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We're in a very sunny Perth staying with B's cousin Jean & Milan who we'd met for the first time last year in Ireland. From the Whitsundays we had travelled over 1000Km south to Brisbane passing through the Tropic of Capricorn and had stopped for a look around Capricorn Caves which was a series of sandstone caves including a 'cathedral' cave which is used for weddings. Beautiful clear sounds when we were there but with 30,000 bats we're sure it would be a different matter at dusk when snakes and other bat predators come out from their hiding places. There's a vertical hole which catches the sun directly over head at summer solstice and the guide says its really spectacular with hundreds of people crammed in. We then headed south and stayed in Maryborough. Up early to make the last dash to the airport as still 300+Km to go and no maps so relying on good road directions. All we knew was that the airport was north of Brisbane which was good for us. In the end it was a mad dash and we nearly ran out of petrol but were on our way to Perth. Great flight (over 5 hours over the outback most of which was red desert but occassionally there would be striking blue and white swirling features some of which can be seen in the Aboriginal art) and met by Jean. Weather remained sunny and clear so we had a tour of UWA where Jean works and where one of Jane's ex pupils graduated. Beautiful campus close to the Swan River. Then into Kings Park which has superb views over the city and river and down to Freemantle where Australia winning America's Cup yacht is in the excellent Maritime Museum. We were desperate to get to Ningaloo Reef which is 1300Km north of Perth to see the Whale sharks and found and excellent agennt (Travel Forever) in Perth who managed to save the day and organise flights etc so we relaxed and spent Sunday on Rotnest Island which is about 30 minutes boat ride from Freemantle and cycled all round it (Jane's thighs were aching at the end as B had a puncture which meant we had to hang around for a replacement bike and consequently had a fast ride back from the West End). However, the puncture was useful as we sat near a memorial and a little Quokka (a small marsupial and looks like a Wallaby or Kangaroo) came out and walked up next to Jane. We'd hoped to see one so staying in one place for more than 10 minutes is the trick! The island has no traffic apart from a tour bus so hundreds of amateur cyclists take to the roads. More from Perth when we get back from Ningaloo.
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