We are on our Big Lap this year and we have just arrived in Perth a few days ago and we read in the Newspapers and see in the media that the WA government is concerned about the lack of tourism and in particular from the Eastern States. The government is now working hard to attract both interstate visitors and International visitors. They are so serious about this problem that they have convinced Qantas to introduce direct flights from Perth to the UK and visa versa for starters.
Well if any politican is reading this or anyone has any connection with a WA politician then please give them this advice ..... lower your prices! Whilst I am extremely fortunate as a self funded military retiree to not have to watch my spending too closely the prices since we have moved into WA are astounding. Perth is particularly expensive for most things. Diesel fuel is currently $1.43 per litre. We were in Margaret River a week ago and Diesel was $1.47. Just down the road at Augusta it was $1.34. Perth CBD and immediate surrounds charge $2.80 per hour for parking...no refunds and you either pay it or there is nowhere else to park. This is 7 days a week. We went to the Perth Markets this morning and they charged us $1 each to get through the gate. To visit Rottness Island on the ferry from Fremantle will cost us $67 each and get this....$18 of that is an entrance fee to Rottness Island. In comparison, to visit Magnetic Island from Townsville will cost you $26 each, no entrance fee to Magnetic Island. Overall the Caravan Park fees are higher here than the East of Australia. I shudder to think of the prices as we head up the West Coast.
My point here is if the government is wondering why the tourism industry is the lowest in the country it is because you are charging an arm and a leg for just about everything.
Having said all this....WA has some awesome tourist opportunities with their magnificent coastlines, wineries, beaches etc. Lower you costs and they will come lol.
I wonder what others think who have visited WA?
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:34:42 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:37:58 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 10:56:57 PM
Santa said
10:04 PM Mar 25, 2018
We found the same a couple of years back, got sick to death of being ripped of, lesson learned.
cjt55 said
11:07 PM Mar 25, 2018
Hi Santa. Thanks for your reply. There are many many places throughout Australia that we will visit over and over again. Our trip to WA we will do well .....BUT only once!!!! ......there I believe is the problem the WA Government needs to look at. Word of mouth is everything. If it is worthwhile visiting then people will come back again and again.
goannaway said
12:12 AM Mar 26, 2018
you hit the nail right on the head, WA is not the place to travel around more than once and even then prepare to have an empty wallet. Anywhere on the coast is very expensive and it seems that all they are interested in is your money. If you can travel inland as the Country people are the best just like over East, very welcoming and the caravan parks are pretty cheap and you can find some good free camps and I mean free. I will say that some councils near and on the coast don't want you unless you are fully self contained, ( dont need water,power, hold your toilet waste and have a toxic water tank). most people I talk to that are from the Eastern States tell me that the trip is once only and hopefully they will be able to see a lot before lack of cash drives them back to South Australia. I will mention I am from WA and yes I am in agreement with what they tell me. I do a lot of travelling over the border too.
Tony Bev said
12:25 AM Mar 26, 2018
cjt55 wrote:
We are on our Big Lap this year and we have just arrived in Perth a few days ago and we read in the Newspapers and see in the media that the WA government is concerned about the lack of tourism and in particular from the Eastern States. The government is now working hard to attract both interstate visitors and International visitors. They are so serious about this problem that they have convinced Qantas to introduce direct flights from Perth to the UK and visa versa for starters.
Well if any politican is reading this or anyone has any connection with a WA politician then please give them this advice ..... lower your prices! Whilst I am extremely fortunate as a self funded military retiree to not have to watch my spending too closely the prices since we have moved into WA are astounding. Perth is particularly expensive for most things. Diesel fuel is currently $1.43 per litre. We were in Margaret River a week ago and Diesel was $1.47. Just down the road at Augusta it was $1.34. Perth CBD and immediate surrounds charge $2.80 per hour for parking...no refunds and you either pay it or there is nowhere else to park. This is 7 days a week. We went to the Perth Markets this morning and they charged us $1 each to get through the gate. To visit Rottness Island on the ferry from Fremantle will cost us $67 each and get this....$18 of that is an entrance fee to Rottness Island. In comparison, to visit Magnetic Island from Townsville will cost you $26 each, no entrance fee to Magnetic Island. Overall the Caravan Park fees are higher here than the East of Australia. I shudder to think of the prices as we head up the West Coast.
My point here is if the government is wondering why the tourism industry is the lowest in the country it is because you are charging an arm and a leg for just about everything.
Having said all this....WA has some awesome tourist opportunities with their magnificent coastlines, wineries, beaches etc. Lower you costs and they will come lol.
