Two Years in Perth – What Next?

Time to plan the next chapter

As we tick over two years in Perth it looks as though we might finally be reinstating our long held dream of travelling the world. The two nights we had booked here in Perth, back in March 2020 have stretched out to take in the whole of 2020, 2021, and now the summer and autumn of 2022.

Perth has been very good to us. And quite possibly the best place we could have ended up through COVID. I managed to secure a role that I have been in the whole time I have been here. I have met new people who have become friends. I found a community. A “collective”.  And I have taken my learning journey further than I could have expected when we landed in Perth on that dark night back in March, 2020. On the travel front, we have been busy. We have now travelled the whole length from Esperance in the south, all the way up to Exmouth on the north coast. Not all in one trip, but this is a distance of 2,238kms. That is a lot of long, straight, boring Western Auatralia roads. In fairness, there are also some scenic drives to keep things interesting.

Victoria has had a number of roles, trying out the market in Perth and getting to experience how organisations of differing sizes work over here in the wild, wild West. And it is different. Very different to my experience over in Sydney. Perth feels like a big town. With a gaping hole for its centre. The CBD is bereft of life with most people choosing to live in sprawling suburbs, north and south of the river. Yet, as we speak, sprawling apartment towers continue to be built. There is more tumbleweed than people.

Elizabeth Quay has been transformed over the years I have been coming to Perth, and it is currently in the middle of a development boom. In a few years from now, when the buildings are complete, I believe Elizabeth Quay has the potential to rival Circular Quay in Sydney for nightlife. This is if Elizabeth Quay finds its identity. Perth has come a long way over the years. It could go even further and be a destination that truly attracts overseas travellers away from the glitz of Sydney Harbour, and the 24 hour lifestyle of cosmopolitan Melbourne.

Margaret River, our “happy place”

Over the last two years you may have worked out that our hearts have been stolen by the beautiful Margaret River region. Already our favourite place in Australia, it will forever have a special place in our hearts after we eloped there and got married in the forest last year. The food scene down there is out of this world. Margaret River produces Australia’s premium wines. The scenery is second to none. And the coastline is better than you will find anywhere, however far around the globe you travel. A true “happy place” for us both.

And whilst we have found our spiritual home over the last two years, we are now planning to head off and explore the world. After working out the best time to head off travelling we have now shared with our employers that we will be leaving at the end of May. The first month of our travels will be mostly in WA, as we say farewell to some of our favourite places. Yes, this will include Margaret River. And Fremantle. This gritty port city, 30 minutes south of Perth, also has something special. A real vibe that keeps drawing us back time and again. Breweries. Cool neighbourhoods. Great restaurants. And a community feel.

Time to explore the world

Leaving city life behind we will be heading to an island. Specifically, Hamilton Island. A place we love and were due to visit last December, to celebrate my milestone birthday. COVID put paid to this and so in June we will be finally doing this trip. Staying at the luxurious Qualia, on the island, we will be doing our utmost to celebrate my belated birthday. Picture, champagne and cocktails. Side trips to Noosa and Brisbane will lead us into leaving Australian shores for the first time in three years. 

Our initial plan was to cover South East Asia for a few months first but this would mean we wouldn’t get to the UK until the height of winter. If you know what winter in the UK is like you will appreciate why this is not a great option. It was 13 degrees in Perth this morning and I worried whether I had enough layers on. Our compromise is Singapore for a few nights, then a stop somewhere new for me. Dubai is a place I have never been to and I will be having my second stay in a Caesar’s Palace hotel.

July will see us hit the shores of the UK for the first time since 2019. Without a time constraint we will have the opportunity to slow down a little. Reconnect with family and friends. And take the chance to do a little sightseeing. I am also starting to realise that the football season will have started again by this point and I would love to get to a match. A new manager. A clear out of players. And United might once again be able to provide some excitement. All Mrs C wants is a very big gammon steak. Let’s hope we can both get what we want.