Perth and Environs: I'd appreciate your comments and suggestions
Jun 29th, 2009, 09:09 AM
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Perth and Environs: I'd appreciate your comments and suggestions
We’ll be in Perth for 6-1/2 days in late September (Sept. 19-25). I’d appreciate your reactions to my tentative plans and your suggestions regarding an excursion outside of Perth.
We arrive in Perth (from Darwin) on 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and will check into our lodging.
I haven’t yet decided where we will stay in Perth, but I am leaning toward Sullivan’s, which is across the street from Kings Park, has a pool and free bicycles for guests, complimentary in-house movies, and the airport shuttle bus and free city bus stop at it. Other places I’m considering are Parmelia Hilton, Comfort Inn Wentworth Plaza Hotel, New Eslpanade, and Travelodge Perth. The Medina Executive Barrack and The Melbourne (for a room with windows) sound nice but cost more than I’d like to pay. We’re looking for something in a good location that’s fairly quiet and would like to pay less than AUD 200/nt. A pool would be nice, as would breakfast, but I haven’t seen any places with these characteristics that include breakfast.
On the day we arrive (Saturday) and on Monday, I am planning to see various sights in Perth, including:
– The Art Gallery of Western Australia (we’ll try to get there for the tour at 1 p.m. on Sat.)
– Kings Park (including the Lotteries Federation Walkway, the botanic garden; we’ll be there during the annual wildflower festival)
– A walking tour of downtown Perth (including old buildings, churches, London Court, Supreme Court Gardens, Swan Bells Tower; does anyone offer guided walking tours of the city?)
– Parliament House (free tour on Mon. at 10:30 a.m.)
– AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) (or we may do this later in the week as we head out of town once we have our rental car)
On Sunday we’re planning on going to Rottnest Island and on Tuesday to Freemantle (or vice versa) Tentatively planning to take the high-speed ferry to the Rotto and boating back on the river and to rent bikes while there. How would you suggest getting to and from Freo? Is it reasonable to try to bike from Perth to Freemantle?
Our last two or three days (2 nights) we’d like to rent a car and take a road trip outside of Perth and end it at the Perth airport. Our flight leaves Perth (for Sydney) at 4:20 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. I’d welcome suggestions about where we might go. We’d like to do some hiking and see wildflowers. Where are the flowers likely to be best Sept. 23-25? Among the places that sound interesting are Nambung N.P., Kalbarri N.P., New Norica, Moora, York, Valley of the Giants and Walpole-Nornalup N.P., Stirling Range N.P., and Margaret River, Yallingup, Augusta, Pemberton, Denmark, Albany, and Mount Barker, but I’m open to other suggestions. We don't mind driving but want the sights/driving time ratio to be high.
Thanks in advance for your help.
We arrive in Perth (from Darwin) on 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and will check into our lodging.
I haven’t yet decided where we will stay in Perth, but I am leaning toward Sullivan’s, which is across the street from Kings Park, has a pool and free bicycles for guests, complimentary in-house movies, and the airport shuttle bus and free city bus stop at it. Other places I’m considering are Parmelia Hilton, Comfort Inn Wentworth Plaza Hotel, New Eslpanade, and Travelodge Perth. The Medina Executive Barrack and The Melbourne (for a room with windows) sound nice but cost more than I’d like to pay. We’re looking for something in a good location that’s fairly quiet and would like to pay less than AUD 200/nt. A pool would be nice, as would breakfast, but I haven’t seen any places with these characteristics that include breakfast.
On the day we arrive (Saturday) and on Monday, I am planning to see various sights in Perth, including:
– The Art Gallery of Western Australia (we’ll try to get there for the tour at 1 p.m. on Sat.)
– Kings Park (including the Lotteries Federation Walkway, the botanic garden; we’ll be there during the annual wildflower festival)
– A walking tour of downtown Perth (including old buildings, churches, London Court, Supreme Court Gardens, Swan Bells Tower; does anyone offer guided walking tours of the city?)
– Parliament House (free tour on Mon. at 10:30 a.m.)
– AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) (or we may do this later in the week as we head out of town once we have our rental car)
On Sunday we’re planning on going to Rottnest Island and on Tuesday to Freemantle (or vice versa) Tentatively planning to take the high-speed ferry to the Rotto and boating back on the river and to rent bikes while there. How would you suggest getting to and from Freo? Is it reasonable to try to bike from Perth to Freemantle?
