Perth, Australia -where to before and after?
Discussion
Hi all
Planning a trip to Perth to see family next year but the cost of direct flights have made us consider stopping to and from for 2 or 3 nights each.
Last time we did it in 2010 we went to KL on the way and I really enjoyed it. Would like to do that again as I'd like my 9 year old lad to experience it.
Can anyone recommend anywhere good for 2 or 3 nights on the way back at all? I like the idea of Singapore but at that point we'll be running low on finds and I hear its expensive there.
Thoughts welcome from all.
Planning a trip to Perth to see family next year but the cost of direct flights have made us consider stopping to and from for 2 or 3 nights each.
Last time we did it in 2010 we went to KL on the way and I really enjoyed it. Would like to do that again as I'd like my 9 year old lad to experience it.
Can anyone recommend anywhere good for 2 or 3 nights on the way back at all? I like the idea of Singapore but at that point we'll be running low on finds and I hear its expensive there.
Thoughts welcome from all.
JoeRRS said:
Bali but would need another flight from there to KL etc and then onto the UK, or Dubai if flying emirates is always a good stop over.
CheersWe did Bali last time but wife not keen on the Bali - KL - UK leg home sadly.
Dubai is a good call.
I fancy South Africa as have good friends there but not really enough time.
How long are you in Perth for?
Personally speaking, KL would be good to see again. If you like KL you may not like Singapore anyway. It’s a bit sterile in my opinion.
Depending on how long you’re in Perth, I would stay on for a few days longer than planned and explore the coastline and have a 90 mins stopover in KL and just head home as quick as you can.
Once I’m in the frame set of heading home, that’s all I to do! I think your 9 year old will enjoy exploring the coastline of Perth more than Singapore.
Personally speaking, KL would be good to see again. If you like KL you may not like Singapore anyway. It’s a bit sterile in my opinion.
Depending on how long you’re in Perth, I would stay on for a few days longer than planned and explore the coastline and have a 90 mins stopover in KL and just head home as quick as you can.
Once I’m in the frame set of heading home, that’s all I to do! I think your 9 year old will enjoy exploring the coastline of Perth more than Singapore.
JoeRRS said:
Bali but would need another flight from there to KL etc and then onto the UK, or Dubai if flying emirates is always a good stop over.
CheersWe did Bali last time but wife not keen on the Bali - KL - UK leg home sadly.
Dubai is a good call.
I fancy South Africa as have good friends there but not really enough time.
Only one answer here... Singapore and Singapore Airlines.
It's worth the extra (I mean extra over cowboys like Malaysian, not rip-offs like QANTAS) because even in economy the seats are measurably better and so is the service (by a country mile) but you can opt to do a Singapore Stopover holiday and spend a night or 3 in Singers. Probably going to be slightly more expensive than your other options (HK, Bangkok, KL) but it's a straight line more or less from LHR-SIN-PER.
I'd argue that with Singapore Airlines you won't even need to bother with the stopover as the level of comfort is that much higher.
Apart from that, I really don't recommend going to Perth but sounds like you don't have much of an option (and Australia in general is super expensive to get to at the moment).
It's worth the extra (I mean extra over cowboys like Malaysian, not rip-offs like QANTAS) because even in economy the seats are measurably better and so is the service (by a country mile) but you can opt to do a Singapore Stopover holiday and spend a night or 3 in Singers. Probably going to be slightly more expensive than your other options (HK, Bangkok, KL) but it's a straight line more or less from LHR-SIN-PER.
I'd argue that with Singapore Airlines you won't even need to bother with the stopover as the level of comfort is that much higher.
Apart from that, I really don't recommend going to Perth but sounds like you don't have much of an option (and Australia in general is super expensive to get to at the moment).
captain_cynic said:
Only one answer here... Singapore and Singapore Airlines.
