Western Australia
Jan 4th, 2017, 05:13 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Western Australia
HI,
I am interested in seeing Perth and Western Australia for three plus weeks
I live in Phoenix and it looks like I have to fly to NZ or Eastern Australia and then connect to Perth.
Are there any airlines that fly direct to Perth from LA? We have friends in Adelaide and if we need to travel to the East Coast we would go to Adelaide and then to Perth. Any suggestions for that connection? Once in Perth, any suggestions for an itinerary. We love the best of all worlds culture and nature/outdoors. Any suggestions for hotel/hostel in Perth?
Are there any travel deals to Perth?
I am interested in seeing Perth and Western Australia for three plus weeks
I live in Phoenix and it looks like I have to fly to NZ or Eastern Australia and then connect to Perth.
Are there any airlines that fly direct to Perth from LA? We have friends in Adelaide and if we need to travel to the East Coast we would go to Adelaide and then to Perth. Any suggestions for that connection? Once in Perth, any suggestions for an itinerary. We love the best of all worlds culture and nature/outdoors. Any suggestions for hotel/hostel in Perth?
Are there any travel deals to Perth?
Jan 4th, 2017, 05:45 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flights from North America go to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Look at a map of the world and you'll see why. Planes can only carry so much fuel.
Australia is roughly as wide, coast to coast, as the US. Unless you're an experienced long-distance flier who can sleep on planes, I advise against catching a connecting flight immediately on arrival, not to Adelaide, or to Perth, either. It's a 14 ½ hour flight from the US West Coast, more from Vancouver.
I suggest you fly to Sydney, spend two nights there (plenty to see and do that you won't soon forget!), then hop a flight to Adelaide - a nice sort-of-halfway spot on your way to Perth.
About WA: North of Perth it quickly get desolate, desert and more desert, you'd have to have a good reason and wherewithal do make a successful trip up that way.
Exception: Just a few hours north of Perth there is a geological phenom that nobody can scientifically explain - the Pinnacles (see www.visitpinnaclescountry.com.au) - stay the night in Cervantes or in Jurien Bay, get up very early and be at the Pinnacles well before the official sunrise time. Amazing!
From Perth on down to Denmark (really) and Albany there are many nice spots, forests, parks, seaside towns, lighthouses, wineries (!), super-tall Karri Karri trees that you can climb (see http://www.pembertonvisitor.com.au/p...limbing-trees/) - it is fertile country, so different from the stark north!
Australia is roughly as wide, coast to coast, as the US. Unless you're an experienced long-distance flier who can sleep on planes, I advise against catching a connecting flight immediately on arrival, not to Adelaide, or to Perth, either. It's a 14 ½ hour flight from the US West Coast, more from Vancouver.
I suggest you fly to Sydney, spend two nights there (plenty to see and do that you won't soon forget!), then hop a flight to Adelaide - a nice sort-of-halfway spot on your way to Perth.
About WA: North of Perth it quickly get desolate, desert and more desert, you'd have to have a good reason and wherewithal do make a successful trip up that way.
Exception: Just a few hours north of Perth there is a geological phenom that nobody can scientifically explain - the Pinnacles (see www.visitpinnaclescountry.com.au) - stay the night in Cervantes or in Jurien Bay, get up very early and be at the Pinnacles well before the official sunrise time. Amazing!
From Perth on down to Denmark (really) and Albany there are many nice spots, forests, parks, seaside towns, lighthouses, wineries (!), super-tall Karri Karri trees that you can climb (see http://www.pembertonvisitor.com.au/p...limbing-trees/) - it is fertile country, so different from the stark north!
Jan 5th, 2017, 07:55 AM
#3
<Are there any airlines that fly direct to Perth from LA>
No. Too long.
<We have friends in Adelaide and if we need to travel to the East Coast we would go to Adelaide and then to Perth. Any suggestions for that connection?>
The flight from Adelaide to Perth is about three hours. We flew it a few times, on Jetstar, but not in connection with an international flight.
I lived in Perth for seven years and flew to the US (Colorado) once or twice a year.
We'd fly from the US to Toyko, then on to Singapore - then from Singapore to Perth.
