Perth, A True Living Picture Postcard

A Travelogue By Nasriah Darus Bernama's writer Nasriah Darus who joined Malindo Air's inaugural flight to Perth in November 2015 shares her story on the attractions at the capital city of Western Australia. PERTH, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- The clouds and the ocean below that dominated the view from high above for hours slowly changed into beautiful beaches and verdant landscapes as Malindo Air flight OD151 reached its destination, Perth, Australia. As the plane touched down, the euphoria among the passengers especially of those flying for the first time to the land Down Under was obvious with a spontaneous applause from them. The five and a half-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) in mid Nov 2015 was Malindo Air's inaugural flight to Perth. As the Boeing 737-900ER made its way to the tarmac it received the traditional water cannon salute, a customary welcome to every maiden flight to an airport. The Malaysian carrier was the 20th international airline to fly to Perth. FIRST TIME TO PERTH Among those onboard were a group of Malaysian journalists who joined the familiarisation trip to Perth organised by Tourism Western Australia (TWA). Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia, is well known for its beaches, parks and nature. The city welcomes 13 million visitors each year who come to explore the city and its surroundings. It is a major tourism destination where one can enjoy the beach, relax in natural bush land, shop, enjoy gastronomical offerings and watch sunset over the Indian Ocean. As it was spring in Perth, I was greeted by the sight of the ubiquitous purple flowering trees known as Jacaranda. Dubbed as the sunniest capital of Australia, visitors here will not miss the Swan River that meanders through the city. KINGS PARK AND THE BOTANIC GARDEN After a visit to the Kings Park and the Botanic Garden that sit on Mount Eliza overlooking the city and the Swan and Canning rivers, this writer could only vouch that Perth lives up to its "a living picture postcard" image. Moreover, I found the hill very inviting with its fresh air and serene environment. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the home for over 3,000 species of Western Australia's unique flora situated on a 400-hectare area. Since it was spring, many of the wildflowers were in bloom creating a unique colourful panorama. I was impressed with the lemon-scented gum tree, a well-known feature of the park and a 750-year old boab tree. As I walked around I noted of the many landmarks and attractions within Kings Park, including the State War Memorial Precinct. Together with the other Malaysian journalists I joined the indigenous cultural tour and strolled along the treetop walk at the park. BEACHES AND SHOPPING According to TWA's website, Western Australia's coastline runs 12,500 kilometres and it's beaches are touted to be among the most beautiful in the world. There are 19 public beaches in the metropolitan area alone to choose from and this makes it easy for the visitors to soak up and relax under the sun. The Malaysian journalists were taken to the Cottesloe Beach, Perth's most iconic beach, located 20-minute drive from the city centre. The beautiful beach overlooking the Indian Ocean has crystal clear waters, with white sand and consistent waves making Cottesloe Beach a popular spot for sun-seekers, swimmers and surfers. For those who love shopping, the best place to go is Murray Street and Hay Street, considered Perth's shopping district. For more options one should not forget the King Street, one of Perth’s most stylish locations with designer shops and cafes. As for those who want to indulge in delicious street food, the Twilight Hawkers Market is the place to be. It is Perth’s biggest street food market, bringing the tastiest street food from around the world and one can enjoy the food accompanied by live local music. VALLEY OF TASTE Perth's suburbs too has many things to offer. One of the locations worth visiting is the Swan Valley, located within a 25-minute drive from the city. The place offers chocolate factory, coffee roasters and many restaurants and cafes. It is one of Australia’s oldest wine growing regions and the visitors are able to taste wine and also food, art, scenery and nature there. According to Tom Upson, TWA's International Market Manager, the best way to explore the region is to follow the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. "Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail is a 32 kilometre loop comprising more than 150 wineries, restaurants, cafes, breweries, art galleries and a host of other attractions," he said when accompanying the Malaysian media group. For coffee lovers, try some at Yahava KoffeeWorks that source 100 percent Arabica beans from around the world while chocolate enthusiast should go to Margaret River Chocolate Company that produces award-winning chocolate products since 1999. Margaret River Chocolate Company's factory and tasting centre offers free tasting, as well as viewing windows to see all the action and hundreds of delicious chocolate products. A TOUCH OF HISTORY AT PERTH'S PORT TOWN A trip to Perth is incomplete without a visit to the neighbouring port town of Fremantle. A 30-minute drive or train ride from the Perth takes visitors to Fremantle, renowned for its fabulous seafood, cosmopolitan street life and historic gold rush-era architecture. The Malaysia media group observed that the vibrant city blended the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. The sight of bookstores, galleries, boutiques and local produce traders greeted the Malaysian media. Due to Western Australia's long coastline, visitors can expect fresh seafood. The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour unloads tonnes of fresh seafood daily that reaches the markets, restaurants and food stalls in the town. For those keen in going out to the sea for excursion or fishing, yacht and fishing charters depart from the harbour as well. The Malaysian journalists tried the fish and chips in one of the famous restaurant, Cicerello’s. The restaurant is not only known for the best fish and chips in a great location but also other fresh seafood including oysters and mussels. However, those dining on the open patio on the sea should watch out for the seagull that may grab a bite of one's food. For those looking for souvenirs, Fremantle Markets is the right place with over 150 stalls housed in the grand old Victorian building. It has everything including fresh local produce and food, indigenous and independent products and with buskers and artists providing entertainment. Perth is definitely worth a visit. With Malindo Air flying to Perth 11 times per week it is easier for Malaysians to get there now. =============================================================================== SIDE BAR PERTH'S TOURISM Tourism is a major contributor to the Western Australia economy and for the year ending September 2014, 8.1 million overnight visitors spent A$6.7 billion in Western Australia. Out of this figure 807,000 of them were international visitors who spent A$2.3 billion in the state. Malaysia is among the top five countries in terms of tourist arrivals to Western Australia. Upson said based on the Tourism Western Australia International Visitor Survey 2015, Malaysians are expected to spend A$191 million (RM588.43 million) this year in Australia. -- BERNAMA