The perfect spot to daydream by the Illakuri Sacred Dreaming Pathway, on the riverside
I am not sure if it was pure luck or if the Illa Kuri Sacred Dreaming Path had really led us into some kind of fairytale dream land filled with dolphins last Sunday, but I can highly recommend a visit to
Claisebrook Cove in East Perth for dolphins, daydreaming or simply to enjoy the pleasant Victoria Gardens, the lovely scenery and the impressively diverse array of architecture on show.
Dolphins Drawing A Happy Crowd
There are plenty of clean pathways for the runners, cyclists, skaters or segway riders. Of course, walkers and pram pushers are also welcome.
Segways and Seagulls
There was kayaking along the river, jet skiing, and speed boating, but all were stopped in their wakes and tracks by the sight of dolphins and seagulls fishing together in the Swan River.
Dolphins and Kayaks
The highlight of the afternoon was enjoying watching the dolphins while slumped beside the 'friendship tree stump' on the indigenous dreaming pathway, surrounded by sparse groups of friendly onlookers.
Dolphin Spotting from the Old Indigenous Friendship Tree Stump
Two black swans even waddled up to greet us from the shores of the river.
Black Swans & River Kayaking
Wild dolphins or not, this really is a beautiful place to enjoy relaxing beneath the trees. There was a real feeling of connecting with sacred roots, and it was spiritually rejuvenating.
Sacred Dreaming Pathway, with informative signage and sacred rocks
Victoria Gardens is a family filled park, with people enjoying croquet, picnics, drinks, barbecues and more. There were children sliding down the popular hill on pieces of cardboard with their parents looking on and occasionally helping them to get back up (or chuckling) after a grassy fall.
Family Fun Sliding Down the Hill!
Victoria Gardens is filled with wheelchair and pram friendly pathways, beautiful flora and fauna. It reminded me of some of the nicer parks in London, but it would be nice to see a few more informative signs around the garden to complement the very respectful and informative ancient indigenous dream pathway and rock structures, reminiscent of a mini version of the stone circle at Glastonbury.
Sacred Ceremonial Stone Circle
Picnic and BBQ areas are neatly positioned in the gardens, but with few shops around, it is best to come prepared. This said, there is a water fountain in the gardens if you are feeling thirsty. Also, there are a few cafe/restaurant type eateries around the corner in Claisebrook Cove itself, which seemed very popular; with an adjacent mini jetty to moor up and grab a spot to eat (if you're lucky enough to have access to a speedboat).
Claisebrook Cove and views of Perth City from the Bridge
Quite content eating our packed lunches on the waterside, there was a diverse array of architecture in Claisebrook Cove, from large four storey Mediterranean hotel type villa complexes to a wonderful line of colourful terraced houses like none I have seen before.
Architecturally Diverse Terraced Row of Waterside Housing
There was also a decent range of public art.
Public Art in the Cove
I really enjoyed my time musing over a mural, 'tracing the evolution of the area from it's origins in the Bibbulmun nation to the arrival of Europeans, industrial and horticultural growth, the phase of dormancy and finally renewal as a place of community and harmony for the human spirit' (quote from the wall plaque by artist Joanna Lefroy Capelle, 1996)
One Part of a Four Part Mural in the Public Realm
With plenty of on street metered parking and lots of places to sit; plus other hidden and not so hidden gems to discover, I don't want to give it all away. I just suggest that you go exploring yourself and enjoy the experience that Claisebrook Cove and Victoria Gardens have to offer.
The Bridge Across Claisebrook Cove