Our last two or three days (2 nights) we’d like to rent a car and take a road trip outside of Perth and end it at the Perth airport. Our flight leaves Perth (for Sydney) at 4:20 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. I’d welcome suggestions about where we might go. We’d like to do some hiking and see wildflowers. Where are the flowers likely to be best Sept. 23-25? Among the places that sound interesting are Nambung N.P., Kalbarri N.P., New Norica, Moora, York, Valley of the Giants and Walpole-Nornalup N.P., Stirling Range N.P., and Margaret River, Yallingup, Augusta, Pemberton, Denmark, Albany, and Mount Barker, but I’m open to other suggestions. We don't mind driving but want the sights/driving time ratio to be high.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Jun 29th, 2009, 04:33 PM
#3
Hi judilie -
I'll try to help with some of your questions.
I'm not familiar with the Travelodge Perth, but your other hotel choices are all well located. The Melbourne is situated above a very busy bar, so noise might be an issue, although pubs in the city seem to quiet down relatively early as they cater to the buisness crowd. The Hilton is very close to the Swan River and it has a good (so I'm told) resturant. My husband and I like one of the pubs there as it's pretty quiet.
Note that many restaurants and pubs close early in the CBD, and you'll most likely have trouble finding much of anything open there on Sundays. One of the bars in the Hilton stays open on Sunday, but they charge a surcharge for doing so. Most shops and cafes close around 5 and many are closed throughout the weekends in the CBD. Thursday night most shops stay open until 9.
Perth is packed with coffee shops, so you should have no troubles finding a quick breakfast during the week. There are a few coffee shops at Barrack Street Jetty, which is a short walk from most of the hotels you've mentioned.
The CBD is easy to get around on by foot and don't forget the CAT buses that are free within the city.
I suggest you take the train to Freo - the Esplanade station is a short walk from the Hilton. I think Wentworth is closer to the Perth City station.
It's very easy to get around by train and bus. You might want to take a look here for details:
http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
Perth to Freo on bike is 25 km one way, about 2.5 hours.
If you like zoos, you can easily get to the Perth Zoo via ferry and a short walk.
With only 2-3 days to explore outside of Perth, I'd suggest not going any further than Augusta. It's three hours to MR, and five to Albany. You could easily drive from Perth via Busselton and Dunsborough to MR and spend a night or two and explore the area from there. Augusta is an easy day trip from the MR area. Much more than that and you're going to be spending all your time in the car.
You might consider visiting York, an easy day trip from Perth. Lots of flowers in the canola fields up there. I have a few pictures on my "A Taste of Perth" trip report here on Fodor's if you want to see some photos and get a few ideas for day trips. Just click on my name and look under Trip Reports.
I'll try to help with some of your questions.
I'm not familiar with the Travelodge Perth, but your other hotel choices are all well located. The Melbourne is situated above a very busy bar, so noise might be an issue, although pubs in the city seem to quiet down relatively early as they cater to the buisness crowd. The Hilton is very close to the Swan River and it has a good (so I'm told) resturant. My husband and I like one of the pubs there as it's pretty quiet.
Note that many restaurants and pubs close early in the CBD, and you'll most likely have trouble finding much of anything open there on Sundays. One of the bars in the Hilton stays open on Sunday, but they charge a surcharge for doing so. Most shops and cafes close around 5 and many are closed throughout the weekends in the CBD. Thursday night most shops stay open until 9.
Perth is packed with coffee shops, so you should have no troubles finding a quick breakfast during the week. There are a few coffee shops at Barrack Street Jetty, which is a short walk from most of the hotels you've mentioned.
The CBD is easy to get around on by foot and don't forget the CAT buses that are free within the city.
I suggest you take the train to Freo - the Esplanade station is a short walk from the Hilton. I think Wentworth is closer to the Perth City station.
It's very easy to get around by train and bus. You might want to take a look here for details:
http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
Perth to Freo on bike is 25 km one way, about 2.5 hours.
If you like zoos, you can easily get to the Perth Zoo via ferry and a short walk.
With only 2-3 days to explore outside of Perth, I'd suggest not going any further than Augusta. It's three hours to MR, and five to Albany. You could easily drive from Perth via Busselton and Dunsborough to MR and spend a night or two and explore the area from there. Augusta is an easy day trip from the MR area. Much more than that and you're going to be spending all your time in the car.
You might consider visiting York, an easy day trip from Perth. Lots of flowers in the canola fields up there. I have a few pictures on my "A Taste of Perth" trip report here on Fodor's if you want to see some photos and get a few ideas for day trips. Just click on my name and look under Trip Reports.
Jun 30th, 2009, 08:30 PM
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For our two-night excursion outside Perth I’m considering stopping at AQWA on our way of Perth and then going to Yanchep N.P., Avon Valley N.P, York (historic bldgs., Avon River Walk Trail, Mt Observation), John Forrest N.P., Mundaring, and then to the airport (for our flight to Sydney). I’d appreciate opinions about the merits of these stops and about which ones would be good for our overnight stays.
