Continuing from the great picnic lunch and ocean dip at Hangover Bay, it was time to press on and head over to Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles Desert. Without the stop at Hangover Bay, it would probably be about 3hr drive north from Perth City towards the coastal town of Cervantes.

The Pinnacles Desert was added to the existing National Park that was named after the winding Nambung River. Nambung means crooked in the local Aboriginal tribal language. It is a park with a 26km stretch of sparkling coastline bordered by rolling ancient sand dunes that extend inland into banksias woodlands.
credit: Wikipedia

One of Western Australia’s most unique landscape and tourist attractions, the Pinnacles is a desert area scattered with a series of limestone formations shaped like termite hills. They vary in size but can be up to 3.5m high.

It’s believed the Pinnacles were created millions of years ago as seashells were broken down into sand and then eroded by water and wind.

If you’d like to read up more about the desert, near the entrance to the trail is The Pinnacles Desert Discovery, where they house displays and literature providing an insight into the natural processes that formed the pinnacle structures.

The best time to visit the Pinnacles Desert is at dawn or dusk when it gives the limestones and sand a orange/yellow colour wash on the back of a blue sky. Shadows too will make quite interesting photographs.

There are two ways to go through the Pinnacles, either by foot or by car.

If you’re walking, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated, wear a cap and some sunblock; it can be hot out there!

If you’re going by car, there is only one access road (and one way) into the Pinnacles Desert, which is about 27km long. There are stopping points if you’d like to get down and take photos.

This is the sort of place you’d go once, and that’s it.

I recommend planning other activities around the trip. Don’t just drive 3hrs all the way from Perth just to see the Pinnacles because you might be disappointed.

Driving Directions

1. North along Brand Highway
2. Left at sign to Cervantes
3. Head south 2km to Nambung National Park boundary
4. Continue further 14km to pinnacles

Travel Australia, Cervantes, Perth, Pinnacles, The Pinnacles

On the way to see the Pinnacles in Cervantes, we detoured off the GPS route to have a picnic lunch. Not knowing where the road signs would take us, we headed towards a place called Hangover Bay, just coz the name was funny. But you know what? That was the best decision made on the whole trip, because that place was a hidden gem!

Hangover Bay is a ten minute drive from the entrance to the Nambung National Park, or 3 hours from Perth City. This place was perfect for all kinds of water fun like swimming, windsurfing, snorkelling.

Apparently, based on the Perth tourism website, you can even spot bottlenose dolphins or a local sea lion playing offshore.

Hangover Bay’s white sandy beaches stretches for miles and the crystal clear waters were so inviting on that hot afternoon. When we were sure the coast was clear, I stripped down to our under garments and took a dip because I forgot to pack in bathers. Oh don’t give me that! It’s the same thing as wearing a bikini!

There are a few picnic tables and barbecue pits, but since it was a weekday, there was no trouble finding a vacant spot. We ate leftovers from last night’s Ciao Italia dinner, and did I mention how reheated Ciao Italia tasted just as amazing?

I took tons of photos at Hangover Bay, especially the combination of the beach, water and sky. It was just a beautiful palate of blues and beige, it was hard to stop at just one angle/perspective.

Picture top right above is of me walking on a giant patch of seaweed which got washed up on the beach. You could hear the seaweed crackling and drying up under my feet.

Bottom right picture: I wasn’t the only one leaving footprints behind

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Travel Australia, Cervantes, Hangover Bay, Perth, Pinnacles

In 2008 when I was going through my dark days, I escaped to Perth alone for some “Me-Time”. And one of the things I really wanted to do was to go pony/horseback riding. So after a few phone calls, I was driving up to the Perth Hills on my first outback ride. You can read about it here

Whenever the family went on vacation, if there was an opportunity to ride, we would ride. Every trip back to the UK involved horse riding classes as well. I’m not at the level of jumps, but am still able to travel around confidently on horseback.

On my last trip back, I thought it would be a good idea to bring my friend Duncan for some bushland pony/horseback riding. Again, looked through the yellowpages and on google, made some phone calls and we were off! Little did I know, that I booked to the SAME ranch I went to in 2008!

I much preferred a self ride, but it didn’t occur to me at the time of booking.

It was great just simply being outdoors and in the sun. Our ride took us through the quiet back roads of the Perth Hills and into the outback. I enjoyed the peace and quite while taking in the sights, smells and sounds around us. If you are observant, you can catch glimpses of wild kangaroos chilling between the trees and bushes.

I love that relationship you develop, that sense of trust between you and and your horse. It’s beautiful. How I wish I could have that same experience here in Singapore.

