I've just a few days left in Perth before I head up to the Mackerel Islands. I've been working a bit, packing a lot, and mostly getting out, doing the things I haven't fit in yet. Yesterday, for example, I went to the University of Western Australia and then to the Aquarium (AQWA).

At UWA, I met with one of the co-ordinators of the Science Communications program for a chat about their post-graduate programs, whether they're what I'm looking for and what I need to do/know to get in. She gave me a lot to think about but they have a very interesting set of programs, from a 1-semester certificate to a 2+year MSc. Most excitingly, though, they might be starting up a new MSc. program next year that would be a Diploma of Education (teaching qualifications) plus the Science Communications coursework. Very interesting, overall.

And the campus there is beautiful, right on the river, lots of old buildings. And, you know, palm trees.

Then I went on a public transit adventure up to the aquarium. I didn't get lost but, from UWA (1 bus ride from home) it took 1 bus, 2 trains and another bus to get to the Aquarium. But I did get to see lots of areas of Greater Perth that I hadn't seen before.

The Aquarium's in an area called Hillary's Boat Harbour. In addition to AQWA, there's a shopping/restaurant area (think Londsdale Quay), a huge marina and boat launch, posh housing and the department of fisheries. Big, busy place in the summer, I expect, but it was pretty quiet yesterday.

The Aquarium covers pretty much the whole of WA in its various galleries. Most fascinating, for me, is that all their exhibits have live coral, not artificial. Although, that's got to be easier here, where you can just hop off to the ocean and collect some more, than at home. They also had leafy seadragons, some very cool fish, sharks and rays, and Australian sea lions. Pretty nice place, but I think I've been spoiled - it sure didn't compare to seeing some of these things in the wild!

I took photos but my camera's out of batteries, so I'll put them up another time.

Three more sleeps until I head up north!