Day 15 - Last Day Down Under

Our last day in Australia began early like our first with a peaceful walk around the park while Aoife set off for another long-distance training swim — honestly, the dedication is next level. We all regrouped afterwards for coffees and milkshakes at the golf club (again), and somehow it was still only just after 8am.

Alexander spotted a dog and, convinced it was Pippin, was heartbroken to find it wasn’t. We all wished our little sidekick could have been here with us.

Aoife headed off to meet her Rottnest skipper — the person looking after her swim team — while we got started on the dreaded final packing. We had one last outing planned: a day trip to Subiaco, ticking off two jobs in one. First, we picked up Alexander’s trousers from Aoife’s friend, left behind at a restaurant in Fremantle days ago. Then we had a little nostalgic tour of Aoife’s childhood — past her old school and houses in Perth. Hard to believe she gave up this sunshine for Derry.

For lunch, we tried our luck again at The Shorehouse but forgot it was Valentine’s Day — fully booked. Thankfully, Indigo Oscar just down the road had a table. None of us had high expectations but it turned out to be a great choice. Amazing views across the water, plenty of Margaret River wine (which obviously we had to get), and delicious small tapas plates. You could even spot the shark nets in the sea — although according to Aoife, they’re not actually very effective.

Andy Mac joined us again for a final catch-up, but before we knew it, we were racing home for my 6pm Zoom work call (10am back in the UK). Our final evening was a chilled one. We finished packing and got as much Mafs into us as we possible could before leaving!

Aoife kindly dropped us to the airport. There was, of course, the usual airport chaos at bag drop — this time because our bags were different weights. Although we were well within the total allowance (23kg and 23kg), one was 22kg and the other 24kg, which apparently wasn’t acceptable. It felt like one of those Airline from Hell TV shows, with us standing there, cases wide open, shifting around heavy liquids and whatever else we could move to even things out. Eventually, we got the bags checked in. Alexander was his usual charming self, flirting with all the airport staff and we picked up a kangaroo for Pippin, got Alexander changed, and started boarding.

This time, we had the bassinet seats and they really do make a difference. Absolute game-changer. Alexander even sprouted a new tooth just in time for takeoff… and then promptly fell asleep as the wheels left the tarmac. Bliss.

Next stop: Doha.