Malaysia’s Queen of Comedy shares her Western Australia trip with us through her adventures in the extraordinary city, meeting local wildlife and experiencing the diversity of food and heritage in Perth.
Day 1
1 Caversham Wildlife Park
A short drive away from Perth is where tourists can actively interact with native Australian animals in their natural habitat. Joanne was in absolute glee when she patted a wombat for the first time and fed kangaroos from her palm.
2 The Cheese Maker
Joanne met Tanya Barretto, the owner and skilled cheese maker who specialises in teaching the art of home cheese making. In her class, Joanne picked up the steps in making Halloumi cheese from scratch and she is certain one could easily pull this off for any dinner party for their guests.
3 Dining at Feral Brewing Company
The popular microbrewery and restaurant in Swan Valley makes Joanne spoilt for choice with their extensive menu and choices. The family-owned brewery is known for their handcraft traditional brewing methods. Joanne recommends ordering a tasting board to find out which beer pairs with your mains.
Contact Explore Tours Perth at [email protected] for small group day tours to these places.
Day 2
4 Chopper to Rottnest Island
Take a fun and scenic flight with Rotorvation Helicopters to Rottnest Island, a place where Quokka, the native wildlife, thrives. Arriving with a helicopter, Joanne says, shows breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
5 Segway tour at Rottnest island
Getting around the island is conveniently peaceful. The car-free island let tourists cycle or ride Segways to breathe in the picturesque scenery. Joanne rode her Segway all around the island meeting roaming wild quokkas and visited the historic Bathusrt Lighthouse and the Quod, an aboriginal prison.
6 Dining at Ying Restaurant
Malaysians may find flavours familiar to their tastebuds at Ying Restaurant, an authentic Chinese restaurant in Perth. While Joanne has had her share of Chinese food all her life, she still dreams of the restaurant’s “Eight Treasure Duck” till this day.
Contact Rotorvation Helicopter Services at [email protected] and Segway Tours WA at [email protected] for bookings and more info.
Day 3
Photo from Adobe Stock
7 Swimming with wild dolphins
After years of familiarisation, the local bottlenose dolphins at Rockingham let tourists see them in their natural environment. Within a small group with professional guides, Joanne manages to spot dolphin mothers and nursing calves in the waters.
8 Fremantle Markets
Housed in the grand old Victorian building, the market is a lively place to shop for fresh produce, unique foods and souvenirs among buskers and live music. Among the eclectic finds, Joanne found dried kangaroo meat to try and raspberry coffee at the market.
9 Dining at Bathers Beach House Fremantle
The mouth-watering “Seafood Platter” is served with whole reef fish, crab, mussels, octopus and garlic prawns. Also according to Joanne, this beachfront restaurant is the only place you can watch the sunset with an alcoholic drink in hand.
Reach out to Rockingham Wild Encounters at [email protected] for a special swim with dolphins. Find everything you need to know to plan for your Western Australia holiday at www.westernaustralia.com
Text Jessy Wong • Photos Joanne Kam & Adobe Stock
