Travel: Australia - Perth
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cherrygal:
Which is a better option for kids - Perth Zoo (can be combined with scenic cruise on Swan River) or a visit to AQWA?
Hi, I've not been to both, but would have liked to go to Perth zoo if i had more time in Perth last year.
AQWA is in the vicinity of Hilary's Harbour. I have read in other discussion forum that our Underwater World is better so you may have to research a bit more.
Even if you decide not to do AQWA, Hilary's Harbour is worth a visit.
--> We had a leisurely half-day there with 2 young kids strolling along the jetty, letting the kids play in the sand and shallow sea area for kids, and a playground that's built on the beach. The playground has a gazebo cover over it, so it's quite enjoyable and comfortable for the kids.
--> Enroute to Hilary's Harbour, if you take the coastal scenic drive, you will be rewarded with the nice scenary where you can stop to take photos and just soak in the scene. When we were there, there were joggers who were locals, and they were friendly. One even stopped to help take a family photo for us.
We did the Swan River CAT ferry ride, which is their public transport, crossing over from the CBD area to Perth Zoo side. It was a fun and affordable ride. No need to pay through the nose for scenic cruises. This one will do
We didnt have time to go to the zoo though we would have liked to. If you have young children, there's a playground on the side of the river where the zoo is....so your kids can play there, while you wait for the next boat back.
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hi, how can i reach AQWA without driving? Can i take ferry?
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JR:
Hi,
I have never been to AQWA which is located north of Perth. But actually Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory is a bit disappointing. Really depends on your luck what type of fish swim by. The water is murky and can't see too far away. I suppose if you are at Busselton Jetty, might as well go down to the observatory. My guess that AQWA is more like our Underwaterworld, based on their website.concern_mum:
hi
What is the difference b/w Busselton Jetty underwater observatory and AQWA? Should i visit both place?
Yep, I heard Busselton Jetty underwater observatory can be a bit disappointing (and expensive). I had a friend who was there in June (winter) and weather was wet and stormy and the observatory closed as the water was cloudy and murky so she didnt get to visit it.
But do try the Busselton Jetty train that runs from the harbour to the end of the long long jetty. Fun with young kids. We booked tickets ahead and so were assured of seats. Check details on their website. The train ride is usually quite popular. While waiting, you can try the ice cream parlour by the beach.
Alternatively, you can stroll along the long long jetty. Along the way, (whether by slow train, or walk), you can see people fishing, and there's one part where you can stop to read engraving s (words) (in remembrance of loved ones) nailed to the wooden jetty structure (probably sea / ash burial).
If you are travelling from Perth to Margaret River, it's worth stopping by at Busselton Jetty. -
And mommies, I strongly recommend the Perth Royal Show which happens once a year (one week) towards Sep/Oct.
They have a website and you can buy tickets ahead. If you have kids who are not yet in formal schooling, consider arranging your trip to Perth such that you spend a full day at the Perth Royal Show.
Went there last year. Enjoyed it to the max.
Would like to go again but my kid has started primary school so cant just leave the country in Sep/Oct.
There's carnival rides, games, show bags (based on different cartoon themes) that you can buy, food on promotion (eg dairy products, ice cream, sold cheap). Most unique is the agricultural part of the event - there will be prize animals on display - the most fluffy of hens and chickens, horses, cows, a petting area for kids to interact with chicks!, fireworks every night, haunted houses, slides (you sit on a gunny sack) !!!!! Sure miss our time there! -
concern_mum:
hi, how can i reach AQWA without driving? Can i take ferry?
Hi,
This is the AQWA website. But it seems there's no instructions on how to get there.
http://www.aqwa.com.au/
But if you look up Hilary Harbour's website (where AQWA is sited), you can view transport directions here :
http://www.hillarysboatharbour.com.au/hillarys_transport.htm
There are whale-watching boat trips that depart from Hilary's Harbour too. We didnt take it as our younger kid was too young then. Depends on the season as well. -
Hi everyone
Planning my first trip to Perth for my family - us and our 5yo.
Mid Dec for 5nites. Since it will be our first time there and first
time ever doing self drive, we wish to keep it simple and EASY and not
packing in too much within a day.
I am a TOTAL novice at Free and Easy travel so kindly
advise and give sugguestions. Thank u.
Below is what I came out with after researching online and here
at this lovely forum
15 Dec (Sat) - 21 Dec (Fri) 5Nites
First Nite (Sat) - chk into Goodearth BandB
Day 1 (Sun): Perth City, Fremental wkend mkt, eat fish and chips at some nice place
Western Australia Maritime Museum (did i get the name rite? is this in Fremental?)
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
Day 2 (Mon): Caversham Wildlife Park and Chocolate Factory
Stay the nite and Goodearth.
Day 3 (Tues): Drive to Margaret River. Explore around and stay the nite at
Margaret River Hideaway.
Day 4 (Wed): Drive to Busselton. Explore around and stay the nite at
Bluebay Apts or Abbey Beach Apts
D5 (Thurs): Back in Perth, chk into Goodearth.
