Perth Summer 2013 - Penultimate Day (15 Dec)

Perth and Swan Valley

As we had to depart early the following day (leaving the resort at 4 am), we decided to travel to Perth and do some last minute shopping at Swan valley.  It was the right decision as there was an extreme fire warning that day.  Coincidentially, I found out later that there was a fire outbreak in the Perth Hill area.

Random shot of a classic car while travelling towards Perth

Taking into consideration the heatwave, we decided to visit the Western Australia Museum which would provide a cool "reprieve" to the extreme hot weather.

To keep the distance short, we proceeded to James Street to look for a parking spot.  Fortunately when we arrived, there was an empty space just outside the Brass Monkey.  Not familiar with the local "culture", I sillyly attempted to purchase the parking ticket without much avail until I was told by a local that parking is free on Sundays 555.

 

The Western Australian Museum is part of a series of state museum in Western Australia.  Besides Perth, there are sites in Fremantle, Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. 

Apologies for a sad period in Australia's history

Back to vehicle for visit to Swan Valley

After lunch, we headed for Swan Valley to visit Lancaster Wines to purchase gift for family members.

Aviation Heritage Museum

On our way back from Rockingham, we dropped by at Bull Creek to see the Aviation Heritage Museum which is co-located with the Air Force Memorial Estate.

Visitors to the Air Force Memorial Estate would be greeted by a replica of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire made famous by its exploits in WWII Battle of Britain.

The aircraft displayed traces the history of aviation and its association with Australia.  The displays are housed in two "hanger" structure designated as North and South Wing.

Another icon of the Battle of Britain - Hawker Hurricane

Visitors interested in military aviation history would be keen to see actual displays of the Lancaster and the Spitfire in the North Wing.

Item showing Australia's long-standing association with Southeast Asia.

It would be adviseable not to visit the museum at the peak of Summer as it can get uncomfortably hot as it is not air-conditioned.  Nevertheless, you can get temporary respite in the air-conditioned restrooms next to the ticket and gift counters.

There is, however, some good news.  One of the staff told us that there are plans to install air-conditioning in the near future.

For more information, the link is Aviation Heritage Museum.

Fairy Island - Rockingham

At the children's request, we made a trip to Rockingham on 14 Dec 13 for Rockingham Wild Encounters to see the "fairies".  Actually, it is to meet the Fairy Penguin or Little Penguin - the world's smallest penguin.  Arriving at Rockingham, we headed for the Penguin Island Departures, Gift Shop and Cafe located at 153 Arcadia Drive (corner of Penguin Road).

Penguin Island is part of the bigger Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Tickets are sold separate for the Penguin Island tour and the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise.  The trip from the mainland to Penguin Island takes about five minutes.  Although there warning signs, some locals still take the risk of crossing to the island using the sand bar on the left side of the ferry terminal.

Photography without flash are allowed at the Discovery Centre.

Besides visiting the Discovery Centre on the island to see penguin feeding, visitors can explore the island using the nature trails and boardwalks.  If you are lucky, you can spot wild penguins nesting along the coast. You can also enjoy swimming in the clear waters at the many coves on the island.

If you opt for the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, you can transfer to the tour on Penguin Island jetty.  The cruise will bring visitors to neighbouring island where to see sea lions closed up.