Melnq8 – You had commented in a previous post that you were not familiar with Sullivans Hotel. I’m wondering what you think about the location – 166 Mount Bay Rd., near Kings Park. The Blue Cat bus stops right in front of it.
Thanks.
Melnq8 – You had commented in a previous post that you were not familiar with Sullivans Hotel. I’m wondering what you think about the location – 166 Mount Bay Rd., near Kings Park. The Blue Cat bus stops right in front of it.
Thanks.
Jun 30th, 2009, 09:44 PM
#6
Yanchep National Park is a 45 minute drive north of Perth - we were just there last weekend. It's certainly worth a visit, with Lake McNess, the koalas, free roaming western grey kangaroos and some walk trails. Should be nice when the wildflowers come into bloom ($10 admission to the park, additional for cave tours). There's lodging within the park, if that appeals to you. If you find yourself in Jarrahdale (south of Mundaring) you might want to visit Millbrook Winery - they're located in a gorgeous spot and it's a good place for a fancy, expensive lunch (be sure to book). Their 2008 Sauv Blanc is a staple in our house. Jarrahdale is a cute little town (emphasis on little) surrounded by Jarrah forests and some nice walks. Serpentine National Park is also in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Serpentine Falls.
I've not yet explored John Forrest NP and I'll have to look up the Avon River Walk trail..we walked a portion of a river trail while in York and enjoyed it...not sure we're talking about the same walk though..
I just now looked up Sullivans, and recognized the location immediately. It's actually below Kings Park, meaning you'll have to climb some steps or take a steep path to access the Park (not a deterrent really, I've walked up from that side and I'm no spring chicken).
Sullivan's isn't terribly far from the Swan River, just across a rather busy Mounts Bay Road (which can be noisy) and a trek through a greenbelt. That body of water you see on their website isn't the river, but water in a park across the street.
You're further from Barrack Street Jetty, but still within walking distance and with the CAT bus at your door, no worries there. I believe the CAT also goes to Kings Park, which would save you the hike.
Personally, I'd be a bit concerned about road noise at Sullivan's but I'm a light sleeper so take that with a grain of salt.
I think the Parmelia Hilton is much better located, but I have no idea what the rooms are like.
New Esplande Hotel is in a better location too, as it's right on the Esplanade and offers very easy access to Barrack Street and the River. No idea about the rooms though.
I looked up the Wentworth Hotel and as it happens I've walked right by it many times. It's in the city center, close to shopping and restaurants, and not too far from the river, but further than the Hilton and New Esplanade.
I also looked up the Travelodge, and although I recognize the area, I just can't visualize the hotel. It's also in the city, similar to Wentworth.
They all appear to be good options. You're never far from anything in downtown Perth and public transport is a breeze.
I've not yet explored John Forrest NP and I'll have to look up the Avon River Walk trail..we walked a portion of a river trail while in York and enjoyed it...not sure we're talking about the same walk though..
I just now looked up Sullivans, and recognized the location immediately. It's actually below Kings Park, meaning you'll have to climb some steps or take a steep path to access the Park (not a deterrent really, I've walked up from that side and I'm no spring chicken).
Sullivan's isn't terribly far from the Swan River, just across a rather busy Mounts Bay Road (which can be noisy) and a trek through a greenbelt. That body of water you see on their website isn't the river, but water in a park across the street.
You're further from Barrack Street Jetty, but still within walking distance and with the CAT bus at your door, no worries there. I believe the CAT also goes to Kings Park, which would save you the hike.
Personally, I'd be a bit concerned about road noise at Sullivan's but I'm a light sleeper so take that with a grain of salt.
I think the Parmelia Hilton is much better located, but I have no idea what the rooms are like.
New Esplande Hotel is in a better location too, as it's right on the Esplanade and offers very easy access to Barrack Street and the River. No idea about the rooms though.
I looked up the Wentworth Hotel and as it happens I've walked right by it many times. It's in the city center, close to shopping and restaurants, and not too far from the river, but further than the Hilton and New Esplanade.
I also looked up the Travelodge, and although I recognize the area, I just can't visualize the hotel. It's also in the city, similar to Wentworth.
They all appear to be good options. You're never far from anything in downtown Perth and public transport is a breeze.
Jul 1st, 2009, 01:20 AM
#8
There are two lodging options at the Yanchep Inn - the rooms in the older building and the newer motel units, which are in a separate building. I've seen both from the outside, but can't comment on the room interiors.
