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Australia is a big country with a lot to see and do. With your 'cricket adventure' in the bag you may want to extend your stay and see much more of this beautiful land. Often gap year students will split their time in Australia and spend six months at the Academy and then six months traveling around the country.
Sydney Harbour Bridge |
The Academy closes for a 3 week Christmas break. This provides an ideal opportunity for you to explore other parts of this great big country or to see more of Western Australia. Academy boys may be joined by their families for a holiday or take off as a Academy group for some well earned rest. Sydney, Melbourne and any of the other states are exciting places to visit and all quite different. Travel packages are easily bought to match your budget and plans.
Perth is Australia's largest state and has a lot to offer. It covers 2 million square kilometres
of land, is situated on the Swan River and bordered
by the Indian Ocean. With over 8 hours of sunshine per day there
is ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle amidst a nation
of people that adore its national game of cricket.
Visit this Western
Australian Tourism Website for further information.
PERTH - A BRIEF HISTORY
Prior to the arrival or Europeans, Western
Australia was occupied solely by Indigenous Australians who had lived
peacefully and in
harmony with the land for tens of thousands of years. Indigenous
Australians have a rich history and culture that is well worth
exploring. Like so many indigenous cultures in the 18th and 19th
centuries, thing were about to change.
Perth
on the Swan River |
In March 1827, Captain James
Stirling of the Royal Navy, arrived in the Swan River and discovered
a land that possessed great natural attraction, in contrast to
the previous Dutch and French navigators who described New Holland
(a name given to Australia by the Dutch) as sterile, forbidding
and inhospitable. This landing and subsequent report by Stirling
to His Majesty's Government back in England, led to the foundation
of the Swan River Settlement in June 1829. Using the Swan River
for transport, three towns for formed.
Perth, in between Fremantle
and Guilford.
Fremantle, 20km downstream from the coast serves
as the colony's functional Port and Guilford 20km upstream to the
east was chosen to supply produce to the surrounding region. Because
of the rich fertile soil found in the Swan Valley. Exploration
followed, driven by the need for fertile agricultural and pastoral
land and the hope of finding a huge mainland water supply. It took
until the turn of the century to explore most of Western Australia.
Around 1890, gold was discovered in the Kimberly and Kalgoorlie.
This led to a population explosion and established Perth as the
colonyâs trade capital with Fremantle having to upgrade the harbour
to cope with increased demand.
Most of Fremantle's architecture
can still be seen today lovingly restored. With the advent of the
Second World War, The 1940's initiated a huge demand for minerals
and Western Australia had plenty. Asbestos, lead, iron ore, diamonds,
nickel, minerals sands, oil and gas to name a few, with some of
the biggest mining and exploration companies in the world having
offices in Perth. Western Australia and Perthâs economy still relies
heavily upon the natural resources sector.
Perth
from Kings Park |
THE CITY
Perth is the most isolated capital city
in the world. Set between white fringed beaches to the West and the
lush Darling Ranges to
the east with the Swan River winding through its heart it is also
one of the most beautiful. Renowned for the relaxed, smiling faces
of its residents no other city has a more perfect climate or lifestyle.
Of a state population of 1.8 million people, 1.2 million live and
work in the metropolitan area. Perth reflects its colonial past
with many fine old buildings, restored and still in use but it
is the huge modern buildings that dominate today's skyline. There
are many reasons why you may find yourself in the city; a business
meeting, visiting one of the many museums, galleries or tourist
attractions, possibly for a grand sporting event, maybe shopping
amidst the many malls or enjoying the quality of itâs local produce,
seafood and wine. You can be guaranteed there is something for
everyone to enjoy.
Kings
Park |
KINGS PARK
Situated within
the City the park covers an area of 404 hectares. Two thirds is natural
bush land with 291 different species of plants. The remaining third
is made up of wonderful cultivated wildflower plants and recreational
areas to suit all ages. Whilst magnificent
at any time of the year, it really is something special when the
wild flowers come out in early Spring. There is always some exciting
activity taking place in the park from outdoor theatre to free
guided bush land walks Kings Park is a photographic dream commanding
magnificent views over the City and the Swan River. The park will
provide ideal terrain for fitness training during the 10 weeks.
THE SWAN BELLS
The Bell Tower makes an excellent
rendezvous point with the modern tower both visible and audible from
most points in the City. The
eighteen bells are several hundred years old and one of the few
sets of 'Royal Bells'. They were donated to Perth by the famous
old London church 'St Martin-in-the Fields'.
