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Getting to know Perth.
Ellemay This Go-list gives a basic run down on Perth.
Jan 18, 2009
based on 9 votes
Frequent visitor. - Due to business I visit Perth numerous times a year.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Perth, Scarborough, Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Western Australia, Margaret River, Naturaliste, Yallingup, Hyden
Category: Best of
Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors, Sports buffs, Theater, Beachgoers
Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists, Pet owners
Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Tags:

1. Perth
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital of Western Australia . Its a lovely laid back city offering wonderful attractions. Perth is known for its beautiful beaches like Scarborough , Cottlesloe, Sorrento Beach, South Beach and the City Beach.

There is also some wonderful attractions outside Perth which is worth visiting like the Margaret River Region , Cervantes , Pemberton and many more.

Tip - Always book your accommodation ahead as Perth hotels are always busy.

2. Getting there>
Perth, Western Australia
Qantas , Virgin Blue and Tiger Airlines fly domestic flights regularly to Perth.
Qantas from all major cities within Australia.

Tiger Airlines flies from Melbourne and Adelaide.
For cheap fares look on Qantas for the Red Eye Deal. www.qantas.com.au

There is a Perth Airport shuttle bus which runs from the airport to most city hotels. The orange bus operates from Terminal 1 (International), and meets every arrival within 45 minutes of customs clearance. This service is also available at the domestic terminals, with the Perth Airport City Shuttle meeting each domestic arrival within 30 mins of collecting luggage.

Skywest operates flights within WA to places like Exmouth , Monkey Mia, Albany and Kalgoorlie. www.skywest.com.au the other domestic airline is Northwest Regional flies to Broome , Port Hedland and Karratha. www.northwest regional.com.au

3. Weather - best time to go.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth's weather is very similiar to Sydney's weather. Summer time is perfect beach weather with temperatures ranging from 23 - 30's the hottest months being January and February. Winter is cool and mild 15 - 18C.

Perth is also famous for the " Fremantle Doctor" which is a wind that blows from the south-west, cooling everything down.

4. Getting around - transport
Perth, Western Australia
Perth transport system uses buses, trains, ferries and taxis, its also a great city to bicycle around with many cycling tracks. For detail information regarding the transport go to this website www.transperth.wa.gov.au

Perth is one city in Australia that in my opinion a car is necessary. The freeways all link up and all roads are well sign posted with limited traffic. There are 2 major freeways , the Mitchell Freeway runs north of the city whilst the Kwinana freeway runs south of the city.

Cars can be hired at the airport or in the city offices. For cheaper alternatives you can use this webpage www.lookatwa.com.au/ Transport/hirecars.html .

Ferries to Fremantle operate from Jetty Barrack Square opposite the Bells Tower.
Ferries to Rottnest operate from Hillary's Harbour at Sorrento.

There is a free bus service called CATS which operates around the CBD (Central Business District ) .

5. Perth Tram City Explorer. / City Sightseeing Bus.
Perth, Western Australia
A great way to see Perth is to use the tram city explorer which is a relica of 1899 Perth tram. You can hop on and hop off at any of the stops along the way.
It departs Perth everyday at 565 Hay Street 8.30am. A full commentary ia available.
A combined Tram and Swan River Cruise is also available which after the Perth tour continue to Fremantle on a Swan River cruise which includes morning tea and enjoy the Fremantle tram around the historical city.

or use the open top hop on/ hop off sightseeing bus , Your ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days with a free tour of Kings Park.
http://www.citysight seeingperth.com/

6. Where to eat - restaurants.
Perth, Western Australia
We often have to find restaurants for our clients and conference dinners. Here are some which we enjoyed and hopefully you will too.
e Cucina - Italian - Central Park. (city)
Bar One - QV1 building - (city)
Friends - Hyatt Centre - (city)
C Rest - Revolving restaurant with spectacular view - city.
Belgian Beer cafe - Murry & King Street - array of beers on tap.
Velet Espresso - St George's Terrace - for coffee.
Jango - St Geroge's Terrace - lunch.
Nahm Thai - Bulwer Street - excellent Thai.
Zamia Cafe - Kings Park - River views.