Anyway, what better way to end the morning with a picnic lunch at a nearby lake! Chicken coriander sandwich on multi-grain, hot coffee/tea and left over banana tart tartin (Jamie Oliver recipe).

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Travel Australia, Horse riding, Horseback Riding, Perth

It’s been 7 years since I last went to Caversham Wildlife Park and it has changed so much, in a good way! It’s alot more organised and picturesque, but my only complaint is the hard to follow park maps they provided at admission. The park is about an hours drive fro Perth city centre into the Whiteman park district of Swan Valley.

If you’re not driving, you can book day tours through the Perth Information Centre as well, which I’m sure will include other destinations in Swan Valley. It was close to summer when I was there, so it was stinking hot and the flies were persistent. Very very annoying. You’d keep on brushing the pesky flies off, but after the 115th time, you’d give up and let them crawl around your face like you were a dead carcass.

The park is great for kids and family picnics and the best place to get up close with the Australian wildlife like the Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas.

The Kangaroo enclosure, to me is the coolest part of the park, because you are walking amongst them while they chill on the grass or hop around. You can get kangaroo feed and let them eat it off your hands as well. Look around carefully and you might just see little joey poking his head out of mummy’s pocket!

And do check out the gift shop on the way out, quite a few interesting hats to choose from there. Even the good ol cork hat to chase away the flies.

Caversham Wildlife Park
Website: www.cavershamwildlife.com.au/
Address: Whiteman Park, Whiteman 6068
Tel: (08) 9248 1985
Opening hours: 9am – 5:30pm everyday except Christmas (Last entry into the park 4:30pm)
Ticket price: A$22 (Adult) A$8 (Child 3-14yrs)

Travel Australia, Caversham Wildlife Park, Perth

It seems like gourmet burger joints are popping up everywhere. Definitely trending. Jono insisted I try this new place called Jus Burgers in Leederville Perth when I was there last November.

What I liked about this place was their emphasis on using local produce and the transparency of cooking methods, ingredients and suppliers used. At least you know what exactly you’re eating and where it comes from. Very much like the philosophy Jamie Oliver tried to preach in “Jamie’s Kitchen“, knowing the source of your ingredients.

Below is a list of suppliers and companies that are likely to be used at the time of writing:
Meat/small goods Mondos, Ryan’s meats, Mt.Barker chicken, Princi, Mahogany Creek Bread Turkish bakery Fruit & Veg Morley Growers, Supa Spud Fish Festival fish Dry Goods Angry Almond, European foods, Eustralis, Ladle and Table, The Grocer, Pisconeri, Sealanes, Centra

I also like the honest story about how Jus Burgers came about and who were the people behind it all. You can read about it HERE.

Here’s a sample of their menu:

Jus Burgers use Turkish buns; fresh white or wholemeal, gluten free bun available. All burgers served with fresh lettuce, beef tomato, Spanish onion, relish & house made aioli

For special dietary advice, please refer to our board, or speak with Chef on the pass or our till bitch. Thanks

Original Beef Recommended with creamed horseradish or balsamic onions (+ $1) $10
Cheeseburger Blue, swiss or cheddar cheese, recommended with mushroom (+ $1) $12
Pommy Burger Cheddar & back bacon $13
Spanish Snag Chorizo sausage & sweet red peppers $14
The Mullet Bacon, beetroot, cheddar cheese, & free-range egg $14
Wagyu Beef 100% wagyu beef, wasabi mayo $14
The Guvnor 270g burger, recommended with foie gras/duck liver, France (+ $6) $15

Jus Burgers Leederville
743 Newcastle St
Leederville, Perth WA 6007
Phone: 08 9228 2230

Jus Burgers Subiaco
1 Rokeby Rd (rear), Corner Roberts & Rockeby
Subiaco, Perth WA 6008
Phone: 08 9381 2093
Takeaway: 08 9381 1895

Website: http://jusburgers.com.au/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jusburgers/
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
12.00pm – 9.00pm (Sunday)
Closed on Monday

Food, Travel Australia, Burger, Food, Jus Burger, Perth, Restaurant

No trip to the city is complete without a sit down coffee at the Merchant Tea & Coffee House.

Also bought a bag of my favourite beans to have at home:
The Merchant Espresso Blend – A medium – dark roast that is full bodied with an earthy aroma and a smooth lingering finish.