Burswood
Resort Casino
|
THE BURSWOOD RESORT
CASINO
This five star complex houses all the sophisticated
needs of it's visitors from casino, convention centre, sporting facilities
including
8 hole golf course, swimming pools, restaurants and bars.
NORTHBIRDGE
There are more
restaurants in Perth per head of population than in any other capital
city in Australia. So you should have little
trouble finding the cuisine of your choice. For those who also
wish to enjoy the night life Northbridge will satisfy the need.
Swan
Valley Winery |
SWAN
RIVER
Home of the black
swan as well as to a wide range of sporting activities. There is
always something to entertain you as you walk,
cycle or relax at the side of the Swan River. Our cricketers will
utilise the 60 km trails as part of their fitness programme. The
may also choose to get involved in water skiing, jet skiing or
may be it is the sailing or yachting that appeals.
A range of cruises
are available along the Swan River, ranging from scenic day cruises
to sunset champagne cruises. A.C.E. have
commissioned their own cruise boat for the cricketers welcome tour.
Not only will the cricketers meet the training team but be able
to participate in swimming and snorkelling on a remote island.
SWAN VALLEY
About 20 minutes drive from the City
the Swan Valley was one of the first wine producing regions is Australia.
Now home to over
30 different wineries there are many reasons why you should visit
this beautiful area.
University
of Western Australia |
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The University of Western Australia is situated between the bush
land of Kings Park and the Matilda Bay foreshore of the Swan River.
Many of the buildings are heritage listed; the overall impression
of the campus is harmony and balance. In addition to the academic
programme theatrical events, concerts, conferences, sporting fixtures,
weddings and many other functions are held in these splendid surroundings.
Cricket
training will take place each afternoon at the James Oval. Cricketers
may chose to take their mid day meal at the Hackett
Refectory, one to one mentoring can be done within the beautiful
campus grounds.
The W.A.C.A |
THE W.A.C.A.
The Western Warriors is the WA cricket
team and they have a hugely successful history. Diehard fans still
refer to the national 4
day competition as the Sheffield Shield although now it has corporate
sponsorship it is officially the Pura Cup. The national one day
series is the ING Cup. Perth always hosts at least one test match
and at least one 1 day international. A day/nighter match is an
experience not to be missed. The museum is well worth a visit.
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL
The two Perth based teams in the AFL
league are the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers. Games
are
Emirates Western Force |
played from March to
September with home games at Subiaco Oval. Even out of season a
visit to the Subiaco Oval should not be missed. Enjoy Subiaco and
IRAs café society and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
RUGBY
February 2006 finally saw Western Australia with its own Rugby Union Super 14's Team; the Emirates Western Force.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
If you love sport then Perth is the place
for you. Most sports are catered for and to a very high standard.
Joondalup
Golf Resort | Perth
Diving |
WA | Tennis
WA | Surf
Cams
Perth Glory Soccer |
SOCCER
Perth Glory is the Perth based team competing in the national
league. Games are played at the Perth Oval.
BASKETBALL
The Perth Wildcats are the maenads team in the National Basketball
League. Games are played at the Perth Entertainment Centre in Wellington
Street.
Koala Bear |
THE DARLING RANGES (THE HILLS)
Visit orchards, craft
stores or find peace and quiet in one of the many National Parks
that are located in the range. Although
not far from the City these truly Australian vistas are spectacular
and must not be missed.
AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
Australia is the home of
the kangaroo, koala bear and kookaburra. Whilst these and more are
can easily be seen at Perth Zoo there are many
local spots where you can observe these Aussie favourites in their
natural habitat.
Swan River |
CLAREMONT POOL/GYM
Claremont is one of the most sought after
suburbs in Perth. The open air complex offers a 50 metre pool with
dedicated diving area
and 25 metre pool; ideal for pool walking/cool downs.
Steve Smith's
private gym is situated next to the pool. Cricketers will be using
these facilities as part of their fitness development.
THE CLIMATE
The Sunset Coast experiences over 8 hours of sunshine each day
which invariably ends with a magnificent sunset over the ocean.
The warm dry summer between December to February brings temperatures
around 31 deg C and 19 deg C with little rainfall. The hottest
days are made comfortable by a cooling afternoon sea breeze,
known locally as "The Fremantle Doctor" which brings welcome
relief. The winter months of June to August are cooler but still
considered mild.