7. Nightlife. / Drinking.
Perth, Western Australia
The most popular place for nightlife is in the suburb of Northbridge, the other is at the Burswood Casino Complex where many bars can be found like the Ruby Room, Minq and Paddy Hannan's.

8. Shopping
Perth, Western Australia
The main shopping centre can be found at the Murray and Hay Street Malls which are closed to traffic, numerous arcades run off these two major shopping malls. There are two department stores Myers and David Jones.

For selective shops stroll down King Street in Perth's west end. You will discover shops like Bally , Louis Vuitton , Cultstatus, Zekka and Tiffany & co.

9. Crowne Plaza Perth - where to stay.
Crowne Plaza Perth, Perth, Western Australia
Ave price: $183
The Crowne is our favourite hotel in Perth and have stayed here numerous times. Great river views. Suite 1201 is fantastic...if you have the money then book it. Friendly polite and cheerful staff. Good restaurants. Taxi service to and from airport excellent. spacious size balconies.Modern furniture and comfortable bed and rooms. It would be to your advantage to join Priority Club Rewards as you may be rewarded with an upgrade.

Standard riverview rooms are extremely comfortable too. Its approx 10-15 min easy stroll into the heart of Perth shopping mall.

10. Permelia Hilton Perth Hotel - our other stays.
Parmelia Hilton Perth, Perth, Western Australia
Ave price: $172
The Hilton is located in a fantastic position for easy access into Perth CBD. We have stayed at numerous hotels in Perth and found the Hilton to offer the best for location. The Hilton is approx 25minutes from the airport and basically situated next door to the convention centre.

Our king river suite was on the 10th floor and had lovely views across the river and city surrounds.The suite was expensive but worth every cent, we had an exceptional stay at the Hilton. I'm not sure why this hotel gets such mixed reviews, as after staying at other hotels in Perth we absolutely had no problems.

11. Hyatt Regency Perth
Hyatt Regency Perth, Perth, Western Australia
Ave price: $222
Now, I have stayed at numerous hotels in Perth and decided to try another, you never know you may find a little gem hidden in a city. The Hyatt is a large hotel offering everything you expect from this type of establishment. Our room, which was the Regal Suite, was super large with a lounge room, two bathrooms, and bedroom. Our ensuite had a walk in dressing room attached, and the bathroom was enormous and lovely.

The hotel swimming was very large and deep, with an open outdoor area with a tennis court and gym supplied. This hotel would be good on a lovely summer's day.
It is a long hike into town unless you catch the free shuttle bus from outside the hotel but this only comes every 15 minutes.

12. Sheraton Perth Hotel
Sheraton Perth Hotel, Perth, Western Australia
Ave price: $358
On arrival we were upgraded to an executive room due to being Starwood members. Our room 2210 was a little on the small size but adequately furnished for a Sheraton. The bathroom was moderate size with lovely toiletries and fluffy towels.

Overall, we still enjoyed our stay but because I love having a balcony I would probably not stay here again. If you are looking for a good quality hotel close to the CBD and with excellent river views then this hotel would suit.

13. Seashells Serviced Apartments Scarborough
Seashells Serviced Apartments Scarborough, Scarborough, Western Australia
Ave price: $196
The seashells Apartments are located directly opposite Scarborough Beach on the Sunset Coast, just 15 - 20mins drive from Perth city. Most apartments have balconies and beautiful ocean views.

Apartment: The unit was very spacious with 3 bedrooms, with 2 having double beds. An open plan kitchen / lounge / dining with doors leading outside to a very spacious balcony with ocean views. Our apartment was on the ground floor which was good if you wanted quick access to the outdoor swimming pool. (Excellent for kids)

The apartment was adequately furnished with large TV / CD player. The apartment could do with a new face lift as its a little worn. It's basically a 3.5 star however it's incredibly comfortable with everything you need for a beach holiday.


