The next escape after I got home from my East Coast trip was a quick long weekend out in Western Australia with Sydney. We took off straight from school the Wednesday before ANZAC Day (more or less Australia’s major Remembrance Day), had the Thursday as the public holiday, then had the Friday booked off.
Day 0
My tram hit a truck that didn’t shoulder check before turning onto the tracks. 0 stars, would not recommend. I decided, along with another dude on it, to hoof it to the train station. By the time the drama was cleared up and the tram was on its way again, we arrived there at the same time. Then it was a quick 10 minute ride to Southern Cross, where I met Sydney and we caught the SkyBus to the airport. We got airport McDonald’s (as is tradition) then were each sorting out some life logistics as we awaited our boarding call.
The flight was uneventful, but LONG. 4 hours and 2700 km later (the same distance as driving from Dryden to Vancouver), we were in our next Australian state! We ubered to our accommodation, a hostel in the Fremantle Prison. I slept mediocrely, perhaps due to the uncertainty I was facing at the time over:
- Staying in Australia (and having to go through the hiring process for “my” job)
- Exploring doing a teaching working holiday in New Zealand
- Applying for teaching jobs in Manitoba
I really had no idea what was going to happen, and I was scared to close doors, so it was like I was simultaneously planning for all of those possible futures. EXHAUSTING.
Day 1
I got offered an interview for teaching position in Manitoba! So that was my 6 AM excitement of the day, then weighing the pros and cons of this possible future for me. I ended up turning it town, because there were developments with my visa, but I would be open to working for that division in the future. It’s a two hour time difference to WA, but because we were only there for the weekend I was hoping to avoid shifting as much as possible.
Our day was full, we:
- Bought a “family” train ticket to get around on the public holiday
- Walked around the ANZAC Day event preparations
- Got some free Australia flags from an AusPost staff
- Rented e-scooters and toured around the waterfront
- Played on not one but TWO play structures
- I had a blue slushy for breakfast
- Walked around some more
- Had happy meals for lunch
- Did the Matagarup Climb & Zipline. The bridge is just as tall as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but since the deck is closer to the water it doesn’t feel quite as impressive. Even at 72 m above the water, being harnessed up and tethered in put a damper on the adrenaline.
- Saw jellyfish from the top of the bridge
- Got a little hangry then took it out on the IGA we passed en route home to hostel
- Explored some art exhibits in the CBD
- Watched the sunset from Freo (because saying “Fremantle” is too much like work)
- Had frozen macaroni and cheese for dinner (not as good as Aldi)
It was an early-to-bed kind of night, and we were absolutely bagged. 30 km on foot will do that to ya, who woulda thought?
Day 2
Today we went to Rotto! Rottnest Island, if we are keeping formalities. About a 45 minute ferry ride over, then we were inundated by the quokkas. They are the cutest little marsupials. And little turkeys who like to pry into my backpack for our snacks. We rented bicycles on the island then made tracks. The island is 11 km long, so too far to walk and too small to justify a car. We spent the day cycling around, stopping for small hikes, a swim, and snacks. We also went to see what the fuss was all about with the quokkas. The Dutch that named the island thought they were rats, calling it “Rottnest”, meaning “rat’s nest”. They’re actually quite endangered, but since they are living the island life, seem to be doing just fine.
From the west end of the island, we walked to the lookout and saw some dolphins out in the water! Then we made our way along the north coast, stopping for a swim at Parakeet Bay and some slightly melty chocolate chip cookies as the sun dried us off. The water was SO blue, it gave the Whitsundays a run for their money.
Cycling was a lot! We went about 30 km in total, but there were SO MANY hills. By 3 pm, we were both ready for a nap on the ferry back. We met one of my friends for dinner, and I tried mussels for the first time! They aren’t too shabby.
We had two more days left in Perth, but you’ll see that (and our prison tour) in part two 😉.
See you soon!
Kate
Those quokkas are adorable! You sure were busy touring around with Sydney!