Alternatively, we'd fly from the US to Seoul, then on to Singapore, then on to Perth.
Yes, these routes are longer than coming via the east coast of Australia, but they worked well for us as we wanted to fly Singapore Airlines, and limit our time on United as much as possible (we're Star Alliance Gold members).
Then we began flying from Perth to Auckland on Air NZ (also Star Alliance), then from Auckland to LA or SFO - also on Air NZ - both overnight flights.
This was our favorite routing, as it allowed us a night in Auckland at an airport hotel before undertaking the long haul to CA and beyond. It also allowed us to fly the Dreamliner between Perth and Auckland, which was awesome, particularly in Premium Economy.
Then there are flights routed through the Middle East on Emirates Houston-Dubai-Perth, but these don't make sense for someone coming from PHX, unless you get a really good deal, or just like to fly, lol.
No matter which route you take - it's a very long haul - some 18--24 hours in the air, plus layovers. It's exhausting. Trust me.
My preference was to spend a night in Singapore or Auckland at an airport hotel, but other than than, I found no benefit in breaking up the flights with a multi-day layover.
As for what to do in WA - so much, but it really depends on time of year.
What time of year do you have in mind?
The SW of WA was my absolute favorite - Denmark, Albany, Pemberton...a beautiful part of the state. Wineries, forests, ocean and deserted beaches, so much on offer.
Perth should be your gateway, not your final destination. I'd be happy to help with an itinerary if you supply time of year and days you have to work with.
No. Too long.
<We have friends in Adelaide and if we need to travel to the East Coast we would go to Adelaide and then to Perth. Any suggestions for that connection?>
The flight from Adelaide to Perth is about three hours. We flew it a few times, on Jetstar, but not in connection with an international flight.
I lived in Perth for seven years and flew to the US (Colorado) once or twice a year.
We'd fly from the US to Toyko, then on to Singapore - then from Singapore to Perth.
Alternatively, we'd fly from the US to Seoul, then on to Singapore, then on to Perth.
Yes, these routes are longer than coming via the east coast of Australia, but they worked well for us as we wanted to fly Singapore Airlines, and limit our time on United as much as possible (we're Star Alliance Gold members).
Then we began flying from Perth to Auckland on Air NZ (also Star Alliance), then from Auckland to LA or SFO - also on Air NZ - both overnight flights.
This was our favorite routing, as it allowed us a night in Auckland at an airport hotel before undertaking the long haul to CA and beyond. It also allowed us to fly the Dreamliner between Perth and Auckland, which was awesome, particularly in Premium Economy.
Then there are flights routed through the Middle East on Emirates Houston-Dubai-Perth, but these don't make sense for someone coming from PHX, unless you get a really good deal, or just like to fly, lol.
No matter which route you take - it's a very long haul - some 18--24 hours in the air, plus layovers. It's exhausting. Trust me.
My preference was to spend a night in Singapore or Auckland at an airport hotel, but other than than, I found no benefit in breaking up the flights with a multi-day layover.
As for what to do in WA - so much, but it really depends on time of year.
What time of year do you have in mind?
The SW of WA was my absolute favorite - Denmark, Albany, Pemberton...a beautiful part of the state. Wineries, forests, ocean and deserted beaches, so much on offer.
Perth should be your gateway, not your final destination. I'd be happy to help with an itinerary if you supply time of year and days you have to work with.
Jan 6th, 2017, 10:15 AM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"How about Broone? I heard that was really cool!"
Did you mean Broome? I hear it's come a long way from the sleepy fishing town it used to be. But it's along way from everywhere, so be sure you go for those few things that no other spots offer. Beaches and pubs you can find without going to the expense of flying to Broome. See www.australia.com/en-us/places/broome.html
Did you mean Broome? I hear it's come a long way from the sleepy fishing town it used to be. But it's along way from everywhere, so be sure you go for those few things that no other spots offer. Beaches and pubs you can find without going to the expense of flying to Broome. See www.australia.com/en-us/places/broome.html
Jan 6th, 2017, 11:49 AM
#7
We never made it up to Broome - it's remote even for people living in Perth!
