Melbourne and beyond

Leaving the heritage towns behind, we made our way to Melbourne, the city of 4 seasons in one day. Unfortunately the only season we got on this trip was high summer - very hot and humid - unbearable in the city but Neil was here to do business so we had 4 days to look forward to.

The seaside at St Kilda has a pier where you can seriously cool down in the strong winds blowing across it while considering whether to stay until evening and see the little penguins and water rats, two protected species who have set up home here and Neil's interest in aeroplanes took us out to Tyabb Airport, a 1.5 hour train journey down into the Mornington Peninsula. Apart from that, we were glad to be heading back to Perth on Virgin Blue - the coldest flight I have experienced in a long time - a complete antidote to all that heat but will someone please tell Richard Branson that people tend to get on an aeroplane in Australia in the lightest of summer clothing..........

We all went to 'Sculpture by the Sea' at Cottesloe and enjoyed the sunset. Then it was off to Kailis for fish and chips.

During the night of 21 March there was distant thunder and lightening and this got itself organised the following afternoon into the most tremendous storm which continued for most of the night.

The city recorded its fifth-highest March daily rainfall in 134 years of records, and its wettest March day for 39 years. If you google 'Perth hail storm' you can read all about it.

We had heard that Mandurah, about 50km south of Perth, was the fastest growing town in the world so decided to pay a visit.

It's all very new and is supposed to be modelled on Venice (??) . A bit souless for our tastes but
it might be better when the people get here.

Time for a few days in Margaret River where we followed the 'Cow Trail'. Painted and decorated cows everywhere

in the supermarket

and the DIY store

We watched more fantastic sunsets

Back in Fremantle at Easter weekend and the 3 day Street Arts festival with artists from all over the world appearing in various pitches around the town.

This guy could lean and juggle at the same time, very good.

From the botanic gardens in Perth you get the best views of the city and the Swan River.

There are magnificent Morton Bay Fig trees, white gums, palms, native flowers and - well, it's a botanic garden.

We are leaving Perth soon to return to UK. Look out for us again in New Zealand in a few weeks time.