Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Directory A-Z
Accommodation
Accommodation in Western Australia ranges from camping grounds to high-end hotels. Perth's accommodation is gener-
ally more expensive, although Margaret River, Broome, the Coral Coast and Pilbara mining towns come very close. For
simplicity, reviews in this topic use the same price categories throughout the state.
Over summer (December to February) and around school and public holidays, prices are at their highest. Outside these
times discounts and lower walk-in rates can be found. One exception is the far north, where the wet season (November to
March) is the low season and prices can drop by as much as 50%.
Accommodation in the Pilbara can be hard to find, due to the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining phenomenon. Camping is
often the best option.
BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out
http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com
. You'll find
independent reviews, as well as recommendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you can book online.
B&Bs
Bed and breakfast (B&B) options range from rooms in heritage buildings to a bedroom in a family home. A full cooked
breakfast is not the norm. Tariffs for couples are typically in the $150 to $250 range but can be much higher for exclusive
properties. For online information, try
www.australianbedandbreakfast.com.au
,
www.babs.com.au
or
Camping & Caravan Parks
For many travellers, touring with a tent or campervan is the consummate WA experience. In the outback and up north you
often won't even need a tent. Check with visitor centres before heading out to confirm locations of free roadside stops.
Many stops have been phased out immediately north of Perth but are more frequent further away from the city.
Designated camp sites in national parks cost $7/2 per adult/child with no or basic facilities. Sites with showers (includ-
ing unpowered caravan sites) cost $9/2. You'll also need to pay entrance fees for many national parks, but only when you
enter the park. If you're exploring several parks, pick up a four-week national-park holiday pass ($40). Some national-
park camp sites can be booked online. See
www.dec.wa.gov.au/campgrounds
.
At WA's ubiquitous holiday parks, prices for two people range from $25 (unpowered tent sites) to $40 (powered cara-
van sites). Many caravan parks are phasing out unpowered sites because they are less profitable. Most holiday parks offer
accommodation, from simple chalets to flasher motel units.
Pick up the free
Caravanning, Camping and Motorhoming in WA
at visitor centres or see
www.caravanwa.com.au
.
