"in --- Perth --- around" a Perth Travel Page by vtveen

Perhaps an unexpected picture for a Perth page.
But visiting ‘Cape Vlamingh’ on Rottnest Island we had one of the most exiting moments during our stay in Western Australia. Although we had never heard of him, we realised Willem de Vlamingh must have been a Dutchman, knowing Australia had been discovered by Dutch sailors in the beginning of 17th century.
Later we found out De Vlamingh was indeed one of these famous Dutch explorers. In the year of 1696 he discovered the Swan River and an island, which he named ‘Rottenest’, because he thought the quokka’s he saw, were "bosch rotten" (= woods rats). Later on it became ‘Rottnest Island’.
The Maritime Museum in Fremantle has galleries on the Dutch exploration of Western Australia.

We visited both Fremantle and Perth towns during our stay.

We were a little bit disappointed by Perth, perhaps we were unlucky with the weather; coming from the Red Centre it was raining and (for us) bloody cold. Being one of the biggest cities in Australia we found that Perth didn’t offer an interesting centre.
The most attractive area was Kings Park, situated on a hill overlooking the Swan River and with great views of the skyline of the city.

Fremantle, or Freo as it is called by the locals, is much smaller, but more authentic and had more to offer. A couple of interesting sights, beautiful restored buildings, the famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’. Besides it is a good starting point for a boat trip to Rottnest Island.

As said we have visited Rottnest Island; one of the highlights during our Australian days, not only because the Dutch link, but also for its spectacular beaches and the way of travelling - by bike - on the island; after all a Dutch speciality.

South of Perth we visited Rockingham and Penguin Island. To the north we have been to New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town in the middle of nowhere.
And last but no least the Pinnacles Desert near Cervantes, a long drive through uninspiring scenery, but absolutely worthwhile. On our way north we passed Guildford and the Swan valley with its wineries.