THE BEACHES
With over 60 kilometres of coastline and more hours of sunshine
per day than any other Australian capital centre the beaches are
always a popular place. You can chose from any one of the many
fabulous beaches along the coast from Fremantle to Hilary Boat
Harbour or, if you prefer, deserted beaches are easy enough to find.
You
can enjoy surfing, body boarding, scuba-diving, fishing or simply
while away the hours soaking up the sun.
Perth National Parks |
OBSERVATION RISE - SCARBOROUGH
BEACH
Scarborough is an outstandingly beautiful beach side suburb
and is acclaimed to be the best stretch of beach in Australia.
Scarborough
is a haven for the surfing fraternity who frequent the beach all
year round but kite surfing, canoes and kayaks can be seen also.
Paths dedicated to jogging, power walking or cycling are adjacent
to the beach. The Observation City precinct contains a supermarket,
hotels and bottleshops, weekend markets, speciality shops and access
to public transport. Residents at the Observation Rise apartments
will never have far to go whether shopping for food for their beach
bbq, opting for a healthy takeaway or experiencing one of the spectacular
sunsets from their own sea view balcony. Sunset
Coast Tours | Leasing
Elite | Discover
WA
Perth Beaches |
INDIAN OCEAN
Larger than many countries in the world, Western Australia
covers one-third of the Australian continent. Bordered largely
by desert
to the east, WA is bound by 7,813 miles of pristine coastline to
the west.
Perth is situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean and
encompasses approximately 60 kilometres of coastline. The beautiful
clear blue
waters are a sheer delight and available for all to enjoy. Dolphins
are a popular sight once a few miles out from the coastline. Snorkeling
and diving is a popular sport with coral reefs, exotic marine life
and hidden bays waiting to be discovered.
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Affectionately called "Rotto"
this 'A' class reserve lies just eighteen kilometres off the coast.
Protecting the well known marsupial,
the Quokka and many plants typical of coastal islands. Rottnest
Island is a mere 2 km long by 4.5 km wide. Transport around the
island is by foot, cycle or local bus; this would have to be one
of the most relaxing places to visit close to Perth.
Fremantle |
COUNTRY AREAS
Places not to be missed include John Forrest National Park,
Mundaring, Yanchep National Park and Avon Valley. Mundaring Weir
is the start
of the Golden Pipeline Scheme which is still the world's largest
movement of drinking water. All between 20 minutes and a couple
of hours from the City centre and each offering differing vistas.
FREMANTLE
Fremantle has a character all
of its own. The fine old buildings have been faithfully restored
and the markets, cappuccino strip
and the harbour restaurants offer the visitor a relaxed inviting
atmosphere. There are many reminders which must not be missed such
as the Fremantle Prison, the Round House, the Maritime Museum and
the Fremantle Arts Centre.
Hillary's Boat Harbour |
HILLARYS BOAT HARBOUR
This award winning coastal village style complex
includes protected beaches, restaurants, cafes, shops and hotel
accommodation. Nearby
those who wish to snorkel can explore the limestone reefs. As many
as 136 different species of fish can be found in this very important
marine environment. Sorrento
Quay
MARGARET RIVER
Few visitors to Perth go home without a visit
to the South West and Margaret River. The region boasts sophisticated
small towns,
beautiful country with rolling green hills and thick forests. It
is on the world map for its vineyards and magnificent wines with
spectacular scenery and world class surf beaches.
PEMBERTON
The town is nestled in a quiet valley, surrounded
by towering karri, jarrah and marri forests containing the largest
hardwood
trees in the world. The Gloucester Tree is the world's tallest
public look-out tree.
Wave Rock |
ALBANY
Rich in natural beauty Albany
is Western Australia's oldest town and drenched in history. Whale
and dolphin spotting from the coastal
cliffs is an exhilarating pastime. For those who have the time
and desire to travel Albany must not be missed.
WAVE ROCK
27 million years old and made up of grey and red granite
strips, it is quite a formation. It hands over like an incredible
15m
high wave, about to break. Aboriginal rock paintings can also be
seen at nearby Mulkas Cave.
KALGOORLIE
Beach at Esperance |
Fantastically prosperous, it is a gold mining town
like no other. Responsible for producing one tenth of the world's
gold this town
plays a central role in the global gold industry.
ESPERANCE
Small yet beautiful this town
is set in the Bay of Isles. It's wide sandy beaches are reputed
to be the best in the world. You
must see the Pink Lake; a dense saltwater lake that really is pink.
Scenic coastlines and the panorama of the offshore islands are
all part of its charm.
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