Merchant Tea & Coffee House
Address: 183 Murray Street Mall, Perth, Western Australia 6100.
Phone: +61 8 9221 1323
Website: http://www.themerchant.com.au/

Food, Travel Australia, Merchant Coffee, Perth

I’m not a fan of lollies, but we were walking around the city decided to go in to show D the live demonstration at the store. My favourite designs were the moustache for movember and the skull & crossbones one for halloween!

Went on their website, and found the page where you can design your own candy!

Roc Candy
Shop 34/36 Piccadilly Arcade
700 Hay St
Perth WA 6000
Australia

Ph: +61 (0)8 9324 3060
Mob: +61 (0)414 519 211
Fax: +61 (0)8 9443 8346
Web: roccandy.com.au

Food, Travel Australia, Perth, Roc Candy, Sweets

In a little corner of Millpoint road sits my FAVOURITE Italian restaurant in Perth. Ciao Italia was opened in by chef Spartaco Rotella, who is more often now front of house rather than in the kitchen. I have not tasted ANY spaghetti cabonara or marinara as good as the one from here and I challenge ANYONE to recommend me a better cabonara!

I used to live on Millpoint, so it wasn’t too far of a journey for me. Ciao Italia doesn’t take reservations and is packed everyday from the minute doors open. Every time I go there, it’s at least a 15min wait. What you could do is open your bottle of wine and have a drink outside while you wait. When you do finally do get your name called, you will have to meander through a labyrinth of chairs to get to your seat.

Even though they are so busy, service is never compromised. Staff are quick to take your orders and even with a full restaurant, food is served fairly quickly. In all Italian style, restaurant is bursting with energy, vibe is lively and loud but cozy at the same time. Birthdays are a daily occurrence. At least twice in a night you will find the whole restaurant and staff piping to the happy birthday tune played on the sound system.

Mains are around $18.50-$27.50 and desserts from $5.50-$8.50. Portions are HUGE so I’d recommend sharing or doggie-bagging the left overs. If you have an impatient stomach, take away option is available and still highly recommended. The reheated pastas taste different, but just as amazing!

It’s been at least a year since my last visit, and it’s nice to know Spartaco still remembers his loyal customers.

My Recommendations (All prices include GST)

• Spaghetti Marinara (Combination of marinated seafood in a fresh tomato sauce) A$19.50
• Spaghetti Carbonara (Bacon, egg and cream cheese sauce) – A$18.50
• Ravioli Carbonara (Ricotta and spinach pillows of pasta) – A$18.50 – This one is a special request. I always get weird looks from the waiter when I ask for this combination
• Homemade garlic bread – A$4.50
• Tiramisu (A homemade Italian delight consisting of layers of sponge finger biscuits soaked in coffee, liqueur and mascarpone cheese topped with fresh double cream) – A$7.50
• Wood fired Pizza Siciliana (Whole peeled tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, mild italian sausage, bacon, black olives, Ricotta cheese and mushrooms) – A$21

Ciao Italia
Website: http://www.ciaoitalia.com.au/
Address: 273 Mill Point Rd, South Perth 6151
Phone: +61 (08) 9368 5500
Licensed: Yes
Operating hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS
BYO $3 corkage per bottle
Parking: Limited lots available at the back of the restaurant. Alternative parking lots across the street at the jewellery & bookstore.

Geek & Gadgets Australia, Cabonara, Ciao Italia, Food, Italian, Perth

We decided to go into town for a look-see, but before doing so, we took a slight detour to King’s Park for a short wander.

Kings Park is a 4.06-square-kilometre (1,003-acre) park located on the western edge of Perth, Western Australia central business district. The park is a mixture of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and natural bushland on Mount Eliza.

Besides tourist facilities Kings Park contains the State War Memorial, the Royal Kings Park Tennis club and a reservoir. The streets are tree lined with individual plaques dedicated by family members to Western Australian Service men and women who died in World War I and World War II.

Credit: Wikipedia

Kings Park has hectares of natural bushland and has the best view point to see the Perth City skyline. It was a great chance to try out more HDR shots with my camera. These two are my favourite ones.

It was Saturday morning, and the lawns were scattered with families having picnics, kids playing footy and friends sitting by eskies having ice cold beers and wine. The walking tracks and cycleways were busy with visitors taking photos and admiring weird bush plants like the indigenous Kangaroo paw and Xanthorrhoea aka black boy.

It was at this point I realised how much I missed Perth, and the lifestyle this country could offer. I too wanted to have this laid back lifestyle, I too wanted to be home by 6 everyday, I too wanted to be sitting on the lawn on saturday morning with a sandwich in hand.

