Elizabeth Quay - Grand Opening (including photos of before)

Elizabeth Quay is located at the Esplanade in Perth. I attended the inauguration of the new waterfront on the 29th of January, 2015. It is the new landmark feature in Perth, designed to connect the Swan River and the city. Development started in January 2012 and said to cost about $440 million. It is the home of many new attractions and leisure activities. It is still a work-in-progress in terms of property devlopment. Several hotels are yet to be built to complete the big picture.

For the opening night, there was plenty of entertainment and huge crowds. There is a new waterpark, featuring water spray at different time intervals. The area also accommodates several public art, a new promenade area and the new jetty. It is definitely a great place for the public to have a walk, as the view is amazing. 

It is a great tourist attraction, especially since the Bell Tower is already a place of interest in Perth. The Bell Tower offers a sweeping view over the jetty. The ferry now starts from the inlet, now named Elizabeth Quay Jetty. It was formerly known as the Barrack Street Jetty. 

The bridge offers a gorgeous view over the Swan River and the eight-storey art sculpture( in white).

At night, there was a light and laser show, every half hour from 8.00 p.m. It was quite impressive. The lights in the balls kept changing patterns and the water swirled and turned into jets. In addition, the Bell Tower, bridge and the waterpark feature all continually changed colour. I thorougly enjoyed the night and visit.

When I went to Bell Tower end of last year, the quay was still under construction. The change in those few months can be clearly seen. Here are some photos from the Bell Tower and Central Park.

For more information, please refer to below website:

www.elizabethquay.com.au

Lesmurdie Falls National Park (Shoulder Lookout)

As mentioned in my previous post, there are several walk trail offered by the park. The last time I went there, I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was a new lookout opened to public. Despite it was starting to rain, we decided to give this path a try. It was well worth it and we were lucky to make it back just before it started to pour. We also spotted some ducks, enjoying the rain. 

The lookout  provides an impressive view over the plain and City. We also came across some wildflowers. The walk path was still in progress, but it was fine to walk on the rough areas. It was a great place to visit, thanks to the impressive scenery. It almost felt  like we were at the top of the world. 

For more information:
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/lesmurdie-falls-picnic-area

Lesmurdie Falls National Park

Lesmurdie Falls is located in Lesmurdie, in the Perth Hills. There are two lookout platforms, offering stunning views over the coastal plains, Perth City and the fall.

The park has several trails including going down to the foot of the fall (starting from Falls Road), or vice versa, i.e, starting from the foot of fall (from Palm Terrace) and go up. We did the former, and went down to the foot of the waterfall. We then went up using a shortcut path, which is faster, but slightly rockier and spikier. 

As you start your walk from the top, you come across the viewing platforms where you can appreciate the beautiful scenery that the city, the top of the fall as well as the foot offer. It is amazing to look at all the vegetation, wildlife and buildings.

The first time I went to Lesmurdie Falls goes way back. It is probably the first time I went on a walk trail. I was very amazed  by the gorgeous view of the fall and the city at that time. I clearly remember having a hard time walking up on the way back though, since I was not well geared.

The Falls trail is about 2 kilometres, so it does not long to go up and down (about 2-3 hours max). However the paths can be slippery, once you reached the bottom due to the rocks. It is not too challenging though if you wear proper shoes.

There are picnic tables at both car park areas.  We were lucky to spot a bandicoot as we were having a rest on one of them. Toilets are located at the top of the falls (Falls Road car park).

For more information:
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/lesmurdie-falls-picnic-area

Lake Monger Reserve

Lake Monger is located in the suburb of Wembley (City of Cambridge), north-west of Perth City. There are walk and cycle paths along the lake, with a distance of 3.8 kms. It took us about an hour to do a complete round by foot. I was personally amazed by the view. The view on the lake is impressive. Also, the reserve inhabits plenty of wildlife- including many black swans. 

The reserve is recognised as a conversation of wetlands. Also, there are many recreational activities that you can enjoy there. If you are willing to go for a leisurely walk, then this would be a great place to do so. 

For more information, please refer to below website:
http://www.cambridge.wa.gov.au/Leisure/Beaches_and_Parks/Parks/Lake_Monger_Reserve

Victoria Dam

Victoria Dam and Victoria Reservoir is located in Canning Mills (Shire of Kalamunda). The reservoir was the first public water supply source to the city of Perth from 1891. The Dam was completed and inaugurated in 1991.

There are several access to the reservoir, either by car or on foot. As far as we are concerned, we started our walk from the Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp on Hardinge Rd, Orange Grove, on 17th January 2016. A slight walk along the road took us to the Kattamorda Heritage Trail, which is the official beginning of our journey.

The walk took us about two and a half hours. It was really worth it. Along the trail, there are several sights and amazing views. It was not a difficult walk, but there are some slopes and uphills. You might require some hiking poles for more stability and security. 

The reservoir was rather low-tide (empty), but if you focus straight down, you would feel dizzy as you become aware of the deepness. The view there was absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to see the sun setting down. At the reservoir, there is a stunning view on the valley. You can even spot the city if you go up the balustrade.

It was certainly a very enjoyable and interesting place to visit. 

Note:
There is a gazebo, a picnic table and a water fountain at the reservoir.

For more information and map, please follow below link:
http://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/Leisure-Tourism/Sports-Fitness/Walking-Cycling/Walking-Trails/Victoria-Reservoir-Walk#tabcontent2