It's worth the extra (I mean extra over cowboys like Malaysian, not rip-offs like QANTAS) because even in economy the seats are measurably better and so is the service (by a country mile) but you can opt to do a Singapore Stopover holiday and spend a night or 3 in Singers. Probably going to be slightly more expensive than your other options (HK, Bangkok, KL) but it's a straight line more or less from LHR-SIN-PER.
I'd argue that with Singapore Airlines you won't even need to bother with the stopover as the level of comfort is that much higher.
Apart from that, I really don't recommend going to Perth but sounds like you don't have much of an option (and Australia in general is super expensive to get to at the moment).
Cheers, will look into Singapore Airlines and I certainly fancy seeing Singapore. Any recommendations for things to do there for 2 x adults and a 9 year old? I do like a market for a haggle! It's worth the extra (I mean extra over cowboys like Malaysian, not rip-offs like QANTAS) because even in economy the seats are measurably better and so is the service (by a country mile) but you can opt to do a Singapore Stopover holiday and spend a night or 3 in Singers. Probably going to be slightly more expensive than your other options (HK, Bangkok, KL) but it's a straight line more or less from LHR-SIN-PER.
I'd argue that with Singapore Airlines you won't even need to bother with the stopover as the level of comfort is that much higher.
Apart from that, I really don't recommend going to Perth but sounds like you don't have much of an option (and Australia in general is super expensive to get to at the moment).
RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
North of Perth trip is like old Australia, little traffic, great beaches and things to do on a road trip north. Far North Exmouth and Ningaloo reef is great for 'learner' snorkelers as lot to see and reef close to shore.
I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
Kenty said:
North of Perth trip is like old Australia, little traffic, great beaches and things to do on a road trip north. Far North Exmouth and Ningaloo reef is great for 'learner' snorkelers as lot to see and reef close to shore.
I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
Kenty said:
North of Perth trip is like old Australia, little traffic, great beaches and things to do on a road trip north. Far North Exmouth and Ningaloo reef is great for 'learner' snorkelers as lot to see and reef close to shore.
I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
Cheers. I wouldn't dismiss Singapore for the price of a lettuce! It is a little on pricy side but worth it for a couple of days.
There are boat trips from Robertson and Clark quays, this is the area to find hotels a little cheaper, plenty of restaurants.
Gardens on the bay are a lot more interesting than name suggests. Singapore flyer, good fun working out the GP circuit.
There is lots more and google what your all into and you will find stuff to do.
TOP TIP - Arrive at airport early before departure and visit the Jewel shopping centre.
Visited Coral Bay and Exmouth in 2010. Was amazing, swam with whale sharks and then saw a blue whale. Incredible.
Will look in to Singapore.
If you enjoyed KL then you'll proably enjoy Bangkok too. (I've been to both)
It's a hot, noisy assult on the senses. Theres more to see and do in BKK.
BKK has a reputation for being a bit seedy but it really isn't unless you are in the wrong (right?) areas. KL was much worse in that regards. Lots of ladys offering a 'massage'....
It's a hot, noisy assult on the senses. Theres more to see and do in BKK.
BKK has a reputation for being a bit seedy but it really isn't unless you are in the wrong (right?) areas. KL was much worse in that regards. Lots of ladys offering a 'massage'....
gamefreaks said:
If you enjoyed KL then you'll proably enjoy Bangkok too. (I've been to both)
It's a hot, noisy assult on the senses. Theres more to see and do in BKK.
BKK has a reputation for being a bit seedy but it really isn't unless you are in the wrong (right?) areas. KL was much worse in that regards. Lots of ladys offering a 'massage'....
Cheers not interested in any of the seedy stuff but I do like a good market! It's a hot, noisy assult on the senses. Theres more to see and do in BKK.
BKK has a reputation for being a bit seedy but it really isn't unless you are in the wrong (right?) areas. KL was much worse in that regards. Lots of ladys offering a 'massage'....
heisthegaffer said:
Cheers, will look into Singapore Airlines and I certainly fancy seeing Singapore. Any recommendations for things to do there for 2 x adults and a 9 year old? I do like a market for a haggle!
RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
Honestly haven't been to Singers in years, it's usually just a stopover for me. Hopefully some others will have some info about it.RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
"north" can mean a few things in Perth, usually either the suburbs north of the (Swan) river or the northern outskirts of the city (the Vines, Bullsbrook). North of that there isn't much for a few hundred miles.
If you're going to the outer suburbs, public transport is a complete non starter so you'll need a car (hopefully the family will be able to provide as hire cars are insanely expensive), not that Perth really has that much to see but it's still nice to be able to pop to the shops without waiting an hour for a bus.
I also heard about the $11 lettuces from my sister. Things were expensive when I left in 2016 (more accurately I got here and realised just how cheap UK supermarkets were) and by all reports have gotten worse, however the $11 thing was an anomaly, they're back down to $2.50-3.00 per head, which is still pretty pricey (£1.30-1.50 ish).
Food, especially takeout and restaurant food is pretty good in Perth. Honestly one of the few good things I can say about the place.
How about going to Darwin and Kakadu National Park for crocs ‘n’ stuff or Barra fishing, if that’s your thing? We went a few years ago and had a great time, camping out and taking a few tours to spot wildlife. River cruise with lots of crocs in the water an interesting moment! Might be more fun for a 9yo.
Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
captain_cynic said:
heisthegaffer said:
Cheers, will look into Singapore Airlines and I certainly fancy seeing Singapore. Any recommendations for things to do there for 2 x adults and a 9 year old? I do like a market for a haggle!
RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
Honestly haven't been to Singers in years, it's usually just a stopover for me. Hopefully some others will have some info about it.RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
"north" can mean a few things in Perth, usually either the suburbs north of the (Swan) river or the northern outskirts of the city (the Vines, Bullsbrook). North of that there isn't much for a few hundred miles.
If you're going to the outer suburbs, public transport is a complete non starter so you'll need a car (hopefully the family will be able to provide as hire cars are insanely expensive), not that Perth really has that much to see but it's still nice to be able to pop to the shops without waiting an hour for a bus.
I also heard about the $11 lettuces from my sister. Things were expensive when I left in 2016 (more accurately I got here and realised just how cheap UK supermarkets were) and by all reports have gotten worse, however the $11 thing was an anomaly, they're back down to $2.50-3.00 per head, which is still pretty pricey (£1.30-1.50 ish).
Food, especially takeout and restaurant food is pretty good in Perth. Honestly one of the few good things I can say about the place.
I really can't remember the name of the town where their holiday home is but when I looked on Google maps, it looked lovely.
It'll be a bit of a lazy holiday with time for my lad to enjoy fun with his cousins etc and to spend time with my SIL. Having said that, we'll go to Freemantle and a few other places.
PomBstard said:
How about going to Darwin and Kakadu National Park for crocs ‘n’ stuff or Barra fishing, if that’s your thing? We went a few years ago and had a great time, camping out and taking a few tours to spot wildlife. River cruise with lots of crocs in the water an interesting moment! Might be more fun for a 9yo.
Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Cheers mate. Its got to be Perth as we're seeing family and friends there. Wouldn't mind Darwin though another time and my little lad (and us) love a bit of wildlife. Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
heisthegaffer said:
PomBstard said:
How about going to Darwin and Kakadu National Park for crocs ‘n’ stuff or Barra fishing, if that’s your thing? We went a few years ago and had a great time, camping out and taking a few tours to spot wildlife. River cruise with lots of crocs in the water an interesting moment! Might be more fun for a 9yo.
Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Cheers mate. Its got to be Perth as we're seeing family and friends there. Wouldn't mind Darwin though another time and my little lad (and us) love a bit of wildlife. Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Fly up from Perth, look at crocs and other nature stuff, fly back to Perth, take QF9 from PER to LHR direct, non stop, land LHR approx 17hrs later.
