I purchased a ticket to Perth for next Christmas, 2005-06. (It was cheaper to go through London) Does anyone know of a budget tour for 3 to 8 days which is really good? I fly out of Sydney on Jan. 1, 2006.

Hi - you aren't thinking of a tour that will end up in Sydney, are you? No of course not. So better get that flight from Perth to Sydney sorted as soon as Virgin, etc. open bookings for that period. And that night's accommodation on the 31 Dec is something I would not leave until the last minute!

Re WA - only ever travelled there very slowly by bus. I am sure there are tours that would take you up as far as Exmouth perhaps. You need to post on Lonely Planet, or google "Backpacker Tours Australia". If you are not into cheap and cheerful then I guess your best bet would be to find AAT kings website. Or you could always (a) hire a car and visit the SW where the distances are not so mind blowing or (b) fly up to Exmouth, esp if you are into diving/snorkelling, and make your own way back to Perth by bus - but tricky if you have so little time as buses are one a day max.

Happy planning!

Just a quick follow up seeing as no other replies - check out www.waywardbus.com.au

wayward are a great company but they don't operate in WA. However their website has loads of useful links, including companies that run trips out of Perth, or back into Perth.

Hope this helps.

Hi there

I have taken 2 tours from/to Perth with All Terrain Safaris. Perth and its surrounds is fantastic. North you can find the Pinnacles and Monkey Mia (where the dolphins come up to the beach) and south you find the Stirling Ranges and the vineyards. Tours range in length, best you check out their website (http://www.vianet.net.au/~ats/tours.php)

I've done some more research. Here are the choices: I have nine days in the Perth area. I will be there during Christmas. Help me choose.

Take tours around Perth and up to Monkey Mia back to Perth.

Take a tour up to Broome and fly back to Perth.

Take a tour up to Darwin and fly to Sydney.

I would appreciate your comments.

Hi Wally - take option 1, see Perth and Monkey Mia or the southwest. Perth, visit the Perth Mint, Kings Park, take a ferry from Perth to Fremantle (Captain Cook Cruises) and spend some time walking around Freo. Plenty to do. AAT have a 8 day Southern Wonders trip which sounds great, also a 5 day Monkey Mia Dolphin tour. Don't know what the prices are like though. Here are some websites to try:
www.monkeymia.com.au
www.captaincook.com.au
www.waholidays.com/wa.html
www.westernaustralia.com

Like Alice said though get your tickets and accommodtion booked soon. Have fun planning.

Hi

I totally agree with Maudie, take option 1, it is the best. Broome is very far and not too exciting, Darwin is even further, all the way at the top of the continent.
On the way to Monkey Mia you can visit the Pinnacles, Z-bend Gorge and other smaller attractions. Make sure you arrive early in Monkey Mia to avoid the crowds.
I did a great tour (camping) with All Terrain Safaris. Was wonderful, however you need to enjoy camping. There are several tours going up there.
More info on the region is on www.wonderfulaustralia.com
Hope this will help