I wonder what others think who have visited WA?
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:34:42 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:37:58 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 10:56:57 PM
Agree cjt55
And I live in the south west of WA
The populated areas of WA have none, to very few, free camps, we are probably on par with the populated areas of the east coast
The free camps are mainly around the very small towns
Out on the highway there are plenty od free camps
IAN zzz said
01:21 AM Mar 26, 2018
I guess it very much depends on where you want to stay. I've been on the road full time for the last several years. 90% of the time in WA. Believe it or not, I have NEVER stayed in a CP. The ONLY time I have actually paid to camp has been in National Parks. Having said that, I have never had any trouble finding free camping spots inland. There are also opportunities to find "off the beaten track" coastal spots between Port Hedland and Broome.
Lately, I've been within a few hours of Perth for family reasons, and I do agree most things are expensive.
The fuel God usually smiles on Mondays in Perth :)
mezza56 said
08:27 AM Mar 26, 2018
OK Cjt see how much it concerns you heres the man , voice ur concerns. tell us if you get a response
Minister.Papalia@dpc.wa.gov.au
Minister for tourism
-- Edited by mezza56 on Monday 26th of March 2018 08:27:44 AM
cjt55 said
09:47 AM Mar 26, 2018
Hi mezza56. Yes I certainly will send him an email. It will be interesting if I get a response.
leajoy said
09:47 AM Mar 26, 2018
We have travelled to WA for the last 2 years for the winter. The first year we concentrated on the Kimberly and then unfortunately had to come home for family reasons. So last year, depite the expense we returned to finish off what we missed. We did find in parts it to be expensive but away from major towns there is planty of free camping and WA so the National Parks extremely well and very well priced. As we know it is a large state and fuel costs are high driven by mining. We still found plenty of low or nil cost things to do. We missed Perth and had a house sit in Busselton which allowed us to explore the southern end much more cheaply. We talked to lots of WA people and we get the impression they dont really care if we come over or not and many of them say it is too far and expensive to go east. We loved WA but may not ever return.....for the cost of doing so and the distances required to see it all.
Ge said
10:13 AM Mar 26, 2018
It's not expensive if your local and know where to go, thing is these invaders from the east are still in orr as once they pass the sign saying " W.A " it hits em that they have just entered the promised land. Maybe we are just getting some of our GST back and the other after all we did support the you all (except QL for years ) with our iron orr. Ha Ha Ha revenge is sweet.
Oh btw we are going to Sydney for Easter family reasons, Heather hate's leaving our city (pop 400 ) for the smog and the crowds ect but don't worry we are not staying.
no no
-- Edited by Ge on Monday 26th of March 2018 10:18:44 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
10:25 AM Mar 26, 2018
YES . Free camping in WA is where we really started F camping . I didnât think station stays where any good . Once I finally did . $12 or so a day is fantastic., places like Monkey Mia have you entrapped . But I guess out in the sticks ? You get that anywhere .,?? Yes I would do that lap again in a heart beat !! Just convincing my navigator !! Lol
jules47 said
10:51 AM Mar 26, 2018
I love WA - think our last time (2017) was the fourth time we have been over there. We mainly free camp, but some good places have donation or minimal cost. We spend our money in the towns, we tow a very economical small car, which saves us a lot on fuel when sightseeing. Have some very good friends over there who allow us to park up at their places, which we appreciate immensely - Hi to Sue, Phil, Tracey, Mark and Cathy - National Parks are only $7 ea per nigh for pensioners, Yanchep is one of our favourites, especially if we are heading into Perth.
The supermarkets are supermarkets - not there to help us save money. Fuel - well it is a rolling dice what price you get anywhere in this country - there is a difference of about 5c between two garages where we are now, and as we use the small car mostly, just move the MH to a new location, our fuel bills are not that bad.
I have found the people lovely everywhere we go in WA - helpful and very proud of their state. The big tourist places, no matter where you go are always priced high, even with the concession card, all over this country - I love the openness of the Pilbara, the colours of the mountains, the history of the place, and the weather.
Hi everyone. Thanks for your comments. I too free camp as much as I can too. My post is not a complaint and I too have found the people of WA to be very nice.
My post was just in reaction to the newspapers and reporting on TV after we arrived in Perth thag the government is concerned about the decline in tourism in this state. They also mentioned all us travellers in their comments.
Happy and safe travels everyone.
jules47 said
12:51 PM Mar 26, 2018
Same to you guys - enjoy your travels - are you heading up the west coast - Lake Indoon is a great spot to camp, flushing toilets, cold showers, rubbish bins, bbq and shelter - south of Geraldton.
