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Days 5 and 6 of our cruise.
We took a short (30 minute) trip from Perth to Fremantle on the 28th January where we got the first glimpse of our home for the next 35 days – the cruise ship Astor. Following a relatively painless processing by Australian Border Control, we were escorted by Astor staff to our cabin, and so began the unpacking process – my small suitcase and Lynda’s two large suitcases and various shoulder bags, carrier bags and other paraphernalia that she had accumulated during our brief sojourn in Perth. Fortunately the cabin was equipped with ample storage space, though I did donate all my allocation of drawer space to ensure all of Lynda’s stuff could be unpacked!
We sailed from Freemantle later in the afternoon, with 3 day’s at sea before reaching Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island on the 1st February. Penneshaw is a small township of approx. 265 residents and is the island’s main ferry port with regular services from Cape Jervis.
We hadn’t booked any officially organized tours for Kangaroo Island, but there was a courtesy bus tour operated by local volunteers that took us on a circular route around Penneshaw. We thereafter limited ourselves to Hog Bay, an excellent sandy swimming beach, and home to a colony of Fairy Penguins (which we didn’t see as they only appear in the late evening).
In case we forget?
Aboriginal “Contemplation Seat”
Hog Bay
Fairy Penguins (though none sighted!)
The rest of our time on the island was spent – I’m afraid to admit – in the local pub, enjoying cool beers, the ubiquitous Australian meat pie, and the most excellent King George Whiting – possibly the best fish I’ve ever tasted.
It was then back on board for an evening’s sailing to Adelaide, where we arrived at 8am on the morning of 2nd February. The day started out hot, at around 37C, but climbed to a very uncomfortable 45C by midday. Even the breeze burnt your skin!
We took the local train from the port to the city centre – a journey of around 22km, and spent most of our time seeking out a good Wi-Fi service on Rundle Mall (the main shopping area) so that I could post my ramblings about Perth. Tip: forget about the free Wi-Fi service at McDonald’s (appallingly slow) and head for the Apple store (free Wi-Fi and blindingly fast).
Spot the pig? Adelaide shopping mall.
We found the heat pretty limiting in terms of doing any exploring of the city, so headed back to the ship by mid-afternoon for some very welcome cool beers. We sailed at 4pm – the entertainment staff performing their usual ‘sail-away’ party – destination Hobart in Tasmania, two day’s sailing – and much merriment – away.
