Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 7:48 PM
WAh
I have been to many places in Australia, but last week was certainly the most exotic location I've been to. I spent the last week in Western Australia, namely Perth and Dampier, a region north of Perth. It's my first time going to the Australian Outback, and I'm totally amazed with what I saw. I'm really happy with how the pictures turn out, and so glad the polariser did its trick.
The temperature in Karratha is a blustery 30 degrees. It was very dry and dusty. And yet there are amazing plants here. 
The railway operated by Pilbara Railways is apparently one of the heaviest haul railway lines in the world. It facilitates the transport of iron ore in Australia's largest iron ore deposit.
I love how the blue sky contrasts with the red earth of the outback. And the isolated trees make the scenery much more dramatic.
And oh, did I mention the trains? Absolutely incredible. These trains are as long as 2.5km, carrying thousands of tonnes of iron ore with each haulage worth millions of dollars. Can just imagine how much power the locomotives have. Massive!
I also learned of the word 'gunzel', which is a word used to describe railway enthusiast. I'm not one.
This here is a termite mount. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside
The port in Dampier where the iron ore are loaded onto the ships.
This here is a termite mount. Hard on the outside and soft on the insideThe port in Dampier where the iron ore are loaded onto the ships.I spent 2 days in Dampier and then the rest of the week in Perth. Stayed in South Perth, across the river, with this amazing view and a range of fine cuisine restaurants. We tried everything from Italian to international to Malaysian food in the few nights we were there.
I also managed to have a free afternoon where I travelled to Fremantle on the train hoping to catch the sunset. Went to Cicerrellos to try the fish and chips and OMGGG it's definitely the best fish and chips I've ever had. All the rumors were true after all. 
Perth has one of the bluest waters I've ever seen. 
Soon as I arrived in Fremantle I realized it's not the best spot to watch the sunset because it was blocked by some shipping facilities. So off I went catching the train back to the city, and on the way as the train was passing Cottesloe, this amazing sight greeted me. The sun sinking into the Indian Ocean! Amazing..
The next morning I was able to catch the sunrise as I travelled on the ferry across the river. I saw some dolphins on the river too, but was not quick enough to get a shot.
The city at dawn. 
The famous apple strudel shop. I bought one home. I managed to catch up with an uncle and my ex roomie too which made the trip such a highlight. Didn't think I'd have much time for leisure but it turned out better than I expected! Sorry for the barrage of pictures! :)
