Perth with Kids on The Cheap

M00Cow on 02/03/2022 - 10:17

We're off to Perth in April school hols.
I'm after some advice. We're coming from the Gold Coast so beaches & theme parks aren't of much interest (except western sunset of course). We've got 7 nights in the CBD (which I assume will be quiet around Easter) and another 3 nights yet to book.

  • Is it possible to get cheap tickets to the Zoo?

  • Public Transport, is the "FamilyRider" $9.80 ticket for 2 adults & 2 kids? (It seems to be the same price as a single DayRider).

  • Rottnest Island, Rottenest Express are doing a family return for $138 (telethon discount) from Freo, which seems cheap. What about bicycle hire? The ferry company charges $31/adult & $17/kid, can you get it cheaper in the island? I assume over Easter Weekend, it'll be mad busy.

  • Are there any good vantage points (hills/mountains) to look over Perth & surroundings?

  • Night sky, is it best viewed from out at the Observatory or is there somewhere closer to look at the stars?

  • Lastly sunsets, where's good spots to watch the sunset over the ocean & have a drink? (BYO of course), I've got the final 3 nights accom to book, so I thought maybe somewhere near a beach to chill. So suggestions would be appreciated.

Any other local tips? Like best fish & chips, best pies, best meal deals (kids eat free) kind of things?

Cheers!

Travel

Comments

  • MS Paint on 02/03/2022 - 10:34
    +7

    "Family holiday to Perth" said no one ever.

    Get a selfie with a Quokka on Rottnest.

    Maybe buy a Toyota off spackbace then get the hell outta there.

    • brendanm on 02/03/2022 - 11:26

      Rude. Though somewhat true. Highlight used to be going to adventure World when younger, Northbridge when older.

      The regional areas are much better.

      • MS Paint on 02/03/2022 - 11:28

        It's an adult destination for sure. Just can't picture keeping kids entertained there for 7 days+

  • Fergy1987 on 02/03/2022 - 10:38

    Are the borders even open to WA yet? or is old mate still there at the border with his pitchfork screaming at everyone to get out

  • nedski on 02/03/2022 - 11:01
    +6

    Kings Park is nice and not far from CBD. Obviously its free.

    Man I miss Perth.

    • kerfuffle on 02/03/2022 - 12:58

      +1 to Kings Park

  • holdenmg on 02/03/2022 - 11:18

    Hi,

    Check out Free Transit Zones and CAT Buses
    https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Tickets-Fares/Free-Travel

  • bitesized on 02/03/2022 - 12:13
    +2

    Highly recommend staying overnight at Rottnest! Then you won't have to rush all day, and can enjoy both the sunset and sunrise!

    • M00Cow on 02/03/2022 - 22:59

      Cheers, I did look, but $650/night for a tent seems a bit rich.

  • Ehty on 02/03/2022 - 12:15

    7 nights in CBD?

    • JimmyF on 02/03/2022 - 13:12

      7 nights in CBD?

      Clearly they are confused with cities that have stuff to do in the CBD. I got caught out staying in the Sydney CBD thinking it was like the Melbourne CBD, what a shock I was in for when it came time to find food and everything was closed!

  • Drakesy on 02/03/2022 - 12:25
    +1

    I'd definitely suggest driving down south and looking at busselton/dunsborough.
    Rotto is great for a couple of nights, endless beaches to look at/snorkel, although the weather will be cool.

    As far as sunsets, anywhere along the coast, city beach, cottesloe etc.

    Best Fish and Chips at Cicerellos in Fremantle on the dock.

    Public transport has come down a lot in price as Mcgowan brought in capped tickets so i wouldn't be surprised if that was the price.

  • happydude on 02/03/2022 - 12:52
    +6

    Is it possible to get cheap tickets to the Zoo?

    There are deals that float around but it is government owned so it doesn't do too many. Always pressure hotel concierges.

    Public Transport, is the "FamilyRider" $9.80 ticket for 2 adults & 2 kids? (It seems to be the same price as a single DayRider).

