Said goodbye to the Southern coast and headed back to Perth to catch the plane east.

Said goodby to Perth with a twilight trip on the Swan River. I think the captain had done the trip before, but it was a bit worrying when he got the crew to sit on the roof of the boat to see if we were going to fit under the bridge.

For a test I put Sidney into my sat nav and got told it would be 4110 km and would take me 45 hours to drive. I guess flying part of the way was a good idea.

Now in Adelaide, just 1450 km from my flight home and a 15 hour drive to come. Just as well I have 10 days to do it in.

Short day today as I've lost another 2.5 hours by flying east. South Australia is now on daylight saving, and its nice to see the evenings giving out.

Arrived in Albany after a long drive along the coast. Stopped in Denmark for the night but no sign of the little mermaid. Albany has that end of he world feeling you get in these out of the way places. It reminded me of Ushuaia at the bottom of Argentina. Both city's are the last stop before Antarctica.

Visited an old whaling station on the edge if the bay. It was operational until 1978, slicing up whales caught in the southern ocean. It is now a museum dedicated to saving the species it came close to wiping out, but you need a strong stomach to look at some of the pictures.

Drove up to Natural Bridge, a granite outcrop at the edge if the sea. The wind was ferocious and the waves impressive. Not a sea you would want to be caught out in.

Today drove up to the Porongrup National Park for a stunning walk along the ridge with views for miles either side.

Exploring the coasts and forests of the southwestern corner of Australia. Yesterday did both capes in the Margaret rive area. Started with Cape Naturalistie which has some great walking trails and a little squat lighthouse you can climb up. Progress on the path was impeded for a moment by a snake lying across the path, but I rustled some branches and it slinked away.

Finished with Cape Leeuwin at the south western corner of the country, which features a very tall lighthouse and a waterwheel turned to stone.

Today turned my attention to the Southern Forests. Climbed to the top of the Gloucester tree. Easier said than done as the way to the top was by a series if metal pegs sticking out of the tree. Felt highly dangerous, but the view from the top was stupendous.

Traveling in the South West corner of Australia some 150 miles south of Perth. The region has some spectacular scenery and some wonderful drives.

Visited Wellington Park which has a large reservoir, currently overflowing thanks to the wet September in the state. Quite amazing to see the water pouring over the top.

Visited the Dolphin centre in Bunbury, but didn't see any dolphins. Apparently the sea was a but rough for them to come into the shore. THe centre was full of irritating little creatures, it's school holidays, as well as lots of aquatic dwellers such as Octopus and Sea Horses.

Now in Bussellton, home of the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere. At 1.8 Km it's quite a walk out there.

Turned south across the Indian Ocean and am now back in the Commonwealth of Australia. Speedy entry to the country, and despite not landing utill 11.20pm, was in the hotel by half twelve.

Spent Saturday wandering the streets and enjoying some of the little luxuries that were denied me in Singapore, such as chewing gum and crossing the street on the red light. Visited the Perth bell tower and got instructed in how to ring a bell. The bells come from St Martins in the Fields and still sound pretty good.

Today went down to Fremantle and had a look at the old jail. It was in use until 1992 but is now a museum. Thousands passed through its doors since it was built by convicts in the 1850s. Most Australians have a convict somewhere in the family tree., not like us English.

Had a very relaxing first day in Austraila.

Took the ferry down the swan river to Freemantle this morning and spent the day looking round the museams and the port.

Very breezy, but apparently is always is here. Nothing to stop it.

Seen lots of wildlife including Koalas, Kangaroos and today saw some Dolphins in the harbour at Mundring.

Very sunny as well so I'm remembering to wear my sun hat.