This never happens in Singapore. Perhaps one day I’ll have the guts to move somewhere where I could. Someday.

Travel Australia, kings Park, Perth

The minute my parents told me they were selling the Perth apartment, I quickly booked myself a ticket in November for a week. My friend Duncan hadn’t been to Perth before, so it was a perfect opportunity to show him around. It worked out well for me too because that meant I could do mini-road trips (because I could never do it alone, far too dangerous for a girl to be travelling by herself).

Perth was always my escape and sanctuary, so it was bitter sweet going back there this time round.

First full day in Perth was absolutely beautiful. November is around the time summer rolls in so it was the perfect time to be there. Bottom left is a picture taken from the apartment balcony, look at how all the colours just pop! Almost looks DI-ed.

Duncan said he could cook pretty well, so the only way to test him is to ask him to poach eggs for breakfast. Check out the result above!

Now that’s a brilliant way to start the holiday! Nom nom…

Food, Travel Australia, Breakfast, Perth, Poached eggs

I don’t like using the words “Best Friend” lightly when it comes to describing my friendships.

To date, I’ve only called 3 people my Best friend: My mum, sister and Wayne.

Wayne was and is still my best friend. Though we have broken up, there will always be a special place in my heart for him. I could talk to him days on end about anything and everything under the sun.

Then there are good friends. These are the people in my A-Team, like the Danlis, Nattles, Kimmys (Ma Girlfriends) and Jons (whom I call my best mate just coz he’s aussie).

Speaking of Jon, the last trip down to Perth was extra fabulous because I got to spend a good chunk of quality time with him.

In the past 7 years, we’ve both been through lots of life’s trials and tribulations together, and he has definitely proved his loyalty as a friend. Mate, if you were a girl, you’d definitely be one of my bridesmaids!

He is coming up sometime in April and I just can’t wait to party on up with him.

Do you have a Best friend hierarchy as well?

Friends & Family Clubbing, Friends, Friendship, Jon, Jono, Perth

When I was studying in Perth, I would drive down to the farmers market at Subiaco every weekend to do my weekly grocery run. I just loved walking through lanes and lanes of fresh produce, planning my meals for the week. It just has a different vibe to the wet markets here in Singapore, I don’t know what it is. It’s just different.

Most common items in my basket would be:
- a punnet of strawberries
- Courgette
- Mushrooms
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Grapes

When I went back last November for a holiday, I re-lived my Uni days, walking through the isles picking out vegetables and fruits for picnic baskets, dinners in and breakfast. I’m really going to miss this place.

Subiaco Markets
Station St
Subiaco WA 6008, Australia

Food, Travel Australia, Perth, Subi, Subiaco, Weekend Markets

Whenever I felt like a need to escape, or be taken away to a place for some ‘Me Time’, I would just close my eyes and let myself be transported to this very place in Perth, Australia.

One of my favourite-est places to spend some ‘Me time’ is at this cafe called Barchetta on Cottesloe Beach. It’s not fancy, nor does it have great reviews online for the food. But it does over look the Indian ocean and that just did it for me. It’s perfect for coffee and cake at Sunset with a book in hand.

I brought my DSLR on this trip, and managed to take some really awesome HDR photos. Here are my two favourite shots taken from Barchetta.

Two different sets, two different treatments.

Barchetta
149 Marine Pde, North Cottesloe
Phone: (08)9385 2411
Open: Seven days breakfast and lunch; Tuesday to Saturday dinner
Licensed: Yes
website: www.barchetta.com.au/

Food, Travel Australia, Barchetta, Cafe, Coffee, Cottesloe, Perth

Jono and Naree were in town last month for their yearly fix. Wish I could have spent a bit more time with that bugger.

Here’s John having his favourite beef kway teow/horfun from Geylang. It’s a yearly pilgramage!

Missing you already! Will plan a trip down under soon mate!

Friends & Family Australia, Friends, Jon, Jono, Perth, Singapore

So after this morning’s little panic with the bathroom door, I was fed up of running errands. I drove to the Perth Hills for some bush trail horse riding.

It was about one hour away from Perth city in the hills, but not too difficult to get to.

I had my favourite Js on my itouch, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson and Jason Castro accompanying me all the way to the stables.

I was riding with another Japanese guy who happened to be here on holiday. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk, so i just rode and took in all the sights and smells of the Australian bushland. I really missed riding, I think the last time was with Wayne at Margaret River about 4 years ago.

The highlight of the ride was seeing Kangaroos in the wild. But the highlight of the DAY was the paddy field of sheep i met on the way home.

