Day 9 - Perth

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We arrived at the East Perth train station in the morning and took a taxi to our hotel. Although it was too early to check-in, we were able to store our bags. Perth is the capital of Western Australia and Australia's 4th largest city. It is the most isolated capital in the world, according to the locals.

After checking our bags at the hotel, we bolted over to the Barrack Street Pier where we were able to catch the 10:30 am "Cruising the Swan Tour". We had missed the bus but the staff at the pier was able to radio the driver and we were on our way to touring the Swan Valley.

Swan Valley

"Perth's premier wine and food destination and Western Australia's oldest wine growing region, situated just 25 minutes from Perth City. With world-class wineries, restaurants, cafes, fresh producers, breweries, distilleries, arts, crafts, tours and accommodation. The Swan Valley is more than just a journey for your taste buds…its a voyage of discovery for all your senses!"

Our first stop was the Water's Edge Winery. This winery was situated in Guildford directly on the Swan River. (Guildford is also the home to the late Heath Ledger.) The Waters Edge Winery was also the pier we would return to at the conclusion of our tour in order to cruise the river back to the Barrack Street Pier. We sampled our first couple of wines and made some small purchases... We also met up with another portion of our tour group and set off to the second winery.

Our next vineyard was Garbin Estate where we samples some more wines. We were actually most impressed with this winery and the flavors of their wines. This is a small family owned/operated vineyard and their white wines moved us more than their reds.

We next moved on to Jane Brook Winery which is situated right next door to Garbin Estate. At Jane Brook we had a glass of sparkling wine and then were seated for a nice lunch including a Mediterranean spread. The patio had great views of vineyards and a small stream that ran through the valley. After lunch we sampled more wines and moved on to our fourth vineyard. At this point, we splintered off from the group as our itinerary had more in store for us.

Our final vineyard was Lancaster Wines. We sampled even more wines while enjoying an assortment of cheeses. This outdoor tasting shed was also located along side their 56 year old vines.

After our last sampling of wines, we ventured across the street to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. There we were able to sample their dark, milk, and white chocolates, but were limited to only one chocolate truffle. Frank enjoyed a praline truffle while Kip enjoyed a carmel truffle. After a few purchases, we were on the road again back to Waters Edge where we boarded the boat back to the Barrack Street Pier.

We enjoyed a leisurely tour along the Swan river where Kip enjoyed a few more glasses of wine while the staff entertained us with some mediocre karaoke performances.

Upon our return to the hotel, we were pleased to find the room was a 1-bedroom apartment style complete with laundry facilities. (Yeah, clean laundry!) After starting some clothes in the wash, we ventured out for dinner.

We were surprised at how quickly the city shuts down, at least the downtown areas. We ventured into Northbridge neighborhood where we stumbled upon Sorrento, an Italian food restaurant. Frank enjoyed the spaghetti carbonara which he raved was some of the best he had had in quite a while while Kip enjoyed a barbeque chicken pizza.

After dinner, we ventured back to the hotel where we caught up on some emails, more laundry, and turned in for the evening. Another great day!!

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Photos

Frank Toasting at Waters Edge
Notice we didn't say TOASTED...this was our first glass and our first vineyard!

Lunch at Jane Brook
YUMMY!!!

Frank getting a refill
Another sampling at Jane Brook.

Kip and Frank - Lancaster Wines
OLD vines...

Comments

[Bobby]

happy birthday
hey frank!! sending along (belated) HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes....how amazing to celebrate your special day over there!! you go boy! love and miss you! xo

[Ada]

Beautiful!
I remain quite envious of the both of you! However, I am happy that the weather, for the most part, is being good to you during this trip of a lifetime! I noticed in the picture of your lunch at Jane Brook that Frank's plate is empty... Kippy, you've got to share! ;-p Or maybe Frank was JUST FINE with wine... I'm looking forward to seeing pictures from the cruise! The cabin appears to be a nice size! A comfy lovers pad... LOL! Love you and have fun!