TheHeaths said
12:59 PM Mar 26, 2018
I must say that apart from cost of caravan parks in the Kimberley area, I don't think WA is much different to most of remote Australia cost wise.
I think people forget that the state is the equivalent of 3 states on the East coast, and with the blame spread evenly between the 3 of them, they appear to be cheaper. That said WA is also much larger in and of itself, so is going to have some very specific and higher costs of getting things around, especially to remoter regions.
Fuels are to my way of thinking no dearer than they are in country SA, Qld, NSW or NT, and food is also similar, at least where we have shopped.
In fact, after spending 5 months, in 2 trips over August - October 2015, and June to September 2016 in WA, our "budget" cost per kilometre of travel was the same as we spent in NT, NSW and QLD. It still worked out around the $1/km, with the difference being the higher distances.
Don't let the cost put you off anyone, just go and enjoy some great places.
PS I agree that those coming from the West to the East probably see the same higher costs as they experience the distances in reverse!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 26th of March 2018 01:02:05 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
01:01 PM Mar 26, 2018
For the nomads who have done WA more than once . Did you find it better? The second or third time ? Going different places. Knowing & understanding the mass, distances . Especially for this old Kiwi ., lol
Bryan said
02:43 PM Mar 26, 2018
Funny that. I read an article last week, some 2018 survey that tabled the 10 most expensive cities in the world to live in, Sydney is the second and Melbourne was fifth. No other Australian city made the top 10.
jules47 said
04:07 PM Mar 26, 2018
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
For the nomads who have done WA more than once . Did you find it better? The second or third time ? Going different places. Knowing & understanding the mass, distances . Especially for this old Kiwi ., lol
hi AK - the first time was in 2005, and it was pretty scary at times - not that we were scared of anything - just the SIZE OF THE PLACE!!!!! But we loved it - every bit of it we saw - loved 40 Mile Beach Camp, absolutely beautiful, and lovely people. Broome - stayed at the Rifle Club which was great - thought it was all a bit overrated, Monkey Mia - actually touched a dolphin - so great. We did something like 20,000km - and fuel in our Nissan Terrano was under $4000.- climbed Uluru when it wasn't such a bad thing to do - swam on Ningaloo Reef - basically we did everything we could.
Always wanted to do it again.
Next time was 3-4 years ago - so a long time - with Billy - saw so much, but no offroad stuff because we were in the motorhome - but we did heaps - flew over Lake Argyle - New Norcia - rode bikes around Uluru, saw a huge herd of camels at Finke River in NT - and so much more - still travelling - haven't finished yet - not sure ever will.
So it was better, because we had both done it before,, the vastness didn't worry us, we had gotten used to it, we love crossing, the Nullarbor is a breeze. Hope to do it again soon. If you are well set up, understand how everything works, take it easy, if you want to stay another day at a great spot - we did that at one spot for five days
Loved WA for holidays as with any part of Australia. My first time to WA was in 1976 I think it was. That was on an organized safari type tent, coach tour from Qld to the bottom corner of WA. We only went as far north as Yanchep National Park. The thing I remember about Yanchep was the black swans. The road across the Nullabor was dirt. The cliffs were fantastic and they still are and you then could walk anywhere along the cliffs. Also remembered the Cat and the Fiddle arcade in Perth, King's park and going up in one of the tall buildings to an observation deck for sites and photos. Hubby went the same year but at a different time and we were still to meet. Next time was in early 1980's. Now married and I too was a South Australian. This time we had 2 months and a Kombie Camper. I had to give up work so I could go. We stayed in CPs this whole trip. Don't remember thinking anything was over priced. Lots of lookout signs to the cliffs along the highway across the Nullabor so we went to all of them. The cliffs amaze me no end. A lot of the touristy things on this trip were no longer there when we next went in 2015. El Cabello Blanca is now a resort, back then it was the home of the dancing horses and the show was superb. York held the then annual historic street sprints. Never had seen anything like that before and the motor museum was terrific. Beverley had the big machinery/tractor museum. WOW. Up north a lot of the roads were dirt and sign posting in some places were non existent. I remember driving into Chitchester NP and towing someone out of the sand. In the Kimberleys we stayed in the CP at Wittenoom and you drove right up the gorge to the mine. Wittenoom then consisted of the CP, a servo, a store and streets and streets of house frames (always regretted not taking a photo if anyone has one) as the asbestos