engechu

I've heard that Perth isn't nice to go in August. What do you think? My girlfriend and I are just ordinary visitors: interested in city life, scenery and nice foods, but unable to drive. Appreciate comments of all kinds. Much thx!

Travelnick

August has 135mm average rainfall - so dryer than July, but still damp. Perth is not the best city in the world without a car. The centre is pretty limited -Sydney has a lot more vibrancy and things to do. Fremantle has more buzz and is good for restaurants, but hanging round day after day - not enough to do again. Some of the suburbs are very nice, but without a car, it is a bit of a pain -there is a limited train service in terms of coverage, so you will have to get around by bus. You can go to Rottnest for a a couple of days - but August is too cool for swimming, so not a great option again. Bus journeys to see other places are long - and again without a car, you will not get the best out of it. So if you want more than 3 days or so in the one city, go for Sydney. (PS I am from Perth).

engechu

Much thx to travelnick. I've been to Sydney three times before and it's truly great. Going back to Perth, what about if I don't mind joining local tours? Do you think local tours in Perth are well organized and reasonably priced?

KathyNZ

August is a lovely time for Perth, the weather is getting warmer although the nights are still quite cold. The wildflowers are coming into bloom and are a spectacular sight in the south west. You can vist Busselton, Denmark, Margaret river and it's wineries and the karri forests. There are plenty of tour companies operating out of Perth to take you to these areas and inland to Kalgoorlie and Hyden with it's famous Wave Rock.

engechu

Much thanks to KathyNZ. You gave me more confidence of spending a leisure holiday in Perth in August.

OzMike

Hi Engechu,
I'm with Kathy.
true, it's too cold for swimming, but the same is true for Sydney during August.
Last time I was in Sydney during August ( 2001 ) it rained almost constantly for a week.
Plenty of 1 - 2 day tours to places north of Perth and wildflowers will be in bloom there by then unless it's been a very cold winter.
Enjoy,
Mike.

billbuckin

I lived in Perth for 20 years and I never owned an umbrella! Raincoat yes, but most days I never used it. August can have rain, can have nice sunny days. My dad swims at the beach every day, but he is about the only one. Typical beach weather is Nov to April. We always used to go to Rotto in the May to Aug months because it was cheaper and there were less crowds. The fishing was smashing.
We rode our bikes every day.

Rain is intermittent. If it rains do an indoor activity, or a bus tour. The WA tourist board in the Forrest Chase has all the info and can arrange tours. They even had deals on rental cars. I believe they have a web site, any one know what it is?

I alway try to take in a football match, played Fri to Sun at Subiaco. Hit the bleachers and enjoy the crowd. Often can get tickets at the door. Buy the West newspaper to check for games.

We spent a month there over summer and we didn't have enough time to do every thing. We got addicted to Chilli mussels. There is a new restaurant at the Subiaco train station, called the Blue _______, go early for the specials. Perth is fairly easy to get around on the buses, trains and taxis.

How many days are u in Perth and how come u can't drive? - if u don't mind me being nosey.

KathyNZ

You are welcome, I lived in Perth for two years and loved it and hope to go back for a holiday soon to see close friends.
Other options for you are Serpentine Dam up in the ranges, Mundaring Weir, Toodyay and York a little bit east, Yanchep Park north plus of course Fremantle and the market there, also a cruise on the Swan river which takes in some wineries.
Believe me, you will love it.
Which city are you traveling from?

AussieJo

We spent some time in Perth in March. Loved every minute. Rottnest Island is well worth a visit, maybe stay for a day or two. Don't hire a bike when you 1st arrive. Spend the $$$ & take a bus tour of the Island. This will give you the feel & distance of it. Then if you wish to visit parts of the island take the bus which stops & drops off everywhere. Very relaxing place.
No one has told you there are free buses in Perth & Fremantle which run until around 7p.m. (I think) Perth is like a big country town. Easy to get around, no crowded streets or roads.
The Swan river cruises are a must.
The tourist tram once again picks & drops off all around the sites.
Take a trip even if its hiring a taxi from Fremantle to Hillary's Harbour...make sure you go along the coast. Some of the bus trips offered sound great but keep in mind they go for many hours.
Enjoy

engechu

Much thx again for OzMike, billbuckin, KathyNZ & AussieJo. Your information on the weather, special deals and sightseeing options are of tremendous help to me. I feel as if I wanted to be in Perth right now!

KathyNZ & billbuckin, I'm from Hong Kong. Hope it wouldn't scare you too much (you know the SARS thing). That's why my plan for Perth is tentative: I'd like to come when things are fully settled here so as not to frighten the locals in Perth.

Driving in HK can well be a pain in your secret part (Hope you guys won't be offended ;-)) That's why I don't fall in love with car.

KathyNZ

I hope you can take your trip at your planned time and have a great time!!!