October and April are good times to go south, but it's cyclone season up north.
Keep in mind October is the start of fly season, which can be pretty miserable - you might want to invest in a fly net,
If I had to choose between Oct and April, I'd choose April, but that's just a personal preference. However, October is wildflower season - and that alone can be pretty spectacular.
You can easily spend 3.5 weeks just visiting Perth and the SW, plus maybe a side trip up to Cervantes, or if you want something entirely different, a trip up to Kalgoorlie.
You could say arrive Perth, spend a few days, drive to Cervantes (Pinnacles), then work your way over to Kalgoorlie for a few days. From Kal, you can head south to Esperance, then work your way back to Perth along the SW coast, via Albany, Denmark, Pemberton, Margaret River, Busselton, etc.
This would be a lot of driving - and keep in mind distances in WA are HUGE - but it'd give you a great taste of all that WA has to offer, from interior red dirt to white sand fringed coast and plenty of forests.
You might want to take a look at these sites to get you started.
http://www.westernaustralia.com/us/P...Australia.aspx
http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/...gion/cervantes
http://www.westernaustralia.com/us/T...Esperance.aspx
http://www.denmark.com.au/
http://www.pembertonvisitor.com.au/
https://www.margaretriver.com/
I have many trip reports from WA posted here on Fodors that might give you an idea as to distances, etc. Just click on my name and scroll down through my trip reports - lots there.
October and April are good times to go south, but it's cyclone season up north.
Keep in mind October is the start of fly season, which can be pretty miserable - you might want to invest in a fly net,
If I had to choose between Oct and April, I'd choose April, but that's just a personal preference. However, October is wildflower season - and that alone can be pretty spectacular.
You can easily spend 3.5 weeks just visiting Perth and the SW, plus maybe a side trip up to Cervantes, or if you want something entirely different, a trip up to Kalgoorlie.
You could say arrive Perth, spend a few days, drive to Cervantes (Pinnacles), then work your way over to Kalgoorlie for a few days. From Kal, you can head south to Esperance, then work your way back to Perth along the SW coast, via Albany, Denmark, Pemberton, Margaret River, Busselton, etc.
This would be a lot of driving - and keep in mind distances in WA are HUGE - but it'd give you a great taste of all that WA has to offer, from interior red dirt to white sand fringed coast and plenty of forests.
You might want to take a look at these sites to get you started.
http://www.westernaustralia.com/us/P...Australia.aspx
http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/...gion/cervantes
http://www.westernaustralia.com/us/T...Esperance.aspx
http://www.denmark.com.au/
http://www.pembertonvisitor.com.au/
https://www.margaretriver.com/
I have many trip reports from WA posted here on Fodors that might give you an idea as to distances, etc. Just click on my name and scroll down through my trip reports - lots there.
Jan 6th, 2017, 11:51 AM
#8
<<Are there any travel deals to Perth?>>
Not usually. It's remote, and therefore flights can be quite expensive. For example, we'd routinely pay $1,000 just to get from Perth to Singapore, which is a six hour flight.
Not usually. It's remote, and therefore flights can be quite expensive. For example, we'd routinely pay $1,000 just to get from Perth to Singapore, which is a six hour flight.
Jan 7th, 2017, 12:16 PM
#9
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cathay Pacific started flying to Perth, via Hong Kong (gateways in SFO and LAX) from west coast. They fly to other Australia cities, too, such as Adelaide. Layovers in Hong Kong can be long, however.
Jan 7th, 2017, 03:49 PM
#10
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We fly from Toronto to Perth at least once a year to visit family. Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong is the shortest at 25+ hours and usually the cheapest. A better bet for you might be Qantas through L.A. Both are good airlines. We've found the best fares 4-5 months ahead. We've done stop overs in Hong Kong because of family there and it does make the trip less arduous. Also have used pay in lounge and transit hotel in HKG, day room during layover in Sydney and overnight stay upon arrival in Perth before tackling the final 3 hour leg of our trip to Margaret River. No way of avoiding the tedium, exhaustion , discomfort, and jet lag. But W.A is amazing and worth every travel-weary moment.