cladding had been removed but the frames still remained. A fierce electrical storm occurred whilst we stayed there over night. The guys on the motorbikes camped close by spent a fair bit of the night sheltered in the loos. We stumbled into Tunnel Creek and Winjanna Gorge. We didn't know they existed. Like I said signs were few and far between and we'd get to a corner and basically toss a coin to see if we went right or left. All the gorges were beautiful. Not much in barriers and designated walkways. We were a lot younger and fitter then. The Kombie got us to a lot of places and not one flat tyre that whole trip. In 2015 we had the motorhome in my avatar and it was great to free camp as much as possible. Hubby had retired. We now lived in Qld and had 3 1/2 months. The Nullabor road is so much better. Lookouts are designated and fenced and tourist information boards tell the story of an area and some places are more touristy and you have to pay to get to see these places. I don't begrudge this as with more people out and about places need to be cared for. Fuel prices as others have said fluctuate and we are willing to pay. No choice anyway when you need it. When we need to ot feel like it, we usually stay in the cheaper CPs/showgrounds, NPs as we don't need too much in amenities. I felt travelling in and around Fremantle and Perth was cheap. We stayed at a CP in Fremantle. Walked to the free bus stop closest to the park and that bus took you into Fremantle CBD/the docks and around the city. Cost nothing like I said. When going into Perth we again took the free bus to the Fremantle train station and it was only a couple dollars to catch a train to Perth then we again hopped onto the free buses. There was a red, blue and yellow route and we travelled the whole lot over a couple of days. A free city walking tour. A cheap bus to King's park. Went to Rottnest Island on cheap Tuesday.
This trip, we didn't see some of the places we saw in the past as the motorhome could not travel to some of the places we saw in the Kombie but we saw other places instead, did other things. Would we go again, you bet. Places are always evolving, nothing stays the same forever and neither do we. I can't get around like I used to do even back in 2015 so that also changes our spending habits. A trip/holiday can be very expensive or fairly cheap depending how you like to travel. Cheers.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 26th of March 2018 06:15:13 PM
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 26th of March 2018 06:25:11 PM
jules47 said
08:13 PM Mar 26, 2018
Spot on Gaylehere - you make it fit your budget, sit and wait for the next payment - pick a good spot, how hard to sit watching birds on a lake, or the waves at the ocean, or a beautiful place surrounded by trees - easy to take, I think.
brickies said
08:35 PM Mar 26, 2018
It's sad having spent all that time in the military and not get a military penison and have to be self funded
moamajohn said
09:13 PM Mar 26, 2018
Jeeze Jules thats a magnificent photo ! Me thinks its time to put the pennies away for a big trip you make it sound very attractive .Cheers.
Moonraker said
12:49 AM Mar 27, 2018
The two things that are expensive in WA is time and the quantity of diesel you need to see it. Its such a big place obviously.
And dont expect to see anything by just staying the whole way round on Route 1. I think those who say "nothing to see" or boring are those who never ventured off route1. I met one person who did exactly that.
I said goodday, how you going. Having met in an overnight rest area early one morning while taking the dog for his first walk of the day. This person was taking a photo of the sun rise. Turns out he had lots of photos of sun rises and sun sets, yes, Route 1 was a featured in all of them. I asked "where are you heading", "down to Perth he said". Me, "any stops on the way". Him, "no nothing on the map". Me, "well you could go have a look in at Shake Bay, that is a right turn about 50 kms down the road". Him, "how far is it from the turn off into shark bay". Me "about 150kms", Him, "thats too far for me"!
But how far had he travelled to get where we were? 2000 or 3000kms and more. He was from Victoria, I think headed up to Darwin then around WA to Perth the across back to Vic. I would find that boring too!
Hewy54 said
04:59 AM Mar 27, 2018
Agree with Moonraker.
It is not the price of the diesel, it is the amount that you use to see such a big state.
Just spent 3 weeks in Victoria and only did 2,500 km for the time, fuel was about $1.40 in most places.
Been to WA 3 times so far.
First trip was 8 weeks to go to Darwin them the loop down GRR then back up trough Fitzroy Crossing
Second was through the Pilbara then down the bottom part of the coast for 8 weeks.
Third trip was the Top of the Kimberlies again for 6 weeks.
Now that we are retired we are off again for 12 weeks to look at the Kimberlies again to try to get to the places we missed on the first two trips.
Next trip will be to Ningaloo reef again, then the trip after will be the south west area that we have hardly seen.
So much to see over there, and we do not find it expensive.
