Exploring Perth

We discovered that one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Perth is by using the city’s excellent public transport system - namely, the train and bus services operated by Transperth.

For just A$12.00, a FamilyRider pass allows up to seven people (with a maximum of two adults) unlimited travel on trains and buses from as early as 5:30am until midnight on weekends and public holidays. It’s truly one of the best travel deals for families looking to explore the city and its outskirts without breaking the bank.

On this trip to Perth, we took full advantage of the pass and rode the train as far as it would go - both north and south. Our northernmost stop was Butler Station, from where we boarded a bus to Two Rocks, a quiet coastal town with a name as literal as its landscape.

As the friendly staff at Butler Station warned us, there really isn’t much to see in Two Rocks. Apart from the actual "two rocks" at the seafront, we saw a number of boats moored at the jetty - but barely a soul in sight. From a distance, we caught a glimpse of the massive King Neptune statue, the once-iconic centerpiece of the Atlantis Marine Park, which was a major attraction in the late 1980s. Though the park has long since closed due to financial difficulties, the statue remains standing, weathered but iconic. I vividly remember visiting Atlantis during our first family trip to Perth in the ’80s, when it was still alive with activity.

Unfortunately, during this most recent visit, we couldn’t get a closer look at King Neptune because we weren’t driving and the statue wasn’t easily accessible on foot from the bus stop.

The only person who “entertained” us in Two Rocks was the bus driver we met at the terminal beside the only grocery shop in town. As we waited for our ride back to the train station, he candidly shared his personal story - once a wealthy man in the UK, now a bus driver in Perth. According to him, after moving to Australia, his wife ran off with his best friend, and he lost 60% of his assets in the divorce under Australian law. We listened politely, though with a rather large pinch of salt.

Besides the unexpected bus driver tale, we also had an amusing encounter with an actual local - a blue-tongued lizard, which made a brief appearance and gave us something memorable to talk about from our brief visit to this quiet seaside town.

King Neptune

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On another day, we took the train southward to the final stop on the line - Mandurah Station, which lies approximately 110 km south of Butler Station, the northernmost point of the network. It was a long but scenic journey, offering glimpses of suburban life and stretches of open landscape along the way.

Mandurah turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant destination. It carries the charm of both Perth City and Fremantle, yet on a much more relaxed and intimate scale. With its clean streets, beautiful waterfront, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the area appeals to developers and retirees alike. The town has become increasingly popular for the construction of serviced apartments and holiday homes, catering to both weekend holidaymakers and those seeking a quieter pace of life by the sea.

We were also delighted to find a familiar name at the seafront promenade - Cicerello’s Fish & Chips, a well-loved institution originally based in Fremantle. This Mandurah outpost retains the same reputation for serving fresh, hearty fish and chips, drawing in locals and tourists looking for a classic Aussie meal with a view.

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As an Engineer, I was impressed by an old timber bridge that is still being used to support a paved road for heavy vehicular traffic!