Perth

Holding a replica of the Welcome Stranger
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Flew to Perth to check out Western Australia for four days.

Highlights:

The Wild West(ern Australia)

Visiting the Perth Mint, where I saw a gold-pouring demonstration, discovered the worth of my weight in gold (about $2.14 million), and held a replica of the largest gold nugget ever found -- "The Welcome Stranger".  (Apparently, the largest 25 nuggest ever found in the world were all found in Australia.)

Perth skyline from King's Park
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Exploring Kings Park and the adjacent Botanic Gardens.  A beautiful, eucalypt-lined street led me into the park, where I enjoyed terrific post-card views of the city skyline, walked the beautiful fairway lawns, and viewed interesting flora such as the kangaroo paw flower.  I would not recommend going there the night of Valentine's Day, on your own, as I did.  A bit lonely, when everyone else is there with their spouse, girlfriend, lover etc.

Visiting the Western Australia Maritime Museum in Fremantle.  The museum houses a number of remarkable boats (that is, the actual, full-size boats are in the building)!  Among others, you will find the Australia II and the Parry Endeavor.  The Australia II was the first non-US yacht to win the Americas Cup (in 1983).  The Parry Endeavor was used by Jon Sanders to circumnavigate the world.  Three times.  Consecutively.  Un-assisted by any other craft.  Alone.  657 days at sea, setting numerous world records.  Going through the HMAS Ovens, a 300 foot submarine that was de-commissioned in 1991, was also excellent.

Another view from King's Park
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Touring the wineries in Margaret River.  Only had time for two, which came highly recommended (independently by Frommers, Jules from the backpacker's place, and the visitor's center) -- Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate.  I especially enjoyed the riesling (and the marron to eat) at Leeuwin, and the gardens at Voyager.  Also enjoyed the scenic Boranup drive nearby.

Viewing wild, bottlenose dolphins aboard a cruise at Bunbury.  Beautiful animals, I just wish they were more photogenic.