Relax-n said
09:35 AM Mar 27, 2018
Our trip (half lap) was just shy of six mths, three and a half of those in WA. Loved it and will go back. We missed some parts with the intention to see on the next trip.
Yes it is a big place, you only have to look at a map of Oz to see that!!
We found a lot of places priced over "over the top", so we moved on. Disappointed that a lot of places were not accessible for us, due to road conditions or our van size.
But it was still very enjoyable.
Prices for things can be compared to any where, from KI to Darwin or to NZ. If you are that concerned, or scared, of the dollar factor while travelling, do research before you go anywhere, and plan your trip around what you can afford. Mmmmm, maybe just opened a can of worms!
Our fuel economy was checked for the first two weeks so we could plan ahead on how far between necessary fuel stops. everything else is "part of the travel experience"
From what we have heard from other travelers we met along the way, the east coast can be very expensive also. It is really a matter of what you wish to see and do, and if it costs too much to so something, walk away and find a nice park for a home made picnic, or a coast to wander a look for shells (not that you have to collect any).
For those lucky enough, life is about choices and what we do with them. I think those that are lucky enough to be able to travel and enjoy our great land need to enjoy it within their own capabilities, and share experiences with others, good and bad.
Our trip (half lap) was just shy of six mths, three and a half of those in WA. Loved it and will go back. We missed some parts with the intention to see on the next trip.
Yes it is a big place, you only have to look at a map of Oz to see that!!
We found a lot of places priced over "over the top", so we moved on. Disappointed that a lot of places were not accessible for us, due to road conditions or our van size.
But it was still very enjoyable.
Prices for things can be compared to any where, from KI to Darwin or to NZ. If you are that concerned, or scared, of the dollar factor while travelling, do research before you go anywhere, and plan your trip around what you can afford. Mmmmm, maybe just opened a can of worms!
Our fuel economy was checked for the first two weeks so we could plan ahead on how far between necessary fuel stops. everything else is "part of the travel experience"
From what we have heard from other travelers we met along the way, the east coast can be very expensive also. It is really a matter of what you wish to see and do, and if it costs too much to so something, walk away and find a nice park for a home made picnic, or a coast to wander a look for shells (not that you have to collect any).
For those lucky enough, life is about choices and what we do with them. I think those that are lucky enough to be able to travel and enjoy our great land need to enjoy it within their own capabilities, and share experiences with others, good and bad.
WA, 'til we meet again, ta ta !!
That's what we like about lots of WA!
deverall11 said
10:37 AM Mar 27, 2018
WA use to be quite affordable until the mining boom. Because of the big wages 'miners' were paid prices went up. Some things went up because these miners would pay without questioning (ie they were paid too much), some things went up because they all thought everyone was earning the same bucks. Now it has become a place you go to with financial caution. Larry
PS Margaret River has become the place to be seen having a latte or tasting wine.
-- Edited by deverall11 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 10:38:51 AM
jules47 said
11:31 AM Mar 27, 2018
Hey Alana - how are you two going? Travelling still? We are in Victoria, leaving next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Where is that photo you put up? I seem to know it, but can't place it? Would it be Ceduna?
Bagmaker said
12:27 PM Mar 27, 2018
Perhaps the gummint could remove some tariffs on fuel specifically for travellers.
Messing with the natural supply and demand of typical tourism area's might have unknown concequences but a fuel rebate would be target specific surely?
Relax-n said
01:58 PM Mar 27, 2018
jules47 wrote:
Hey Alana - how are you two going? Travelling still? We are in Victoria, leaving next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Where is that photo you put up? I seem to know it, but can't place it? Would it be Ceduna?
Hi Jules. Did a short stint to the Eyre Peninsula. Off bush for a little while for Easter (starting SA side of Broken Hill) and beyond, ending up at Crystal Brook SA for a RFDS fundraiser, only 2-3 wks away though. Want to go somewhere after that but not sure where at the moment.
Pic is at Dampier, some coconuts were ripe, a few fell while we were there, but not quick enough to grab them, others got there first.
Which way you heading? moving north to get out of the weather? as it gets colder from here on in.....
We are on our Big Lap this year and we have just arrived in Perth a few days ago and we read in the Newspapers and see in the media that the WA government is concerned about the lack of tourism and in particular from the Eastern States. The government is now working hard to attract both interstate visitors and International visitors. They are so serious about this problem that they have convinced Qantas to introduce direct flights from Perth to the UK and visa versa for starters.
