Perth Travel Forum

Hi All

I have finalised my trip and will be arriving Perth 19th May (night), picked up my car the next morning and will start driving to Albany in the morning and I need some advise from fellow VTs.

Day 1: Arrive Perth, check into hotel

Day 2: Drive to Albany and spend the afternoon in Albany and visit Mt Clarence, Natural Bridge, The Gap, Blowhole and stay at Emu Point Motel for the night

Day 3: Whale Watch in the morning (9 am to 1 pm) and visit the Wind Farm before driving to Denham. Stop by Wilson Inlet and proceed Walpole and visit Green Pool and Elephant Rock along the way. Likely to Overnight at Walpole although I prefer to stay at Pemberton and do the tram ride in the morning but I think it will be too long drive.

Day 4: Visit the Valley of Giants and Tree Top Walks, and Conspicuous Cliff Lookout. Travel to Pemberton and visit Gloucester Tree. Travel to Augusta for Cape Leeuwin Lighhthouse and travel to Margaret River (MR). May stay in Augusta if it gets too late and travel to MR the next morning.

Day 5: Visit Jewel Cave and winery in the morning. Proceed to Busselton and Bunbury where I will stay for the night.

Day 6: Visit the Dolphins and spend the rest of the morning in Bunbury. Proceed to Frementle. Overnight in Frementle or Perth.

Day 7: Perth – King’s Park and shopping. Flight back at 12 am – to arrive airport by 10 pm.

1. I have only made hotel reservation for my first night in Perth and planning to stay in Emu Point Motel in Albany and would leave the rest depending on where I stop. Would I have problem getting accommodation during this period (20-25th May). Any one stayed at Emu Point Motel before? Is it a good place?

2. How the weather and temperature in south? I heard this is the rainy season, will I be expecting a lot of rain?

3. Is the itinerary above feasible? My last day is flexible if I decide I need more time at certain area but I certainly need to be in Perth by late afternoon of Day 7 to ensure I don’t miss my flight! (I missed my flight once and it’s in Perth!)

4. Any hotel recommendation for Walpole(near tree walk), Bunbury (near Dolphin Discovery) and is considering The Noble Grape B&B for it’s location (close to wineries and chocolate factory) and Margaret River Farmstay (for farm stay – I love animals!!!) at Margaret River. I am hoping it will be around $120 and not more than $150 per night. Any recommendation is greatly appreciated!

5. Any must visits that I miseed out or are there any places I mentioned that's not worth visiting?

Thanks a lot!

Jo

1. Not sure if you'll get to see whales at that time of the year - maybe consider a trip to Whale World at Albany instead.
2. Jewell Cave is very close to Augusta and it might be best to stay there rather than doubling back from MR.
3. All accomodation at MR is expensive and I doubt that you'll find anything in your price range, therefore Augusta is a better choice price wise.
4. For Bunbury try - Welcome Inn Motel – Bunbury 71 Ocean Drive Bunbury WA 6230
Phone 08 9792 3400 Freecall 1 800 100 885. You'll find price OK.
Enjoy Perth and WA

Thanks Sirgaw! I didn't realise Jewel Cave is nearer to Augusta! I read somewhere that says if you can only afford to visit one cave, it should be Jewel Cave. Is that true?

And thanks for the info on Welcome Inn Motel. Do they have a website?

Thanks.

Welcome Inn Bunbury - http://www.goldenchain.com.au/wa/article/398 - We stayed there in March and it was about $100/night for an Ocean side unit and was quite OK.

We spent 5 nights in MR and asked the same question you have asked - "if you only visited one of the caves, which should it be" Jewell cave was the winner from most of the people I spoke to and it is spectacular. Others may disagree and that is their right. I should point out that we only visited Jewell Cave and none of the others, although we did visit Caveworks (included in admission price to Jewell Cave). Suggest you might be better driving Cave Road to MR rather than the main highway as its a spectacular drive.

The dolphins at Bunbury only come in in the morning, so suggest you go straight there and try to arrive between 8 and 9am.

The dolphins in Bunbury come you never know when, and they do not come every day. Chances seem to be better in the morning but there is no guarantee. We were not lucky. According to the board where they had noted the recent visits they come about two or three times per week.
Plan enough time at Dolphin Discovery Centre to be able to join the boat cruise which starts some time in the late morning/around noon. Chances to see them from the boat are much better.

We did a similar round trip last year plus Kalgoorlie and Esperance in 10 days and it was doable but rather rushed. So will be yours.
Check out my travel pages on these places.

As for the caves, buth Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are marvelous. I have seen both and cannot pick a favourite. If you stay in Margaret River, Lake Cave will be more convenient. I'd rather stay in Augusta, see both caves along the way and cut out the winery - if you are driving you cannot do much wine tasting anyway...

A big drive and much info needed quickly. i was away when you planned. if you happen to check back on line im home now and can assist. Any bunbury info you want im happy to assist as i live near by and will give you a guided tour. I see u have bunbury down, do contact me, i will email you my details to make sure you get a good insight.
cheers heather