Perth

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South Western Corner

An August 2000 trip to Perth by Chelle

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What to do with yourself, where to lay your head, what to feast your eyes upon and how to spend as few dollars as possible in the remote city of Perth, Western Australia.

  • 7 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 3 photos

South Western CornerBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The Pinnacle Desert, WA
The best time to come to Perth is in the summer, it really starts to warm up in November and gets up into the 40's celcius from December. Great things to do in Perth include a trip over to Rottnest Island, great for snorkelling & diving. Hire a bike and cycle round the island or just laze on the beach. WA beaches are among some of the best in the world and although the city beaches are great (especially for volley ball) they are popular in the summer, so head out of town a little way to find a deserted spot. Do head down to the South-West corner, that's Margaret River (great surfing), Pemberton & Denmark to see the Valley of the Giants (giant trees), climb the Gloucester tree (60metres) Albany for lots of natural rock formations, Stirling ranges for mountains & Cape Le Grand national park in Esperance.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

You can make good use of the free CAT (central area transit) buses in Perth. There are two routes - blue & red - that cover most of where you will need to go in the city centre. You can just hop on without worrying about cash and buses run frequently most of the day; check out timetables for details.

Lonestar City BackpackersBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Lonestar City Backpackers is one of the cheapest hostels in town at the time of writing. Beds in an 8-bed dorm are from $9 per night (weekly rates with VIP/YHA). You can even sleep in your own car or camper in their private car park for as little as $7 a night! Bathrooms aren't the best, but facilities are adequate and Friday nights you can grab some pasta or a barbeque for free!

If you're looking for cheap & cheerful this place isn't bad. You get what you pay for though, there is no heating, so it's chilly in winter & don't expect too many added freebies.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Chelle on August 23, 2000

Lonestar City Backpackers
Corner Aberdeen & Palmerston Streets Perth, Australia

RedbackpackersBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Redbackpackers is a party hostel first & foremost. They have recently built a bar and the emphasis here is definitely on the beer. People have a tendency to stay here a little longer than planned because it's a great place to make friends. The hostel itself is not bad; there is a TV room, pool & games room (with bar), small outside area & internet facilities - all the usual. Prices start from approximately $16 per night for a dorm bed, fairly standard rate right now in Perth.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Chelle on August 23, 2000

Redbackpackers
494-496 Newcastle Street Perth, Australia

Hare Krishna - Food For LifeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Hare Krishna offer all-you-can-eat meals at really cheap prices for those travellers that may be down to their last few dollars, or just up for an alternative to McDonalds or 2-minute noodles... All-you-can-eat-meals during the day are $4.50, and between 5-6pm, you can take away a tub of vegetarian curry & rice for only $2!

The people are really friendly so don't worry about being subjected to any preaching!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Chelle on August 23, 2000

Hare Krishna - Food For Life
William Street Perth, Australia

The Post OfficeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wednesday night is Post Office night in many Perth hostels. If you can pick up a flyer at your hostel you can then get in before 11pm for free and get two free drinks (one before and one after midnight), plus a free meal! A cover band called Airbag play every Wednesday and are great if you're into Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the like. A popular scam is to go into the Post Office for the first drink & free feed and then head over to Mustang Bar (see other entry) for more freebies before heading back to the Post Office to grab more freebies (remember to rub off your stamp though!). This kind of scam is completely discouraged by the writer of course.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Chelle on August 25, 2000

The Post Office
Corner Parker & Aberdeen Streets Perth, Australia

The Mustang BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wednesday night at Mustang Bar is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers. For a mere $5 cover charge you get a free beer, free soft drink, lots of discount vouchers & entry into a draw for lots of great travel prizes. If you're in with the right hostel, you might also find yourself partaking in lots of free jugs of beer.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Chelle on August 25, 2000

The Mustang Bar
Northbridge Perth, Australia

Rottnest IslandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Rottnest Island"

A short ferry trip from Perth (approx half an hour) is the island of Rottnest or 'Rotto' to the locals. The island is 19km off the coast of Fremantle, (which is where most of the ferries go from). The island is apparently named after the small rat-like animals called 'quokkas' which are native only to Rottnest. It's a great place for cycling (bike hire is available and very popular on the island), snorkelling & scuba diving or just lazing on one of the many beautiful beaches. There is also a hostel in Rotto called Kingston Barracks if you want to stay and explore a little more.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Chelle on August 25, 2000

Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island Visitor and Information Centre Fremantle, Australia 6161
+61 (0)8 9372 9752

Traveller's ClubBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Check out the traveller's club in Wellington Street (next to Globe Backpackers) for all you could need to plan your stay in Perth and your onward travels. The notice boards are used to advertise everything from buying or selling a car to work & accomodation. All the guys are really helpful & friendly and will give you great ideas on your travel plans. Internet access is only $1 per hour for VIP/YHA & student card holders.

About the Writer

Chelle
Chelle
Was Bracknell, now travelling, United Kingdom

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