Well if any politican is reading this or anyone has any connection with a WA politician then please give them this advice ..... lower your prices! Whilst I am extremely fortunate as a self funded military retiree to not have to watch my spending too closely the prices since we have moved into WA are astounding. Perth is particularly expensive for most things. Diesel fuel is currently $1.43 per litre. We were in Margaret River a week ago and Diesel was $1.47. Just down the road at Augusta it was $1.34. Perth CBD and immediate surrounds charge $2.80 per hour for parking...no refunds and you either pay it or there is nowhere else to park. This is 7 days a week. We went to the Perth Markets this morning and they charged us $1 each to get through the gate. To visit Rottness Island on the ferry from Fremantle will cost us $67 each and get this....$18 of that is an entrance fee to Rottness Island. In comparison, to visit Magnetic Island from Townsville will cost you $26 each, no entrance fee to Magnetic Island. Overall the Caravan Park fees are higher here than the East of Australia. I shudder to think of the prices as we head up the West Coast.
My point here is if the government is wondering why the tourism industry is the lowest in the country it is because you are charging an arm and a leg for just about everything.
Having said all this....WA has some awesome tourist opportunities with their magnificent coastlines, wineries, beaches etc. Lower you costs and they will come lol.
I wonder what others think who have visited WA?
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:34:42 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 09:37:58 PM
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 25th of March 2018 10:56:57 PM
We found the same a couple of years back, got sick to death of being ripped of, lesson learned.
Agree cjt55
And I live in the south west of WA
The populated areas of WA have none, to very few, free camps, we are probably on par with the populated areas of the east coast
The free camps are mainly around the very small towns
Out on the highway there are plenty od free camps
Lately, I've been within a few hours of Perth for family reasons, and I do agree most things are expensive.
The fuel God usually smiles on Mondays in Perth :)
OK Cjt see how much it concerns you heres the man , voice ur concerns. tell us if you get a response
Minister.Papalia@dpc.wa.gov.au
Minister for tourism
-- Edited by mezza56 on Monday 26th of March 2018 08:27:44 AM
It's not expensive if your local and know where to go, thing is these invaders from the east are still in orr as once they pass the sign saying " W.A " it hits em that they have just entered the promised land. Maybe we are just getting some of our GST back and the other after all we did support the you all (except QL for years ) with our iron orr.
Ha Ha Ha revenge is sweet.
Oh btw we are going to Sydney for Easter family reasons, Heather hate's leaving our city (pop 400 ) for the smog and the crowds ect but don't worry we are not staying.
-- Edited by Ge on Monday 26th of March 2018 10:18:44 AM
I love WA - think our last time (2017) was the fourth time we have been over there. We mainly free camp, but some good places have donation or minimal cost. We spend our money in the towns, we tow a very economical small car, which saves us a lot on fuel when sightseeing. Have some very good friends over there who allow us to park up at their places, which we appreciate immensely - Hi to Sue, Phil, Tracey, Mark and Cathy - National Parks are only $7 ea per nigh for pensioners, Yanchep is one of our favourites, especially if we are heading into Perth.
The supermarkets are supermarkets - not there to help us save money. Fuel - well it is a rolling dice what price you get anywhere in this country - there is a difference of about 5c between two garages where we are now, and as we use the small car mostly, just move the MH to a new location, our fuel bills are not that bad.
I have found the people lovely everywhere we go in WA - helpful and very proud of their state. The big tourist places, no matter where you go are always priced high, even with the concession card, all over this country - I love the openness of the Pilbara, the colours of the mountains, the history of the place, and the weather.
And the sunsets - just WOW!
My post was just in reaction to the newspapers and reporting on TV after we arrived in Perth thag the government is concerned about the decline in tourism in this state. They also mentioned all us travellers in their comments.
Happy and safe travels everyone.
I must say that apart from cost of caravan parks in the Kimberley area, I don't think WA is much different to most of remote Australia cost wise.
I think people forget that the state is the equivalent of 3 states on the East coast, and with the blame spread evenly between the 3 of them, they appear to be cheaper. That said WA is also much larger in and of itself, so is going to have some very specific and higher costs of getting things around, especially to remoter regions.
Fuels are to my way of thinking no dearer than they are in country SA, Qld, NSW or NT, and food is also similar, at least where we have shopped.
In fact, after spending 5 months, in 2 trips over August - October 2015, and June to September 2016 in WA, our "budget" cost per kilometre of travel was the same as we spent in NT, NSW and QLD. It still worked out around the $1/km, with the difference being the higher distances.
Don't let the cost put you off anyone, just go and enjoy some great places.
