Perth - The Final Frontier

Ever since arriving in Australia over four years ago, I've been waiting for an excuse to visit the nation's west coast. Over the years, I've made a dozen trips to Canberra and Brisbane and perhaps two dozen (or more) to Sydney and even a few days of recreation in Adelaide. But until last week, I'd had no reason whatsoever to make the grand voyage across the continent to Western Australia. But with Greenhouse 2009 hosted by Perth, a swarm of climate scientists (including Uta and I) descended on WA.

Perth may be perceived to have a lot to offer, particularly to backpackers, construction workers and those affiliated with the mining industry (which collectively comprise the bulk of the city's population). Others, however, may be a bit put off by the fact that those construction workers are actively rebuilding half of the city (mining revenue has its benefits) and the fact that high wages lead to absurd prices for goods and services. In addition, with Perth being the most remote city of any note on the planet, it attracts no shortage of odd individuals. On the positive side, this makes for high quality people-watching.
While the city itself leaves a bit to be desired (save for King's Park and the Grosvenor Pub where I enjoyed a pint), we found refuge in various suburbs including Subiaco , Cottesloe, and the more distant Fremantle. But the region's most attractive location has to be Rottnest Island (aka "Rotto"), where we spent an entire day cruising by bicycle.

Perth is also the jumping off point for any number of other destinations such as the Swan River Vally, Margaret River, and the Pinnacle Desert. Such attractions, however, will require another trip.

Photos here