Last weekend, Mr Bite and I went for a leisurely, long bike ride along a stretch of Perth's Swan River. Doing so made me think that it was time for another 'out and about in Perth' post. And so! Here we are.
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| Hello my bike |
For those of you not familiar with Perth, the city grew up around the Swan River, which extends from the Perth hills east of the city right down to Fremantle in the west, where it joins the Indian Ocean. The riverside areas provide opportunities for walking, running, cycling, dog walking, and picnicking.
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| Our cycle route on the weekend (in blue) - A to B and back, and then onwards to get home |
On the weekend, we cycled a riverside section that we hadn't previously explored. New cycle tracks are quite a novel experience when you have lived somewhere for an extended period of time. It was cool and crisp, but sunny and not too windy - perfect cycling weather. The riverside areas are also largely flat, which is a bonus when you are on a bike.
The only downside to the outing is that Mr Bite did something to his right knee on our homeward stretch, and I have aggravated a muscle somewhere deep in my butt (!). However, if you leave our niggling injuries aside - clearly we are getting old! - it was a truly wonderful afternoon.
Another favourite spot at this time of year (and in fact at most times of year) is the Bold Park botanical gardens, located closer to the ocean than the river. 'Botanical gardens' is a bit of a misnomer as the area is unmanicured and unconstrained. There are various walk trails through trees, rocks and sand patches, with plenty of hills and some fabulous views.
These phone-based photos don't do the scenes justice, but the area is also stunning at sunset.
It is days like the above that make me glad to live in Australia.
Previous 'out and about in Perth' posts can be found here and here.
Do you enjoy exploring your hometown? And have you had any recent outings to new places?
Lovely photos Kari :)
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling, I feel very lucky to live in Australia too. Hope your injuries heal quickly! x
Thanks Claire - they are minor injuries so I think we'll be safe ;)
DeleteSo many people rave about how gorgeous Perth is, but I never realised it was so green and that there was so much water. How terrible is it when you start to notch up injuries. I hate feeling old :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I should be honest here and say there are lots of non-green sections! In summer it gets dried out pretty quickly. However, it definitely has some beautiful areas and the riverside sections are high on the list of them. And yes - feeling old is not fun!
DeleteIt looks like a great bike trail along your beautiful Swan River. Although we thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time on the gorgeous Perth beaches I'm a bit sad that we didn't explore more of the parks and trails in the vicinity of the Swan River when I read a post like this. Hope you and Mr B are on the road to recovery!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel - I think we'll muddle through :-) And I think if you can see just one section of Perth, the coastal areas (plus Kings Park which gives you river views!) are the ones to pick. You can come back again and do the river next time :-)
DeleteI used to run along the river in Boston and it always just made me so happy. Seeing this post made me miss it!
ReplyDeleteThere is something magical about riverside running isn't there? Does NYC have anything comparable?
DeleteGorgeous photos Kari. I have been to Perth once about 5 years ago and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad - Perth has its positives and negatives (like most places I suppose) so it's always good to hear that visitors find the good aspects!
DeleteLooks beautful esp with bikes - I love that melbourne is built around a river and a beach but I live on the wrong side of town to enjoy them - though I am off to a beach cafe on the weekend. Having a long bike ride with friends and loved ones is a great way to enjoy a city but sadly not one I do very often unless you count walking along beside a little girl on a bike - at least it doesn't result in many injuries :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, your mode of transport does sound safer! Although once she's a little older you might find you need to run alongside and then things might be far more challenging ;) I definitely prefer Perth's riverside sections to the beaches, which I find too hot and windy and sandy most of the time. When I remember we have a whole other side to the city I find I like it much more than when I'm focused on the coast!
DeleteI am hoping when she can ride a bit faster I might be able to get on my own bike and ride alongside - I am looking forward to it!
DeleteAh yes, that sounds better all around!
DeleteSuch beautiful photos!! :) Looks like you are having much better weather in Perth than we are in Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteI think we are lucky that way (weather wise) - although if it makes you feel better, today is rain and clouds and we have had some storms in between the sunshine!
DeleteGorgeous, gorgeous photos! Makes me wanna visit!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shashi - glad you enjoyed them :-)
DeleteI always love looking at your photos. Makes me want to plan a trip to Australia sooner than later!
ReplyDeleteI hope you make it across at some stage Tasha!
DeleteNice looking bike! I love taking pics of my bicycle too when we go out. It is just so photogenic :) I wish I could come to Australia to cycle with you... it sounds like it would be fun, even if we hobble along as old folk. ;)
ReplyDeleteBahaha...I do sense that may be a more and more common scenario as I get older! That does sound like a lot of fun though and after Texas, you'll be used to any heat that Australia throws out :-)
DeleteWow, I have never been to Perth, but I'd love to go! These photos look great, and they're phone ones, too! Must get to see that sun set over sea.
ReplyDeleteSun setting over the sea is par for the course here - I'm always intrigued by the concept of watching it rise over the sea :-)
DeleteWhat a beautiful spot to go bike riding! Looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine - it was!
DeleteWhat a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a day. I love the scenery and discovering new bike tracks is always interesting. But don't say you're old - that makes me ancient! xx
ReplyDeleteNever that Charlie!
DeleteCome to think of it, Tim and I have NEVER been cycling together! Perhaps I should include it in the "must do before I die" (how depressing) list haha. I want to live in Australia too...I'm sure I've told you this before but I told Tim that I would move there in a heartbeat even though I've never been..
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should add cycling together to a list - perhaps a more gentle name would just be 'Things to Do'?! I'm so glad you like the look of Australia too, you definitely have to visit one day!
DeleteNice pictures and the cycling sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is definitely on our to visit places, you are so lucky to be in a beautiful place.
I do feel very grateful. I hope you can visit too one day!
DeleteOh no! A sore butt does not make for a fun week at all!
ReplyDeleteWe are visiting Perth end of this month - hopefully we get some lovely walks in :-)
Yep ditto - glad to live in Australia :-)
I'm so excited for your visit over here :-)
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