PS I agree that those coming from the West to the East probably see the same higher costs as they experience the distances in reverse!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 26th of March 2018 01:02:05 PM
Funny that. I read an article last week, some 2018 survey that tabled the 10 most expensive cities in the world to live in, Sydney is the second and Melbourne was fifth. No other Australian city made the top 10.
hi AK - the first time was in 2005, and it was pretty scary at times - not that we were scared of anything - just the SIZE OF THE PLACE!!!!! But we loved it - every bit of it we saw - loved 40 Mile Beach Camp, absolutely beautiful, and lovely people. Broome - stayed at the Rifle Club which was great - thought it was all a bit overrated, Monkey Mia - actually touched a dolphin - so great. We did something like 20,000km - and fuel in our Nissan Terrano was under $4000.- climbed Uluru when it wasn't such a bad thing to do - swam on Ningaloo Reef - basically we did everything we could.
Always wanted to do it again.
Next time was 3-4 years ago - so a long time - with Billy - saw so much, but no offroad stuff because we were in the motorhome - but we did heaps - flew over Lake Argyle - New Norcia - rode bikes around Uluru, saw a huge herd of camels at Finke River in NT - and so much more - still travelling - haven't finished yet - not sure ever will.
So it was better, because we had both done it before,, the vastness didn't worry us, we had gotten used to it, we love crossing, the Nullarbor is a breeze. Hope to do it again soon. If you are well set up, understand how everything works, take it easy, if you want to stay another day at a great spot - we did that at one spot for five days
Purnurlulu -
Hi also to AK and Jules,
Loved WA for holidays as with any part of Australia. My first time to WA was in 1976 I think it was. That was on an organized safari type tent, coach tour from Qld to the bottom corner of WA. We only went as far north as Yanchep National Park. The thing I remember about Yanchep was the black swans. The road across the Nullabor was dirt. The cliffs were fantastic and they still are and you then could walk anywhere along the cliffs. Also remembered the Cat and the Fiddle arcade in Perth, King's park and going up in one of the tall buildings to an observation deck for sites and photos. Hubby went the same year but at a different time and we were still to meet. Next time was in early 1980's. Now married and I too was a South Australian. This time we had 2 months and a Kombie Camper. I had to give up work so I could go. We stayed in CPs this whole trip. Don't remember thinking anything was over priced. Lots of lookout signs to the cliffs along the highway across the Nullabor so we went to all of them. The cliffs amaze me no end. A lot of the touristy things on this trip were no longer there when we next went in 2015. El Cabello Blanca is now a resort, back then it was the home of the dancing horses and the show was superb. York held the then annual historic street sprints. Never had seen anything like that before and the motor museum was terrific. Beverley had the big machinery/tractor museum. WOW. Up north a lot of the roads were dirt and sign posting in some places were non existent. I remember driving into Chitchester NP and towing someone out of the sand. In the Kimberleys we stayed in the CP at Wittenoom and you drove right up the gorge to the mine. Wittenoom then consisted of the CP, a servo, a store and streets and streets of house frames (always regretted not taking a photo if anyone has one) as the asbestos cladding had been removed but the frames still remained. A fierce electrical storm occurred whilst we stayed there over night. The guys on the motorbikes camped close by spent a fair bit of the night sheltered in the loos. We stumbled into Tunnel Creek and Winjanna Gorge. We didn't know they existed. Like I said signs were few and far between and we'd get to a corner and basically toss a coin to see if we went right or left.
All the gorges were beautiful. Not much in barriers and designated walkways. We were a lot younger and fitter then. The Kombie got us to a lot of places and not one flat tyre that whole trip. In 2015 we had the motorhome in my avatar and it was great to free camp as much as possible. Hubby had retired. We now lived in Qld and had 3 1/2 months. The Nullabor road is so much better. Lookouts are designated and fenced and tourist information boards tell the story of an area and some places are more touristy and you have to pay to get to see these places. I don't begrudge this as with more people out and about places need to be cared for. Fuel prices as others have said fluctuate and we are willing to pay. No choice anyway when you need it. When we need to ot feel like it, we usually stay in the cheaper CPs/showgrounds, NPs as we don't need too much in amenities. I felt travelling in and around Fremantle and Perth was cheap. We stayed at a CP in Fremantle. Walked to the free bus stop closest to the park and that bus took you into Fremantle CBD/the docks and around the city. Cost nothing like I said. When going into Perth we again took the free bus to the Fremantle train station and it was only a couple dollars to catch a train to Perth then we again hopped onto the free buses. There was a red, blue and yellow route and we travelled the whole lot over a couple of days. A free city walking tour. A cheap bus to King's park. Went to Rottnest Island on cheap Tuesday.