    Up to 5 kids. It is time restricted so they aren't exactly the same as the DayRider. Can only purchase after 9am during school holidays from memory. Any time on weekends/PH.

    Perth also has the best CAT bus network. If getting around the CBD don't pay when you don't have to.

    Rottnest Island, Rottenest Express are doing a family return for $138 (telethon discount) from Freo, which seems cheap. What about bicycle hire? The ferry company charges $31/adult & $17/kid, can you get it cheaper in the island? I assume over Easter Weekend, it'll be mad busy.

    That will be your best price. Definitely do it. Leaving from the City makes it a longer trip but they do tell you about some of the sights along the river. If you want to skip that get the train to Fremantle and book the ferry from B Shed…. Not Northport!

    If not going on a Telethon Day also look at SeaLink. Book 5 days early and get 20% off is the current promo. Both carriers say kids are "free" for travel but there is a hidden island entry fee built into the tickets that you pay for so just make sure you have clicked though to the final screen and that is the price when comparing.

    Peddle and Flipper is the name of the bike hire on the island and I would recommend you go through them. The Rottenest Express bikes are kept in Fremantle and get drenched in salt water every day on the way over. Price aside, the island bikes are way better.

    Are there any good vantage points (hills/mountains) to look over Perth & surroundings?

    Kings Park. Also get the Transperth ferry to South Perth from Elizabeth Quay (8 minutes). It's included in the Family Rider. Ferry is also the best way to get to the Zoo from the CBD.

    Perth only has one Transperth ferry that only goes over the other side of the river and back. You can't get lost. This is best around twilight hours.

    Lastly sunsets, where's good spots to watch the sunset over the ocean & have a drink? (BYO of course), I've got the final 3 nights accom to book, so I thought maybe somewhere near a beach to chill. So suggestions would be appreciated.

    I would avoid Scarborough with kids. Can get a bit rough later on but it does have the best play ground. City Beach is popular (Public Transport sucks from the city though) as is Cottesloe (good for public transport).

    I would go for Fremantle for the last few nights. Bathers Beach would be where to watch the sunset. There is a nice grassed area if you want to picnic.

    Also check out the Round House which is near Bathers Beach. They fire a cannon each day @ 1pm. Chat to the volunteer guide before hand, tell them your story and our special it is to be here because its your birthday or something and they will let you fire it.

    Other things:
    * I find the Perth Mint Tour really interesting.
    * The new Perth Museum is great.
    * Note there are 2 maritime Museum's in Fremantle. The free/donation one is called the Shipwreck Museum. The other is good but more expensive than it should be but the submarine tour is pretty cool.
    * Fremantle Jail - Depending on the age of the kids, do the night ghost tour.

    • kerfuffle on 02/03/2022 - 12:59

      +1 to the Perth Mint tour. Very enjoyable

    • M00Cow on 03/03/2022 - 16:48

      Excellent, i forgot about The Mint.. I'll tell the kids they make Robux there.

  • whitelie on 02/03/2022 - 12:59
    +1

    Will you have a car or relying on public transport?
    Most places in Perth aren't much of a drive but public transport is pretty average IMO. Cheap to get around now with the 2 zone price cap but might be better off catching the train for the bulk and then Uber the rest. Family Rider (2 adults, 5 kids/concession) has some restrictions on times of travel, Dayrider is for 1 person but anytime travel.

    Lookouts, Kingspark overlooks the city, if you've got a car, you could head out to the Zig Zag for a view from the hills back towards the city. Closes at night as it used to attract a lot of unwanted crowds but is a great view of the city and stars.

    Up and down the coast is good for fish and chips on the beach watching the sunset. Fremantle, Cottesloe, City Beach, Scarborough, Trigg, Hillary's are all popular spots. Most have grassed or sealed areas you can have a picnic or whatever on if you don't want to sit in/on the sand.

    If you're in to swimming, the Omeo wreck is pretty close to shore, not far from Freo and makes for good snorkelling (Rottnest is also very good for this).

  • happydude on 02/03/2022 - 13:05
    +1

    How old are the kids?

    • M00Cow on 03/03/2022 - 16:47

      8 & 10

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