My Perfect Christmas in Perth Western Australia!

My first visit to Perth in Western Australia was over 20 years ago. I was totally unprepared for the impact the country would have on me with its miles of wide open spaces, dramatic flora and fauna, outdoor lifestyle and plain speaking inhabitants. I have returned many times but always wanted to experience Christmas on the beach! Finally, last December I boarded a flight with my two teenage sons to spend Christmas in Perth and New Year in Sydney. The trip was prompted by the fact we could combine it with the Ashes Tour and catch cricket matches in both cities. We landed in Perth immersed in the dazzling bright sunshine I’ve come to expect of Australia and it felt, as it always does, like coming home. I wasn’t so keen on getting up early the next morning to visit the local Manning Farmers Market but, judging by the numbers of cars and people, it is a Saturday morning ritual for the locals. Food and drink have come a long way since my first visit. WA is home to wineries, cider houses, orchards, fruit farms, micro-breweries, organic and gourmet restaurants and cafes. Perth is Western Australia’s beautiful capital city and best viewed from Kings Park high above the city. Kings Park is the most popular attraction in WA, said to be the largest city park in the world at over 400.6 hectares of unique bushland, a wonderful treetop walk and tranquil manicured parkland. The city has been developed and expanded in recent years so it looks even shinier and new than I remembered! The area around Elizabeth Quay is particularly exciting with well-known luxury hotels opening, trendy bars and restaurants. The Bell Tower overlooking the picturesque Swan River houses 12 bells taken from our own London church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Thes bells are said to date before the 14th Century and have rang out to herald many famous events such as the English defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, El Alamein in 1942 and the cremation of every British monarch since George II in 1727. The Perth Mint is well worth a visit to see the dramatic Pouring of the Gold to make a gold bar, find out your worth in gold and see the world’s largest gold coin. Northbridge has traditionally been the nightlife area of the city. More recently On the Point has sprung up as the newest waterfront entertainment and dining area. The WACA was hosting the test cricket. A new stadium has recently opened so this was to be the last ever Ashes series at the old ground which has been the home of cricket in WA since the 1890s. After the cricket we headed south to Dunsborough a pretty seaside town on the shores of Geographe Bay in the picturesque Margaret River region with its many wineries and microbreweries. We passed through towering Karri forest and climbed the famous Gloucester Tree. At 60 metres high the Gloucester Tree is one of several trees that were designated look-out trees for forest fires. Adventurous visitors with a head for heights can climb the series of thin spikes up to the top for some superb views. Other local attractions include Canal Rocks one of many striking headlands along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coastline, Sugar Loaf Rock, the Naturaliste Lighthouse, pristine white sand Smiths Beach and sheltered Meelup Beach which is perfect for families. Nearby Busselton has the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Perth has over 900 speciality shops and numerous arcades ideal for Christmas Eve shopping. King Street, a few minutes walk from the CBD, is the place to find designer brands whilst Freemantle, a 30-minute drive south-west, is more bohemian with local Western Australian designers, art galleries and the Freemantle Markets. It is a family tradition to have fish and chips from one of the harbourside restaurants in Freemantle or “Freo” as it is known. The torchlight tour at Freemantle Prison is not to be missed but beware there are a couple of scary surprises! Christmas morning is a time for everyone to go to the beach to meet up with family and friends, wear Christmas hats, swap presents and enjoy a pre-Christmas lunch drink. It is a great atmosphere and my favourite place to be! Perth is famous for magnificent Indian ocean beaches with pure white sand and turquoise waters. Many have lifeguards on duty, good facilities and BBQs for public use. Rottnest Island is a popular tourist attraction with yet more beaches and the cute, distinctive quokkas that inhabit the island. In the 1700s the Dutch thought these small marsupials were rats hence the name Rottnest or “rat’s nest” but in recent times they have gained a reputation as the world’s happiest animal and are notorious for posing for selfies! Western Australia has a huge amount to offer all ages. For more information and help planning your own Australian Adventure call me on 07794 479239. I look forward to hearing from you!