Overall : We enjoyed having the spacious apartment and its located in a prime position for those who love the beach.

14. Mullaloo Beach Hotel - Beach Stays. - my reviews.
Mullaloo Beach Hotel, Perth, Western Australia
The Mullaloo Suites are located above the Mullaloo Beach Hotel on the Sunset Coast directly across the road from Mullaloo Beach. Its approx 30minutes drive to Perth and approximately 40 minutes drive from the airport. Our two bedroom apartment Number One was spacious, modern and bright with excellent sea views from the balcony. The kitchen was fully equipped with all necessary items for self catering. A large fridge, microwave and tea and coffee facilities were also supplied.
A car is necesary for staying here.

Other places : Scarborough Beach. - Seashell Apartments.
Fabulous oceanfront apartments overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering 2 0r 3 bedroom apartments. www.seashells.com.au

15. Kings Park, Botanic Garden , and other attractions.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, Western Australia
Kings Park and the Swan River is Perth's most attractive assets, hire a bicycle and enjoy riding around this endless beautiful 400 ha park . Other major attractions to visit are Perth Zoo , Perth Mint , Burswood Casino and the gorgeous stunning beaches.

Kings Park is best visited in September when the Wildflower Festival is open , the park has over 1,700 species of Western Australian wildflowers and if you are a keen gardener you will see all species of WA wildflowers like Grevillea's , Hakeas, kangaroo Paws, pink boronias , banksias and hundreds more.

Kings Park also features the Lotterywest Federation Walkway which is a man made walkway of timber , steel and glass. It takes approx 40 mins walk return. For more information regarding Kings Park go to the webpage.

16. Rottnest Island - Day Trip
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
There are a few ways of getting to Rottnest Island.
1) Ferries leave from Hillary's Boat Harbour.
2) Ferries leave fromBarrack Street Jetty in the city.
3) Ferries from Fremantle.
4) By plane http://www.rottnest.de/

There is all styles of accommodation available from camping, backpackers, houses / villas to rent and the Rottnest Lodge and hotel. One needs to book ahead to avoid any disappointment.

There are over 60 beaches on Rottnest so its a fabulous place to visit in the summer months. Most people like to hire a bike and cycle around on the many tracks, bikes can be hired at the Rottnest Island Bike hire just near Quokka Arms Hotel , It is a 24km ride around the island. A shuttle bus operates around the island or you can take tours.

The ferry from Fremantle takes 30 minutes from Fremantle, Hillary's 45 minutes and approx 90 minutes from Perth city wharf.

17. Fremantle
Fremantle, Western Australia
Fremantle is a fabulous place to visit for a day or to linger longer. The city has handsome historical buildings , great beaches, excellent restaurants and nightlife. It also has the advantage of having easy access to Rottnest Island. If visiting Fremantle make sure you stroll through the markets, located at the corner of Henderson Street and South Terrace is open Friday to Sunday . Visit the WA Maritime Museum , Fremantle Prison and walk along the foreshores for some great fish and chips.

Getting there - Its a 30minute drive from Perth city to Fremantle. The Transperth bus service runs regularly from Perth. Ferries depart from Barrack Jetty.

18. Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail, Perth, Western Australia
The best way to experience Swan Valley is by driving, however cruise and tours are readily available from the Tourist Information or Perth Sightseeing centres.
Swan Valley is only 30minutes drive from Perth and is one of the oldest wine growing areas. We really enjoyed Swan Valley and it makes a perfect day trip from Perth. There are some excellent vineyards and restaurants to found in this region. We enjoyed having lunch at Carilley Estate Winery Restaurant located in the heart of the Swan Valley.

