Day 138 - Swan River Valley and Perth Hills

We are delighted to say the weather improved today but it was quite cool.  The Swan River Valley beckoned so we toddled off to see what we could see.

We drove west close to the Swan River and try though we may, we could not get something worth photographing.  That is not to say there weren't some great sights, beautiful houses and glimpses of the river but our efforts were thwarted by houses built along the river and incessant traffic not allowing us to stop where we wanted.

By accident we came across the Burswood Casino and also by accident, pardon the pun, a written off Porsche, subject of many news reports this morning.  The driver apparently crashed the car during the night and left the scene, leaving the keys in the car.  Mind you, it wasn't going anywhere.

220814 The Crown Burswood Casino

220814 The Porsche subject of news reports today

We gave up eventually on the river and headed for the Perth Hills. There we had more luck.  By good fortune we ended up in the Peter Forrest National Park.  We came across a fantastic view of Perth but it was hazy due to the remnants of the recent rain. 

220814 Perth from the John Forrest Park in the Perth Hills

We had lunch at the tavern in the park before heading for a walk in the forest. We were able to walk along a heritage trail which was, in fact, the route of an old train line from Perth.  The recent rain was the making of this walk because the river through the park, bone dry in summer months, was "cranking" and both waterfalls, the Hovea Falls and the National Park Falls were flowing quite well. 

220814 The Hovea Falls - sadly behind trees

220814 Some of the exposed rocks at the top of the Hovea Falls.
Water was seeping across the top of the rocks

220814 Top of the National Park Falls in John Forrest National Park

220814 The National Park Falls in John Forrest National Park

220814 Below the National Park Falls in John Forrest National Park

The park had some interesting features other than waterfalls.  Most of the infrastructure at the entry to the walks was built by sustenance workers during the 1930's. That included some of the picnic sites and also a rock garden.

220814 One of the original picnic tables in the John Forrest Park

220814 Rock gardens in the John Forrest National Park

Some of the locals made their presence felt.

220814 Some of the locals in the park

We drove home in bright sunlight which forebodes well for tomorrow.