Australia - Corroboree 2019
Before the appointments start each group has a one-day familiarisation tour of Perth: we were taken to Fremantle via a short stop at Cottesloe Beach, one of 19 beaches in Perth! First stop in Freo was the prison: a fascinating tour telling us how 10,000 prisoners were transported from the British Isles, some for trivial crimes such as stealing a loaf. On arrival their first job was to build their own prison – now a World Heritage listed building; we learned how they lived and died there and how the conditions changed during its 140 years – not much! It was really interesting and well worth a visit. Lunch was right on the seafront, at Bathers Beach House a popular spot with locals, then we were off on tour again, with Two Feet and a Heartbeat Walking tour, taking us around the town to experience its laid-back ambience and catch more glimpses of its convict history. We ended the tour with a visit to Little Creatures Brewery on Fishing Boat Harbour, for a private tour and tasting. it started here but now is a much bigger company with brewhouses in other parts of Australia and even one in London, close to Kings Cross. I was interested in what they had to say about the processes and different methods for different beers, then there was the tasting: all excellent and something there to each person’s taste. It’s a great place for a visit, just for a drink, or for a meal: there’s a great range of menu choices: a really buzzing place to spend some time.
I like Fremantle: it’s small and much more relaxed than the city of Perth and only about 20 minutes down the road by car, half an hour by train or just under an hour by the public bus; you can even use the ferry down the Swan River and listen to the commentary en route.
That evening we were transported to the ‘welcome’ event , held on the lawns of Sandalford Winery on the Swan River: a beautiful location, very popular for weddings and other celebrations. It was good to meet up with old friends and new whilst sampling the great food and wine on offer.
The three days of appointments followed: in groups of 3 to meet each operator to learn what’s changed since the last time and what's new on the scene – 40 a day! Each lunchtime there was a sit-down lunch provided, with some speeches and entertainment - this is what the Aussie’s do so well: it is awesome managing to feed so many people in such a short space of time with absolutely superb food. One lunchtime I was able to meet an ex-client for a good catch-up: he emigrated several years ago with my help and his family still book with me when they go to visit him. It’s so good to stay in touch.
Each evening dinner and entertainments are laid on for us: the first night was a beach barbeque with fire-eaters and fireworks in City Beach; the second a casual finger-food evening at Embargo, a great restaurant overlooking the Swan River, and the final night should have been held on the Great Lawn at the Crown Perth, but it actually rained – a rare event in Perth - so was quickly re-arranged into one of the ballrooms in this huge hospitality and entertainment complex. The following day we would be off to the airport very early for our flight to Melbourne so I didn’t stick around too long, it was tempting but I need my sleep these days!
A very busy, exciting, enlightening and useful few days and now I'm ready to experience more of what Australia has to offer in person.