More suggestions to follow. In Margaret River at the moment: the grandchildren are demanding my attention.
More suggestions to follow. In Margaret River at the moment: the grandchildren are demanding my attention.
Jan 8th, 2017, 02:24 AM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Broome being the gateway to the Kimberley's is definitely worth going to. There's so much to see out of Broome as well. You would have to fly to Broome from Perth and it's not cheap.The best time to visit that area is from April to September - dry season and you can swim more safely at that time too.
Jan 9th, 2017, 01:45 AM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's worth checking the Australian school holidays schedule:
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-au...ool-term-dates
Note how the states and the Northern Territory don't necessarily have the same vacation dates. We learned this lesson many years ago when we went to Broome. We booked many weeks in advance but because it was Western Australia school holidays, we had to move three times in three nights because accommodation was already tight. There were many vacationing families. We also stayed a few days at an eco resort about a 90-minute drive from Broome, no problem there, it was far from full.
If you enjoy snorkelling and diving, Western Australia's Exmouth and Coral Bay are fantastic. Exmouth is a two hour flight from Perth, so about the same time as a flight from San Francisco to Phoenix. If your budget allows you can snorkel with whales sharks or manta rays. They've also started to offer swimming with humpbacks whales. Its cyclone season is officially November to April.
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-au...ool-term-dates
Note how the states and the Northern Territory don't necessarily have the same vacation dates. We learned this lesson many years ago when we went to Broome. We booked many weeks in advance but because it was Western Australia school holidays, we had to move three times in three nights because accommodation was already tight. There were many vacationing families. We also stayed a few days at an eco resort about a 90-minute drive from Broome, no problem there, it was far from full.
If you enjoy snorkelling and diving, Western Australia's Exmouth and Coral Bay are fantastic. Exmouth is a two hour flight from Perth, so about the same time as a flight from San Francisco to Phoenix. If your budget allows you can snorkel with whales sharks or manta rays. They've also started to offer swimming with humpbacks whales. Its cyclone season is officially November to April.
Feb 1st, 2017, 02:40 AM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're flying into the east coast in might be worth spending a few nights in Melbourne (getting over the jet lag, but also explore this great city).
Then pick up a car and drive to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Rd. We did this early last year in reverse and loved it. We spent 3 nights at stopovers on the Great Ocean Rd and then 3 nights in the wine region McLaren Vale as we'd been to Adelaide previously. I personally don't think the McLaren has anything on the Barossa or south west WA. Beautiful scenery and towns.
Spend a few days in Adelaide visiting friends and then fly to Perth.
Spend some time in Perth (include a trip to Rottnest if you can) and then take a drive to our south west region or even fly north for a totally different experience (Kimberley region) if you think you will see enough of our coast on the GOR section.
Depending on who you're flying with perhaps try flying out of Perth via Singapore or Hong Kong.
This should keep you busy for 3 1/2 weeks.
WA is massive so it's best to narrow down a few places. There are so many places worth a visit and its a pity most people head to our east coast.
Then pick up a car and drive to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Rd. We did this early last year in reverse and loved it. We spent 3 nights at stopovers on the Great Ocean Rd and then 3 nights in the wine region McLaren Vale as we'd been to Adelaide previously. I personally don't think the McLaren has anything on the Barossa or south west WA. Beautiful scenery and towns.
Spend a few days in Adelaide visiting friends and then fly to Perth.
Spend some time in Perth (include a trip to Rottnest if you can) and then take a drive to our south west region or even fly north for a totally different experience (Kimberley region) if you think you will see enough of our coast on the GOR section.
Depending on who you're flying with perhaps try flying out of Perth via Singapore or Hong Kong.
This should keep you busy for 3 1/2 weeks.
WA is massive so it's best to narrow down a few places. There are so many places worth a visit and its a pity most people head to our east coast.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kritter37
Australia & the Pacific
5
Aug 20th, 2012 02:51 PM
ivenotbeeneverywhere
Australia & the Pacific
13
Jan 14th, 2010 06:57 PM
michaels_edinburgh
Air Travel
5
Feb 13th, 2008 12:02 AM
