Perth had not featured in my plans and was on the west coast and therefore may be totally different to any of the state capitals I'd visited so far. I didn't know anything about it and what to expect. I'd heard a lot of good comments about Perth and Western Australia (WA). These had mostly come from Tricia who I think very much likes this city and state. Perth had the possibility of being good because some of the guys and girls from my Great Ocean Road trip would be there and others arriving later.

After checking into one of the worst YHA hostels I've ever stayed in, I went with Pete in search of a full English. We didn't have to venture far as we came upon a great little cafe. They did the best full English or as they call it "The Full Monty". You can tell that because you could have your eggs fried, poached or scrambled as I did.

Set-up for the rest of the day and joined by Jo we set off into the CBD. Perth as with most of the state capitals cities is organized on a grid and this makes it easy to find your way around. The centre consists of two parallel streets lined with shops, food courts and small malls.

Perth seemed then and I now know is a very laid back place. The people as with most in Oz are friendly but are not in such a rush as those on the east coast. We spent a few days in the city just having a look around. We visited Kings Park which is situated up on a hill and has great views over the river and across to the city centre. One of the reasons that I had come to Perth is that Pete was going to hire a car and travel around the south for about 7 days. I liked the idea and was going to join him. News travelled fast and Tricia along with Jo both decided to join us. This was all good as it reduced the cost. After a few more days of visiting Fremantle and Cottesloe we set off on an eight-day trip.