Sunday 25th September: Hosts met us at the airport then took us to their homes where we spent the evening relaxing and getting to know each other.
Monday 27 September: a guided walk through Kings Park, Perth. The rain during the preceding week affected many wildflowers and native plants. However, we were able to admire many plant species. Following a picnic lunch in a rotunda some visited the Bali Memorial while others crossed the elevated walk bridge or, journeyed down other bush tracks. Kings Park in its native plant glory is a superb Perth landmark for visitors. In the evening we enjoyed the welcome dinner.
Tuesday 28th September: more rain, wind & cool weather! Travelling by train we met at Fremantle. We divided into groups for sightseeing. Some took the hop on/hop off buses, stopping at sites along the way including the chocolate factory. Lunch was fish and chips and ice cream Cicerellos. After lunch some Ambassadors wandered the streets of Fremantle sightseeing. Others visited the shipwreck museum or, the maritime museum. Later, a tram to the jetty and a ferry ride down the Swan to Perth.
Wednesday 29th September: the weather improved. A visit to Wireless Hill for an orchid hunt was followed by morning tea. We lunched at Point Heathcote Reserve. The lunch was provided by ladies of the CWA. In the evening we were divided into four groups for dinner hosting; two groups of twenty (20) or more and two groups of five - seven. A thoroughly enjoyable evening getting to know members of the Perth Club.
Thursday 30th September: today we had a beautiful sunny day. We met at Hillary and were taken on a tour of the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre. We were able to touch different star fish and other marine species. After lunch we travelled to the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens where we enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea before walking through the spectacular diversity of the gardens flora and foliage complimented with waterfalls and bridges.
Friday 1st October: back to chilly weather! A City Guide took us for a walk to the Town Hall. Perth Town Hall was officially opened in 1870. The magnificent jarrah adorns the ceiling. This is the only town hall in Australia to be built by convicts. On our way to London Court we viewed the plaques on the footpath of famous Perth identities. London Court is a mock Elizabethan reproduction of an old London street built in the 1930's as a gift to Perth from a charismatic and debonair millionaire, Claude de Bernales. It features ornate mechanical clocks depicting two jousting knights at the Hay street entrance, and St George slaying the dragon which is seen at the Georges Terrace end. At the Bell Tower we took turns ringing the bells. It was great watching the Carillons ring the bells-putting us to shame. After lunch we met at one of the oldest mints in the world, the Perth Mint and watched the coin gold pouring. In the evening we had a very pleasant farewell dinner and extended an invitation to the Perth Club to visit our Club and Sydney in the future.
We all had a very enjoyable journey (alias exchange). Thank you Perth Friendship Force.