Exploring Perth: First Time in Australia

Here's a collection of photos from what turned out to be one of the most spontaneous trips I've ever embarked on. It all started with a simple Instagram story where I asked if anyone would be interested in joining me on a trip to Perth. To my pleasant surprise, three of my coworkers enthusiastically decided to come along! While we didn't have a concrete itinerary planned out, I felt fortunate to be surrounded by a group of accommodating and flexible girls. I truly thank God for bringing us together for this memorable adventure.

After enjoying a satisfying meal at the airport, we wasted no time and headed straight to our apartment upon arrival. Looking back, I do have a slight twinge of regret about choosing the afternoon flight. By the time we touched down in Perth, the sun had already set, and to our disappointment, most of the shops in the city had already closed for the day, typically around six in the evening. In hindsight, opting for an overnight flight would have been a wiser choice, allowing us to make the most of our time upon arrival. Lesson learned for future travels!

While we managed to get an airport taxi from Perth International Airport to our Airbnb without much trouble, we later realized that using a private airport transfer service would have been a better choice. A comfortable minibus with ample space for groups and luggages would’ve made the journey much smoother after a long flight. For future trips, we will definitely consider such services to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or hailing a taxi.

Once we dropped off our bags, our rumbling stomachs led us on a quest to find a place to satisfy our hunger. The unfamiliar neighbourhood initially posed a challenge as we struggled to navigate its winding streets. However, luck was on our side as we stumbled upon a kind gentleman who graciously pointed us in the right direction. Following his guidance, we eventually stumbled upon a cozy kebab store that was miraculously still open despite the late hour. It was a delightful find and a perfect spot to refuel and indulge in some delicious late-night bites.

We treated ourselves to a comforting warm meal and made a quick stop at the open Coles supermarket to stock up on groceries for the week. With our essentials in hand, we returned to the apartment to unwind and plan our itinerary for the following day. It was the perfect opportunity to do some research, gather recommendations, and get excited about the adventures that awaited us in Perth.

We kicked off the day with an early start, embracing the refreshing morning in Shenton Park. Luckily, the Shenton Park Train Station was conveniently located just a short stroll away from our cozy Airbnb apartment. Navigating the public transportation system in Perth was a breeze, and we found ourselves quickly boarding the train bound for Fremantle. What struck me the most was the serene ambiance inside the trains, a stark contrast to the bustling morning crowds I'm accustomed to in Singapore. It was a delightful change of pace, allowing us to relax and enjoy the peaceful journey as we made our way to the vibrant district of Fremantle.

We had originally set our sights on spending the entire day at Adventure World, but the night before, we found ourselves in a bit of a quandary. The park's website indicated that it would be closed for winter, but a quick check on Google Maps seemed to suggest otherwise. Fueled by curiosity and a glimmer of hope, we decided to take our chances. However, much to our disappointment, our luck didn't quite pan out as Adventure World was indeed closed for the winter season. It was a bit of a bummer, but we didn't let it dampen our spirits. We quickly regrouped, adjusted our plans, and embarked on a new adventure in Fremantle.

As we waited for the next bus to arrive, which seemed to come around every thirty minutes for this particular route, we took advantage of the empty road to capture some photos. Embracing the unplanned nature of our day, we found ourselves clueless yet excited about what lay ahead. In the end, we made the impromptu decision to explore the captivating district of Fremantle since we were already in the vicinity. And boy, am I glad we did! Fremantle quickly won me over and solidified its place as my favorite neighborhood in Perth. The charm, character, and vibrant atmosphere of the area truly left a lasting impression on me.

Fremantle exudes an unparalleled sense of tranquility, embodying a laid-back atmosphere that continually delighted us with pleasant surprises at every turn. It left such a lasting impression on me that I felt compelled to write a separate post dedicated solely to Fremantle and its captivating surroundings. Our love for this vibrant district was so profound that we even returned on day four, choosing its charming harbor as the perfect setting for my birthday lunch. With that, we wrap up today's photo dump! I hope you enjoyed browsing through the snapshots, and rest assured, I'll save the tales of the remaining three days for another blog post. Until next time, take care and see you soon!