a bakery/cafe located in Gordon and Lane Cove on the North Side of Sydney.

When we initially entered we thought it was order and then sit, but we were relieved to find out it was table service (or at least at the Gordon branch where we ate).

Caramel Milkshake $6

Grilled Haloumi Stack with side of Bacon $18

Salmon Stack $14

I'd definitely stop buy again, particularly to try their baguettes.

Sheraton On the Park, Sydney, Australia

March 2014

We were lucky to stay here for a work event, and its one of the five star Sydney hotels that we haven't had a chance to stay at.

Sheraton on the Park across from Hyde Park, near the Botanical Gardens, but also has the advantage of being on the doorsteps to the local shopping precinct.

While the bed wasn't as comfortable as I would have liked, the bathrooms were huge with full bath.

Sangoma Retreat, NSW, Australia

February 2014

Located at the base of the Blue Mountains, the Sangoma Retreat is a 5 "suite" adult only retreat and the perfect place to get away from it all.

We survived the the chaos of the M2 and Richmond Rd on a Friday afternoon to an automatically relaxing environment. We were welcomed by our hosts and showed around the common areas before being introduced to our accommodation - The tent. All that was left for us to do was eat, drink and relax.

 Stay

There are five accommodation options at Sangoma - the Tent was the only option still available when we booked - and the best option for us.

The tent isn't your typical tent, even in the glamping world.

Its perched on the edge of the bush, with a large deck on one side, and in the tent a large bed and bath.

Eat

All meals are taken in the common dining room, each couple getting their own table.

Food is set, and its a great opportunity to try new things and reintroduce yourselves to old favouites.

Brunch on the final day is eaten at 11 am, part of me appreciated eating at a later hour, but eating at 9 am (as we had the previous day) would have allowed us to get a bush run in and shower before heading home.

Do
Relax overlooking the bush in the tent suite

Swim in the outdoor heated pool, with the great view

Hike in the Bowen Mountains, we did one through Burralow Fire Trail, down to the Burralow Picnic and Camping Site.