Ahhh The Serenity.

Perth Central Caravan park is our home for the next 4 nights while we explore Fremantle and Perth city. Within minutes of setting up we heard the first of many planes flying low above us. Each time it would be a race to see who could say the infamous line "Ahhh the serenity" from the movie "The Castle". The caravan park, apart from being the cheapest around, was advertised as being the closest to the city..... and airports, luckily we were out most of the time.


Fremantle was buzzing with atmosphere. We wandered around the market looking at some weird and wonderful sights, then headed to the foreshore, via some second hand bookstores where we stocked up. The Fremantle Arts Street Festival was on and we were entertained by some fantastic performers, some of their acts quite spectacular.


While Josh and Nick watched footy at the local pub, Matt, Zach, Abbey and I went on tour of the Fremantle Prison. Abbey entertained the crowd with her constant chatter, while Zach was shocked that the youngest person to go to prison was 8 years old and he went because he stole some oranges. Matt was amazed that the prison closed in 1993 only 5 years before Josh was born and they only had a bucket for a toilet. I was intrigued that the tour guide said that there were mainly exprisoners and guards employed as tour guides, and that there are about 8 weddings at the prison chapel and the majority of them are exprisoners - interesting.


As it was quite warm, we did as the locals do and spent a few afternoons at the beach. Scarborough was a favourite for boogy boarding while Hillary's was a great sheltered spot with a playground close by.


From the caravan park it was easy to get a bus into town. We walked down to the Bell Tower, then up to the Perth Mint, where we watched gold being poured and saw the worlds largest coin. While we were in the vault where you could pick up a gold bullion Josh's footy started expanding and the seams popped open. Within seconds there was a loud bang - the bladder inside the ball had popped. This of course made security guys run quickly and Josh had to go outside and show them the ball. Apparently the vault is pressurised causing the explosion. Just a bit embarrassing and frustrating for Josh.


Kings Park was a lovely place to have a picnic lunch overlooking the river and wander around the beautiful gardens. The size of the park is amazing and so close to the city.

Our last night in Perth was spent at my Aunty Helen's. We were spoilt with a yummy dinner and enjoyed the evening with mum, and 2 of my cousins and their families. Zach and Abbey had a ball playing with my cousins kids Raphael and Sean, while Josh and Matt enjoyed talking to my cousin Andrew and daughter Rachael about our trip. During the evening Andrew offered us a sea-kayak, and went over to his place and came back with not only a sea kayak but also a surf board and body board. Josh was speechless and could not believe his eyes. It was an amazingly generous gift, one which will be used frequently I'm sure.