19. Swan River Cruises
Swan River, Perth, Western Australia
There are heaps of tours / cruises which go to the Swan River . Just stroll down to Perth's sightseeing Centre which is located at shop 1, Old Perth Port, Barrack Square at the ferry terminal or at the corner between Hay & Pier Streets.

20. Pinnacles Desert - my review on TA.
Pinnacles Desert, Western Australia, Australia
The Pinnacles are located within the Nambung National Park, 250km north of Perth. It takes approx 2.5-3hrs to drive from Perth depending on the traffic conditions.

The Pinnacles are situated approximately 17kms from Cervantes and is definitely worth exploring, the Pinnacles rise up from the sand dunes and can reach up to 4 metres high.

The interesting part of exploring the pinnacles one can literally drive around the whole 4km one-way loop without getting out of your car. The park features a variety of flora and fauna, including Western Grey Kangaroo, Possums, Brush Wallaby, Snakes, Lizards and an array of bird life.
If your passion is photography then discovering the Pinnacles would be a sheer pleasure for you and the camera.

The Best Western Hotel in Cervantes is the best choice in town to stay. There is also a very good backpackers/ hostel located close to the beach in Cervantes.

I highly suggest you stay overnight as its a long drive from Perth but it can be done in a day.

21. Margaret River -
Margaret River, Western Australia
If travelling down to Margaret River and the vineyards, I would opt to stay in Yallingup at the historic icon, Seashells Caves Hotel or the Yallingup caravan Park overlooking the ocean in one of their sea view cabins. This little village is a fabulous base for exploring the Margaret River region. Its a 3.5hrs drive from Perth to Margaret River.

If I decided to re do this route, I would drive from Perth to Bunker Bay and stay one or two nights. Then head to Yallingup and stay at Caves Hotel or at Canal Rocks Apartments overlooking gorgeous Smith's Beach. I would use these two places as my base for exploring the caves, vineyards, beaches, and the National Parks.

For vineyards - Xanadu - beaut restaurant
Evans and Tate - lunch up the road - Woody Nook
Vasse Felix
Sienna Estate - lovely restaurant

22. Quay West Resort Bunker Bay
Quay West Resort Bunker Bay, Naturaliste, Western Australia
Ave price: $252
The resort has a stunning swimming pool with exquisite oceanic views. The accommodation consists of tasteful eco friendly bungalows scattered through the gardens. Some are perched overlooking a man made lagoon, some have ocean views and others are simply hidden amongst the bushes.

This region is superb for snorkelling and diving where there is a diversity of marine life around the reefs. Eagle Bay and Meelup are particularly beautiful safe swimming beaches. For bushwalkers there are some fantastic tracks, the most popular being the Cape to Cape track between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the National Park.

23. Seashells Resort Yallingup Hotel Perth
Seashells Resort Yallingup Hotel Perth, Perth, Western Australia
The hotel is tucked away in 4.5 hectares of gorgeous gardens in the small village of Yallingup. The hotel is a heritage listed building, originally built in 1905 and later restored in 1938. It oozes with character, charm and personality..

24. Smith's Beach Resort
Smith's Beach Resort, Yallingup, Western Australia
This new development sits proudly opposite Smiths Beach which is absolutely gorgeous. The resort is not cheap but you can rent a beach shack which has reasonable rates. The resort has villas, apartments , and beach houses all beautifully designed. This resort is a member of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World " which means its gorgeously expensive but offers first class facilities . Its a 3 hour drive from Perth and a short 4km drive from Yallingup.

25. Wave Rock
Wave Rock, Hyden, Western Australia
The wave Rock is approx 4 hours drive from Perth, so one needs to stay overnight if wishing to see this attraction. You can do a tour from perth with www.pinnacletours.com.au which leaves Perth at 8am everyday and returns at 8.30pm. For more information contact the Information tourist centre.

Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Perth, Scarborough, Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Western Australia, Margaret River, Naturaliste, Yallingup, Hyden