The SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS Rugby League Team had agreed to play a HOME game in Perth at Members Equity Stadium to help with the promotion of Rugby League in Perth.  We were to play the Melbourne Storm on Saturday the 27^th June.   I decided to fly over for the game, stay a few extra days and have a look around.  A Newcastle girlfriend joined me for the trip. We managed to get very good prices for the air fares and accommodation.

Settled along The Swan River it was beautiful.   The drive from the airport is only 15mins. We arrived during ‘peak hour’.  My goodness, not a ‘peak hour’ I had ever experienced. Delays were minimal and we arrived at our hotel in good time.   We had chosen cost effective accommodation at The Goodearth Hotel.  Our twin share had a ‘kitchenette’, a fridge (bit bigger than a bar fridge), 2 hot plates and a microwave.   It was small but adequate to our needs.

A 15 minute walk and I was in the city. Late shopping is Friday night so Thursday night was a little quiet.  I found a Woolworths and bought the few supples. 

Friday we had booked a Perth City Tour for the morning.  It was included in our accommodation package.  The driver was very informative and it was a comprehensive tour of our immediate surroundings with a 40min stop at Kings Park – the world’s largest inner city park.  This lovely park overlooks the Swan River.  400 Hectares of grounds with a ‘Tree Tops’ walk, ponds, sculptures and unique bushland.  We drove through a few suburbs and found the houses very much similar to Sydney.  After the tour we decided wander the shops and the city.  A map with the Perth City Walk you can do yourself in 3 hours takes you around the city.  You can see the Perth Mint, Old Fire Station & Government House among the stops.  If you prefer you can hop on and off the FREE  CAT buses. 

While waiting for Margaret outside a souvenir shop I looked up and just about the whole South Sydney football team was walking towards me.  I put my arms wide and bellowed ‘this is my lucky day’.  The team were very good spirited and waited while I dragged Margaret from the shop to take photos.  How good was that!!!!!!   It made my day. 

Poor Margaret had been struggling with a cold so she stayed home while I went to a pre arranged dinner with other Souths supporters, Stan, Belinda, Dennis & Rob.  We went to Sassella's Tavern in the city.   I must admit I found the food too expensive and not really to my taste, but as the company was of the highest quality a good time was had by all.

Saturday we chose to go to Fremantle for the day.    A lovely 40min cruise took us there coupled with a very descriptive talk on the many places of interest we could see from the river. Fremantle was a hive of activity with shops, 2 markets to browse and plenty of cafes provided a variety of food types.  After lunch we walked up to The Fremantle Prison.  A tour would have been at least 2 hours but there was plenty to see for free in the museum and the outer buildings.

Saturday evening was the big game against the Melbourne Storm.  Though putting up a great fight the game narrowly went to the Storm.  Rugby League was the winner with all enjoying a close and entertaining game.  I was very proud of my team. 

Sunday Margaret’s cousin came to take us out for the day.   He took us to The Pinnacles.  The Pinnacle is contained within Nambung National Park near Cervantes.  They are limestone formations.  An incredible sight. (see pictures)  This was a huge trip approx 250kms with nothing much in between.  On our way back we stopped at New Norcia.  This is Australia only monastic town.  I felt the peace and serenity and enjoyed wandering around and looking at these beautiful buildings. 

South Sydney are taking a game to Perth for the next 2 years and I will have plenty more to see if I make the trip again.  I would like to travel south to Mandurah and spend more time looking at the various museums.  Go to Perth you will love this clean and picturesque city.

My fanaticism for this team will take me next year to Auckland and maybe even a trip to Townsville.

By Carol Clima aka Grandma Bunny