This trip, we didn't see some of the places we saw in the past as the motorhome could not travel to some of the places we saw in the Kombie but we saw other places instead, did other things. Would we go again, you bet. Places are always evolving, nothing stays the same forever and neither do we. I can't get around like I used to do even back in 2015 so that also changes our spending habits. A trip/holiday can be very expensive or fairly cheap depending how you like to travel. Cheers.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 26th of March 2018 06:15:13 PM
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 26th of March 2018 06:25:11 PM
And dont expect to see anything by just staying the whole way round on Route 1. I think those who say "nothing to see" or boring are those who never ventured off route1. I met one person who did exactly that.
I said goodday, how you going. Having met in an overnight rest area early one morning while taking the dog for his first walk of the day. This person was taking a photo of the sun rise. Turns out he had lots of photos of sun rises and sun sets, yes, Route 1 was a featured in all of them. I asked "where are you heading", "down to Perth he said". Me, "any stops on the way". Him, "no nothing on the map". Me, "well you could go have a look in at Shake Bay, that is a right turn about 50 kms down the road". Him, "how far is it from the turn off into shark bay". Me "about 150kms", Him, "thats too far for me"!
But how far had he travelled to get where we were? 2000 or 3000kms and more. He was from Victoria, I think headed up to Darwin then around WA to Perth the across back to Vic. I would find that boring too!
It is not the price of the diesel, it is the amount that you use to see such a big state.
Just spent 3 weeks in Victoria and only did 2,500 km for the time, fuel was about $1.40 in most places.
Been to WA 3 times so far.
First trip was 8 weeks to go to Darwin them the loop down GRR then back up trough Fitzroy Crossing
Second was through the Pilbara then down the bottom part of the coast for 8 weeks.
Third trip was the Top of the Kimberlies again for 6 weeks.
Now that we are retired we are off again for 12 weeks to look at the Kimberlies again to try to get to the places we missed on the first two trips.
Next trip will be to Ningaloo reef again, then the trip after will be the south west area that we have hardly seen.
So much to see over there, and we do not find it expensive.
Our trip (half lap) was just shy of six mths, three and a half of those in WA. Loved it and will go back. We missed some parts with the intention to see on the next trip.
Yes it is a big place, you only have to look at a map of Oz to see that!!
We found a lot of places priced over "over the top", so we moved on. Disappointed that a lot of places were not accessible for us, due to road conditions or our van size.
But it was still very enjoyable.
Prices for things can be compared to any where, from KI to Darwin or to NZ. If you are that concerned, or scared, of the dollar factor while travelling, do research before you go anywhere, and plan your trip around what you can afford. Mmmmm, maybe just opened a can of worms!
Our fuel economy was checked for the first two weeks so we could plan ahead on how far between necessary fuel stops. everything else is "part of the travel experience"
From what we have heard from other travelers we met along the way, the east coast can be very expensive also. It is really a matter of what you wish to see and do, and if it costs too much to so something, walk away and find a nice park for a home made picnic, or a coast to wander a look for shells (not that you have to collect any).
For those lucky enough, life is about choices and what we do with them. I think those that are lucky enough to be able to travel and enjoy our great land need to enjoy it within their own capabilities, and share experiences with others, good and bad.
WA, 'til we meet again, ta ta !!
That's what we like about lots of WA!
WA use to be quite affordable until the mining boom. Because of the big wages 'miners' were paid prices went up. Some things went up because these miners would pay without questioning (ie they were paid too much), some things went up because they all thought everyone was earning the same bucks.
Now it has become a place you go to with financial caution.
Larry
PS Margaret River has become the place to be seen having a latte or tasting wine.
-- Edited by deverall11 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 10:38:51 AM
Where is that photo you put up? I seem to know it, but can't place it? Would it be Ceduna?
Messing with the natural supply and demand of typical tourism area's might have unknown concequences but a fuel rebate would be target specific surely?
Hi Jules. Did a short stint to the Eyre Peninsula. Off bush for a little while for Easter (starting SA side of Broken Hill) and beyond, ending up at Crystal Brook SA for a RFDS fundraiser, only 2-3 wks away though. Want to go somewhere after that but not sure where at the moment.
Pic is at Dampier, some coconuts were ripe, a few fell while we were there, but not quick enough to grab them, others got there first.
Which way you heading? moving north to get out of the weather? as it gets colder from here on in.....
You and Billy take care.