Tuesday 31/10/2017 Swan River – Kings Park
Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Wajuk country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report)
As this was our first trip together to Western Australia, with the help of our hosts Ian and Junko we decided on an orientation to Perth walk. From South Bank we followed the Swan River eastwards where we crossed at Windan Bridge (Graham Farmer Freeway). The bridge was well designed for pedestrians with the walkway below road level, providing a safe shaded passage for walkers. Our timing was fantastic, as we saw several dolphins swimming upstream and under us and the bridge from our vantage point.
Max elevation: 52 m
Total climbing: 431 m
Total descent: -426 m
Average speed: 6.95 km/h
Total time: 08:20:03
Perth from Ian and Junko’s balcony
We then headed through Mardalup Park, across the footbridge at Claisebrook Cove (where we would enjoy a Parkrun later in the week on Saturday) and through Victoria Gardens. After passing through Ozone Reserve we were into the city and following an historic walk that included Adelaide Terrace and a number of significant sites. Next we reached St Georges Terrace and Government House Gardens. A few more sites were passed before crossing Mitchell Freeway and entering Kings Park. From Fraser Avenue there are great views back over the city.
Earlier in the walk some friendly locals had recommended walking around to the back of Mount Eliza Reservoir where they had recently observed some rare migratory birds, the Rainbow Bee-eater. We were in luck to catch a fleeting glance but they were too gone to fast to photograph.
Passing through the Western Australian Botanic Garden we observed numerous endangered species before walking along the elevated treetop pathway and Cliff Walk. Leaving Kings Park we crossed over Narrows Bridge and competed our circuit back to our hosts.
It was a fantastic introductory walk to Perth. Over twenty kilometres in distance, the vast majority of our route was through exceptionally well maintained and people friendly parkland mostly away from traffic.
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