My son hired a jumping castle from Castle Capers this weekend for his daughter's fourth birthday party. This turned out to be the best form of entertainment for a kids party, I think, that has been invented. How do you keep over a dozen kids contented, contained and controlled for four hours....hire a jumping castle. The chap delivered the castle, albeit a little late but considering that he had to travel from Aberfoyle Park to Craigmore through traffic after the Christmas Pageant, I reckon he did well. He set it up in less than half an hour with a dozen potential little helpers standing by like bees around a honey pot. Safety instructions and do's and don'ts were relayed and then at the given word a dozen kids made a bee-line for the door all at once. And that is where the kids stayed for the whole four hours, save only for the party food, the cutting of the cake, a couple of other party games and a few very minor bingles, until the chap returned just over four hours later to dismantle the castle once again with a dozen little helpers. He was appreciative of the adult help and the applause given to him on completion of the dismantling process. A very friendly and obliging chap and the cost of $220 for the four hours was well worth the outlay.

We only heard of this place by word of mouth from a visitor who had been there the day before so we decided to give it a go. On entering the premises we were greeted by a nice well kept garden adorned with a variety of roses, lilies, succulents and other plants. Inside the house were rooms bulging with nick-nacks, bric-a-brack, glass ware and many other antiques and second hand items for sale or perusal. We were then met by the hosts Chris and Michael who inquired whether we would be partaking in Devonshire tea. We were then ushered to an outside pergola and served with warm scones, a choice of apricot, strawberry or mixed berry jam and tea. There we were sat under a pergola in the warm morning sun with a gentle breeze wafting through, a panoramic view of the beach surrounded by foliage from the trees and shrubs and enveloped by the flowers from baskets hanging around the pergola, sipping hot tea and treating ourselves with warm scones, jam and fresh cream. What more could a person want. It felt like we died and went to heaven. Congratulations to Chris and Michael for a tantalising presentation of pure bliss. Any one visiting Port Broughton and does not give this establishment a visit is missing out on a fabulous experience, especially as the cost is only a mere $6 each. Some time in the future they are contemplating serving high tea as well. P.S. they even have plants for sale.

Seahaze Villas are tucked down a lane-way between "Palete 2 palette" and the Professionals Real Estate just two doors down from the Broughton Hotel bottle shop. Information and reception can be found in "Rags and Riches" between the bottle shop and the real estate office. The rooms are clean and tidy, well maintained, roomy and comfortable with all the amenities you would expect in a cabin or such. The cost is very reasonable and includes a 20% discount in "rags and Riches' and the Nursery if purchased through Auction Holidays. Contact Angela or Greg Ball for more information or a reservation. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this venue.

On entering the dining room of the Port Broughton Hotel we were greeted with brightly coloured painted walls with an aquatic theme, the tables were adorned with brightly coloured serviettes protruding from the wine glasses. It was then I noticed the unique manner in which the tables were set. Side plates were set in the centres of the tables with knives and forks positioned on them facing either side of the table, the wine glasses with the serviettes were placed on the plates. This arrangement left plenty of room for the serving staff to present the meals without moving cutlery and plates to make room for the meals. A great idea. The meals were very reasonably priced and more than generous proportions. The quality was good without being too overboard. The atmosphere was bright and cheery and the staff friendly and helpful. A venue well worth another visit.

We have been to Scitech twice now but unfortunately both times we arrived about an hour before closing time which was not enough time to do the place justice. Talking about justice, on entering the establishment there was a simulated murder scene and as you go around the designated pathways you are invited to try various exhibits of evidence to try and solve the case. I just wish we had made more time to devote to this mystery. Hopefully if we are ever in Perth again we will have the chance. Great exhibits to perplex, amuse, and astound the mental and physical capacities of all ages.

We were told about Gawler River Cattle Co. by "lorainec6" some time ago and finally decided to give them a go. Large spacious premises with the merchandise laid out in easy to see display areas. Staff willing and eager to take your order and weren't put off or got agro when we told then that we were looking and writing down our requirements. Great specials, great quality meats, friendly and helpful staff, ( we had a question on a certain roast but the lady who served us was not sure of the answer so she got another staff member who helped us). We spent around $90 and bought enough meat for about 27 meals (for the two of us) Will definitely be buying more meat from them next time.

Approximate cost: $90

The City Stay Apartment Hotel is a comfortable place to reside for a week whilst on holiday with basic amenities. The bedrooms are smallish with little room for many clothes and other comforts of home. The view of Wellington Street was a bonus, and the traffic noise was very minimal. The biggest drawback was the noisy neighbours in adjoining rooms, who constantly kept their doors open enabling their voices to carry along deserted corridors and the wafting smells of ethnic cooking constantly a deterrent. Luckily we weren't indoors all day but when we were it was bad enough. It is however, situated in a handy position with West Perth Train station a mere 200 meter walk away, Harbor-town across the road, the free bus stop just outside the door and the Main Perth Train Station just three bus stops down the road.
All in all I feel the venue is not as good as it was when we last visited Perth 4 years ago.

We took the Captain Cook lunchtime cruise to Fremantle on a very bleak wet and windy Perth day on the M.V. James Stirling which was a striking vessel, immaculately clean and spacious except when trying to sit at a table adorned with a cloth set for lunches. A very minor glitch. On the way to Fremantle the Captain who introduced himself as Wayne, gave a very informative, enjoyable and descriptive commentary of interesting aspects of the surrounding sights including detailed facts about the river, the vessel, other,vessels in the fleet and many other topical subjects. During the stop at Fremantle other members of the friendly crew, Kylie, Miles and Douglas prepared the lunch with James, the engineer also on hand. The lunch was superb and was washed down well with a few glasses of wine. On the return trip Wayne invited guests to view the driving cabin or bridge I suppose it is called on a bigger ship. Wayne, as I discovered is a very knowledgeable man regarding the river and surrounds and has been at the helm for twenty years. A truly commendable effort. I truly recommend any person visiting Perth to take this trip. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Perth Zoo was again a great experience as it was four years ago when we were over here from Adelaide last time. Meandering through the zoo along the pathways to the various exhibits was truly like wandering through a jungle waiting with baited breath wondering what is around the next corner. A different aspect or vantage point for the animal that you had just left or and entirely new glimpse of another specimen. It was sometimes like playing a hidden object game trying to spot the animal amid the undergrowth, foliage and camouflage which represents its natural habitat. Occasionally along the way we encountered several of the friendly staff who greeted us with a friendly gesture and were ready to answer any queries one may have had at the time. I managed to take some magic video clips of the occasion just in case we are unable to make it back again. A thoroughly interesting and enjoyable experience which lasted just over 5 hours and was only terminated because our elderly legs could not go any further.

We went to Fast Eddys a couple of times four years ago and as we were over again from Adelaide, decided to give them another go. We were impressed with the over-all experience last time and this time with a party of four we were equally satisfied. We ordered our meals in the restaurant section and thought the prices were quite reasonable for this type of venue. The bottle of wine was also more than reasonably priced. The meals we had were all of very generous proportions and very tasty. The waiters were very courteous and friendly checking on us every so often to see if we required any thing else. The whole establishment was clean and tidy and well positioned and as other diners arrived, were attended to immediately. There was very little waiting time to acquire our meals and this went for other patrons that were here as well. The place was adorned with various pieces of memorabilia from early days which bought back fleeting memories. On leaving we spoke to the cashier as we paid our bill and he was very friendly and cheerful . This place is definitely not run by backpackers but there are a few hired to work there from time to time. Overall Fast Eddys was an interesting, pleasurable and rewarding experience which we would definitely include in our itinerary if and when we are again in Perth.