"in --- Perth --- around" Perth by vtveen

Perth Travel Guide: 2,280 reviews and 4,796 photos

Cape Vlamingh on Rottnest Island - Perth
Cape Vlamingh on Rottnest Island
... with a touch of Dutch history

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.

In
Perth - skyline - Perth

Perth - skyline

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.

Around
Pinnacles Desert - Perth

Pinnacles Desert

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.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:cities to browse, fantastic beaches, 'lovely' desert
  • Cons:sometimes boring scenery to drive, huge distances
  • In a nutshell:variety of cities and landscape
  • Last visit to Perth: Jan 2006
  • Intro Written Feb 27, 2007
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Reviews (26)

photo: Ruth Ellison (www.flickr.com/photos/laruth) - Perth Lake Thetis, don't miss it Off The Beaten Path (6)

On our way back after visiting the Pinnacles to Cervantes we were attracted by a signpost to ‘Lake Thetis’. We took the... more travel advice

the Pinnacles - like a needle - Perth breathtaking scenery Off The Beaten Path (6)

From our accommodation in Cervantes we went with our rental car to the Nambung National Park. After the turn off from... more travel advice

New Norcia - Abbey Church - Perth New Norcia … monastic town Off The Beaten Path (6)

We were heading north from Applecross and after passing Guildford, Midland and the wineries of the Swan Valley, we... more travel advice

Guildford - heritage buildings - Perth Guildford …. heritage town Off The Beaten Path (6)

Although we passed Guildford on our way north, we made a stop coming back from our visit of the Pinnacles. We reached... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Reply
    TheWanderingCamel's Profile Photo
    Jan 12, 2010 at 6:27 AM

    Can't get much more Oz than snapper and chips! The Dutch connection here goes back earlier than Vlamingh - the Batavia story is one of the most dramatic of all tales of shipwreck, mutiny and an epic rescue. leyle

  • Reply
    Mikebb's Profile Photo
    Feb 27, 2007 at 2:58 AM

    Clancy's is a good fish pub, I have lunched there many times and left late

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