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help with York. We went there on a day trip from Perth during our relocation. We went on a whim and didn't do any research, so we probably missed a lot. It's only a 90 minute drive from Perth.
This site might help:
http://www.yorkwa.com.au/Tourism/natural.htm
Maudie, another Perth resident and Fodor's poster would probably be of more help than I am. I'm still a work in progress when it comes to what to see and do in/around Perth.
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help with York. We went there on a day trip from Perth during our relocation. We went on a whim and didn't do any research, so we probably missed a lot. It's only a 90 minute drive from Perth.
This site might help:
http://www.yorkwa.com.au/Tourism/natural.htm
Maudie, another Perth resident and Fodor's poster would probably be of more help than I am. I'm still a work in progress when it comes to what to see and do in/around Perth.
Jul 2nd, 2009, 07:18 AM
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Hi Judilie, I'm so jealous of you getting to visit Perth. I've never been there and it is on my list for the next trip to Australia. I don't know when that will be but I'll look forward to getting your advice so you can steer me around the place and remember your times there as I was so happy to do regarding the NT. All this advice from people who've been there and done that is really helpful when your time in a place is limited. I've seen advice from Melnq8 (Mel in Kuwait?) before about other trips and she is very knowledgeable.
Jul 2nd, 2009, 04:59 PM
#12
judilie -
I just realized my photos of York aren't on my 'Taste of Perth' trip report, they're on one of my World is Round photos albums.
You'll find some photos of the York canola fields at the bottom of the page here:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/348968/index.html
I just realized my photos of York aren't on my 'Taste of Perth' trip report, they're on one of my World is Round photos albums.
You'll find some photos of the York canola fields at the bottom of the page here:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/348968/index.html
Jul 7th, 2009, 10:14 PM
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I found a good rate (AUD 129/ night) at the Holiday Inn City Centre (778-788 Hay St.) in Perth. It looks like it's in a good location and the reviews are OK (not great but not terrible either). Is anyone familiar with this hotel? The rate appears to be non-refundable, so I'd like to hear someone's opinion about this property before committing.
I'm considering the Comfort Inn (also called the Yanchep Inn) in Yanchep N.P. (I need to decide between the less inexpensive older part and the more expensive newer part.) Still investigating options in York. I've booked The Grandhouse York B&B but am considering changing to a less expensive place in downtown York that has a pool (e.g., the Castle Hotel).
If you have any information about any of these places, I'd love to hear from you.
I'm considering the Comfort Inn (also called the Yanchep Inn) in Yanchep N.P. (I need to decide between the less inexpensive older part and the more expensive newer part.) Still investigating options in York. I've booked The Grandhouse York B&B but am considering changing to a less expensive place in downtown York that has a pool (e.g., the Castle Hotel).
If you have any information about any of these places, I'd love to hear from you.
Jul 7th, 2009, 10:25 PM
#15
Hi judilie -
The only thing I know about the Holiday Inn is that it's well located - I walk by it all the time. Be sure to check the hotel's parking rates, as they can get expensive (assuming you'll have a car for the Perth portion). You'll be within walking distance to just about everything in the CBD and practically on the door step of the Hay Street Mall.
My impression of the new part of the Yanchep Inn is that it's small motel type units with tiny balconies. The older part is heritage listed if that appeals to you, but from what I understand it only has communal bathrooms.
Have you checked www.wotif.com for last minute deals?
The only thing I know about the Holiday Inn is that it's well located - I walk by it all the time. Be sure to check the hotel's parking rates, as they can get expensive (assuming you'll have a car for the Perth portion). You'll be within walking distance to just about everything in the CBD and practically on the door step of the Hay Street Mall.
My impression of the new part of the Yanchep Inn is that it's small motel type units with tiny balconies. The older part is heritage listed if that appeals to you, but from what I understand it only has communal bathrooms.
Have you checked www.wotif.com for last minute deals?
Jul 7th, 2009, 10:55 PM
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I found the deal ("Winter Sale") at the Holiday Inn on wotif.com. The same rate, without the service charge, is available through the Holiday Inn website, but it also appears to be non-refundable. I forgot to mention that one of the features that attracted me to the Holiday Inn was its heated pool, which the reviews said is nice. The "deal" is only available for several days. I think I'll take a chance on it.
I'm planning to pick up our car as we leave Perth for our road trip, so shouldn't need to have to park at the hotel. I need to find a rental agency from which we can rent downtown and drop off at the airport.
I'm planning to pick up our car as we leave Perth for our road trip, so shouldn't need to have to park at the hotel. I need to find a rental agency from which we can rent downtown and drop off at the airport.