PomBstard said:
heisthegaffer said:
PomBstard said:
How about going to Darwin and Kakadu National Park for crocs ‘n’ stuff or Barra fishing, if that’s your thing? We went a few years ago and had a great time, camping out and taking a few tours to spot wildlife. River cruise with lots of crocs in the water an interesting moment! Might be more fun for a 9yo.
Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Cheers mate. Its got to be Perth as we're seeing family and friends there. Wouldn't mind Darwin though another time and my little lad (and us) love a bit of wildlife. Used to be able to fly from Darwin to SIN/KL to pick up a direct flight to LHR, don’t know what current arrangements are like.
Fly up from Perth, look at crocs and other nature stuff, fly back to Perth, take QF9 from PER to LHR direct, non stop, land LHR approx 17hrs later.
captain_cynic said:
heisthegaffer said:
Cheers, will look into Singapore Airlines and I certainly fancy seeing Singapore. Any recommendations for things to do there for 2 x adults and a 9 year old? I do like a market for a haggle!
RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
Honestly haven't been to Singers in years, it's usually just a stopover for me. Hopefully some others will have some info about it.RE Perth, I'm happy to go there and see my SIL and nephews and nieces. Other than time in and around Perth City, we've been offered a holiday home north (can't remember where) which looks a lovely place.
I must say, our friend who was over here in the summer mentioned that a lettuce is 11 bucks at the moment... That made me shudder cost wise.
"north" can mean a few things in Perth, usually either the suburbs north of the (Swan) river or the northern outskirts of the city (the Vines, Bullsbrook). North of that there isn't much for a few hundred miles.
If you're going to the outer suburbs, public transport is a complete non starter so you'll need a car (hopefully the family will be able to provide as hire cars are insanely expensive), not that Perth really has that much to see but it's still nice to be able to pop to the shops without waiting an hour for a bus.
I also heard about the $11 lettuces from my sister. Things were expensive when I left in 2016 (more accurately I got here and realised just how cheap UK supermarkets were) and by all reports have gotten worse, however the $11 thing was an anomaly, they're back down to $2.50-3.00 per head, which is still pretty pricey (£1.30-1.50 ish).
Food, especially takeout and restaurant food is pretty good in Perth. Honestly one of the few good things I can say about the place.
Just north of Perth could mean Lancelin (you'll love, very chill, dune activities, beach activities and a very lazy lifestyle place) which is only about 1 to 1.5hr from Perth (depending where you are staying in Perth.
Going down to Margaret River/Dunsborough/Albany should be considered. Absolutely fabulous place to go spend a few days. Amazing scenery, beaches, restaurants, wineries, loads for kids to do. Well worth the 3hr trip south.
If you can get a babysitter head out to some of the bars and laneways in Perth and nicer parts of Northbridge. Good night out to be had. Perth has definitely raised its nightlife game in last 5 years.
Understand you have a car but saying car rental is insanely expensive is 'complete b
ks'. No Birds, the largest rental place here will do you a Corolla for a week for about £240. Things to see not in order of what is best:
Perth Zoo
Caversham Wildlife Park
Swan Valley (recommend Bailey Brewing for a good feed and big playground for kids)
Scarborough - big beach, scooter/skate park thing)
Mindarie Marina for a good beer in the sun
Mandurah foreshore for a day out
Fremantle
If you're going with kids and want a chill holiday seeing a few things easily it's very good. If you want to go party and do loads of shopping not so much.
Get the 'Entertainment Book' via an app. $70 but will easily make that back and more in savings.
Take the train - cheap as chips, safe, reliable, clean and on time.
Lived here nearly 16 years and love it, especially if you have kids. Mine is also 9 and it's like it's built for families.
Stopover I'd say Singapore as well. Found KL little far from airport whereas Singapore you land and a few mins later you're there.
Edited by Pommy on Wednesday 9th November 19:11
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