It was most bizarre, when i slowed down to have a look at them, they all came running towards the fence. Probably thought i was going to feed em. It was hilarious…coz when i moved, they moved. When i went a bit faster, they ran a bit faster.

i kid you not! Here’s the video…They were so cute!

Food & Travel Horse riding, Perth, sheep, video

When I was studying in Perth, I’ve always had a weak spot for the shoestring fries at Oriel cafe Subiaco. The chips thickness was just right, cooked to the perfect crisp, and the aioli gave it that extra kick. So of course I had to go back for a taste… just to be sure it hasn’t changed 2 years on.

With the girlies Naree & Emma

Jonus & Naree

Geek & Gadgets Australia, Coffee, french fries, Perth

Just when i thought i was finally on holiday, this morning I woke up set for a jog. Went into the laundry room to get my gear, and the door had locked itself in. SHIT! Now i’ll have to call a locksmith in!?! You got to be FReAKIN KIDDING ME!!!!!! ARGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Food & Travel Perth

Just clearing some work before I enjoy the rest of the day. I wish it could be like this always, I wake up to a 20 degree morning, take a hot shower, brew myself a hot merchant coffee latte, have a freshly toasted crumpet, turn on the radio (for now it’s Nova938), and do my work.

Random Perth

I love how this duvet cover feels on my skin… something about it, maybe the thread count? Or fabric softener? It’s soooo soft I could wrap myself around it for the whole day.

But of course, I couldn’t do that, I had RAC come over this morning.

Got the car battery replaced, and she’s purring like a kitty. But she looked horrible, she had a thick layer of dust over her.

After the RAC guy left, I showered, got changed, and headed to the nearest gas station to pump her tyres at 32 psi. Who says women are incapable of taking care of their wheels. Tsk. I managed just fine.

Then headed to the manual car wash to get her cleaned.

Now I finally feel like I’m on holiday, enough dramas for now please.

Went down to subi to grab some groceries, but of course by then it was 2pm and I was starving! So I had a fantastic beef & mushroom pie at Funtastico on Rockeby Road.

I was so hungry, I forgot to take a picture of the pie. Realised a bit too late, here’s a picture of the aftermath.

After which I went down to the car shop to get my lights checked, coz one of the high beams wasn’t working, turns out it was just a bad connection.

Went down to Merchant Coffee to get my week’s dose of ground espresso beans, and took a drive past Tweedale Road. It’s funny, every time I’m back in Perth, I would drive past Tweedale, just because it brings back so many good memories, and I guess I like to be reminded of those days once in awhile.

Just down the road from Tweedale was the foreshore, I spent half an hour watching a black lab play fetch in the Swan River, and watched seagulls fight for my attention at the park bench.

Seagull perched on a parking sign.

Isn’t he so cute. He looks like a little otter in the river.

I like how they had a Doggy dumpage disposal unit, a box of plastic bags to pick up dog poo poo. If they had that in Singapore, I bet someone would steal all the plastic bag aways.

Food & Travel Perth

Just when I posted about a good start, the shits of the shits happened. So here’s what happened. My car battery was dead, and my dad told me he bought a jump start kit. Ok. So i took it out of the cupboard, charged it for half a day, and tried it out.

Didn’t work.

So i thought I’d charge it overnight, and try again in the morning. Morning came… and it still didn’t work. I called up RAC to find out how much it costs for them come over for a jump start, and they quoted me something like A$120. So instead, I just waited till Jon and Chris finished work.

They came over, jump started the car, so far so good right? By the way, this was after I posted the previous ‘happy-feel-good’ blog entry.

I drove up and down the freeway for a good 40mins to charge up the battery again. 40mins sounds like a lot, but i really wanted to make sure I didn’t run into any trouble.

Anyway… as I turned off my freeway exit, the unthinkable unbelievable happened……. MY CAR DIED!!!!!! O H M Y G A W D ! I couldn’t believe this was happening to me!

The battery was completely DEAD! I couldn’t even put my hazard lights on! I was so afraid a car was going to hit me from the back! I was crawling to a stop, and i just managed to steer myself a bit to the side.

I couldn’t find my hand phone, so I couldn’t call Jon. I managed to hail down a cab, and he drove me home. To cut the story short, RAC didn’t want to come out to the freeway because it was too dangerous for them, so I had to get my car towed home for A$99. Which by the way was the easiest 99 bucks that guy could make, because my house was less than 2km away.

Sigh… now i’ve got to wait till tomorrow to get a new car battery. Flips of flops man.

Geek & Gadgets Car, Perth