Lunch/Dinner at Chinatown
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
D6 (Fri - Departure day): Start the day early and make a quick trip to Rottnest? - too ambitious? Trying to get a late flight bk to Spore -
ftwmum:
Hi, have you booked at MR Hideaway already? We stayed there 2 nights last year. Absolutely loved it. But i do have some advice for you. You can also read reviews at Tirpadvisor Forum abt it.
...15 Dec (Sat) - 21 Dec (Fri) 5Nites
First Nite (Sat) - chk into Goodearth BandB
Day 1 (Sun): Perth City, Fremental wkend mkt, eat fish and chips at some nice place
Western Australia Maritime Museum (did i get the name rite? is this in Fremental?)
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
Day 2 (Mon): Caversham Wildlife Park and Chocolate Factory
Stay the nite and Goodearth.
Day 3 (Tues): Drive to Margaret River. Explore around and stay the nite at
Margaret River Hideaway.
Day 4 (Wed): Drive to Busselton. Explore around and stay the nite at
Bluebay Apts or Abbey Beach Apts
D5 (Thurs): Back in Perth, chk into Goodearth.
Lunch/Dinner at Chinatown
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
D6 (Fri - Departure day): Start the day early and make a quick trip to Rottnest? - too ambitious? Trying to get a late flight bk to Spore
Seems a waste to spend only 1 nite at MR Hideaway though.
There's a animal feeding session on alternate days (check their website), so make sure you are there the night before the session, so your kid can enjoy it the next morning before you check out.
The ownder?/manager Julian may come across as rather unfriendly as he doesnt really smile. But dont let that get you down. He is great with kids at the animal feeding session. The kids will get to run about from one end of the farm to another, help him 'herd' the sheep to the feeding pen, and to play and feed with Pansy 2 - a small red kangaroo (Pansy 1 had died).
You can get your groceries from a little further down the road at MR town before you check in.
Do take care of the property as I read that Julian is fiercely protective of the property and rightly so (check some reviews in Tripadvisor where some youngsters attempted to 'party' and stated stepping on furniture).
And make sure you tidy up the place before you check out. I read in Tripadvisor that one family was thoughtful and left the dishes to dry on their own on the kitchen counter, but they were charged a cleaning fee as guests are expected to return the dishes/equipmnent to their original positions.
There's a field where your kid can kick around a soccer ball. THere's a playground that made of mateirals from nature. Wood, wood, wood, tree trunks. When we were there, there was also a tepee that was made from long tee branches, and we continued adding to the structure and had fun doing that.
Anyway, have an open mind and enjoy. We loved the place and the feeding sessions by Julian. The property and ground are well taken care of. -
ftwmum:
Hi everyone
Planning my first trip to Perth for my family - us and our 5yo.
Mid Dec for 5nites. Since it will be our first time there and first
time ever doing self drive, we wish to keep it simple and EASY and not
packing in too much within a day.
I am a TOTAL novice at Free and Easy travel so kindly
advise and give sugguestions. Thank u.
Below is what I came out with after researching online and here
at this lovely forum
15 Dec (Sat) - 21 Dec (Fri) 5Nites
First Nite (Sat) - chk into Goodearth BandB
Day 1 (Sun): Perth City, Fremental wkend mkt, eat fish and chips at some nice place
Western Australia Maritime Museum (did i get the name rite? is this in Fremental?)
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
Day 2 (Mon): Caversham Wildlife Park and Chocolate Factory
Stay the nite and Goodearth.
Day 3 (Tues): Drive to Margaret River. Explore around and stay the nite at
Margaret River Hideaway.
Day 4 (Wed): Drive to Busselton. Explore around and stay the nite at
Bluebay Apts or Abbey Beach Apts
D5 (Thurs): Back in Perth, chk into Goodearth.
Lunch/Dinner at Chinatown
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
D6 (Fri - Departure day): Start the day early and make a quick trip to Rottnest? - too ambitious? Trying to get a late flight bk to Spore
Err..if I am driving from Perth city, will I reach Busselton first or MR first?
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ftwmum:
Busselton first, then MR.
Err..if I am driving from Perth city, will I reach Busselton first or MR first?
There's nice scenary are Yallingup coastal area too - we chanced upon it when we got lost along the way
We did Mammoth Cave too (further down south from MR). With our 6 yr old and 2 yr old. My 2 yr old actually climbed the steps all by himself. Chose Mammoth Cave as it is apparently the only one in the MR region that has an area that allows strollers or wheelchairs (though for a short distance only) so we thought it will be doable if we just go take a look and short walk. In the end, we covered the entire route inside the cave. -
ftwmum:
Hi,
...
15 Dec (Sat) - 21 Dec (Fri) 5Nites
First Nite (Sat) - chk into Goodearth BandB
Day 1 (Sun): Perth City, Fremental wkend mkt, eat fish and chips at some nice place
Western Australia Maritime Museum (did i get the name rite? is this in Fremental?)
Stay the nite at Goodearth.
....
Are you concerned about getting food and groceries to stock up apartment once you reach? If so, avoid reaching late on Sat night as most shops will be closed. Or unless you know there are eateries around Goodearth that open till late.
Oops....i wrote so much today in the Perth forum.
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