Perth Bell Tower to Claisebrook Cove and Back

Perth, Australia

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The Facts

  • Start or End: Loop Walk. Several public transport options along the way. I started and finished at Elizabeth Quay Train Station (Google Map Directions).
  • Length: 8.7km (5.4mi) in about 2hr
  • Grade: Easy. Paved the whole way and flat. Several public transport options along the way if you decide to cut the walk short.
  • Date Walked: 18th of January 2014

The Story

Beating the Perth summer sun with an early morning walk along the Swan River and the babbling concrete Claisebrook.

Thank God! The temperature isn't going to be 44°C (111°F) like it was last weekend here in Perth. Today it's only going to be 39°C (102°F)! That's still too hot for long walk, so a quick early morning walk is on the cards. I leave base camp at 4:45am and walk 6 km to Rockingham Train Station where I catch the train into Perth City.

Today's walk starts at the Perth Bell Tower and heads east along the Swan River. I have walked along this section before, but in the other direction, so today I get a new perspective of the Swan River. Unfortunately, I also get a good perspective of the rising sun. I really need to invest in some sunglasses.

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As I reach the Causeway Bridge the bend in the river allows a northerly view, so my eyes get a rest from squinting and I can finally raise my head to take in some views. But just my luck, the first view I gaze upon is a homeless man waking up from his slumber under the Causeway Bridge. Have to say, he picked a nice spot to wake up in, people would pay good money for river views like his.

From the Causeway Bridge I head upstream along the river. I haven't been up this way before so I am not sure what the path has in store for me. What I find is a very nice area. Well, the area behind Gloucester Park and the construction site near the cricket ground isn't that nice, but once I reach Arden St Reserve everything changes.

Claisebrook Cove is especially nice and the Trafalger footbridge over the water, which joins the Victoria Gardens and Mardalup Park, is a nice little feature of the walk. Wish I had the money to live here. The place is packed full of luxury apartments overlooking the cove, restaurants, bars and has an awesome feel to it. Actually, think this place maybe a little to fancy for a guy from Rockingham.

From Claisebrook Cove I head away from the river into the CBD. The footpath from Claisebrook Cove to Fielder St follows a "concrete stream". At first I wasn't really sure what this stream was. Is it a dressed up drain? It hasn't rained in Perth for ages and the water flow is significant, so it can't be a drain. Is it just a water feature? If so, it is one hell of a water feature and would need one hell of a pump. Then the penny dropped ... Claisebrook ... brook ... a brook is a stream. Don't think I will be winning any Nobel Prizes soon.

The concreted babbling brook made for a very enjoyable walk. The flowing water did have a negative point though ... I really needed to urinate. Where is the nearest toilet? The first one I come across is at Wellington Square. Sure the public toilet has a number of homeless people sleeping around it and there is rubbish and smashed beer bottles everywhere, but I really need to go. Let's just say, the facilities were not first class. Not really sure why there is a brand new Fred Hollows Foundation t-shirt under the urinal. Actually, there are a number of items on the floor and stuffed into the toilet that I don't understand. I usually wash my hands after urinating, but in this case I think it may be safer for my hands not to touch anything.

It's only 8:30 am and it's already hot. So home time it is. Glad I got up so early for an exploration around Perth CDB. Witnessed the full social spectrum of Perth today within a 10 km walk.

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Welcome

Hello, I'm Marc and welcome to metrotrekker.

Be it seeing the city sights, exploring parklands and gardens, urban walks or day-hikes in the city outskirts, the metrotrekker website details walking routes and hiking trails accessible by foot and public transport in metropolitan areas.

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Pleasant Trails,
Marc

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