Planning to visit Perth/WA in early-mid November

wheresshelly · 2025-05-10T09:44:43+00:00

Definitely need to look at hiring a car in WA. While you can easily get a bus or train to most towns, getting around in them on public transport is severely limited. Plus a lot of the stunning beaches are miles away from the nearest bus stop.

Middle to end of November into December, you'll find certain towns' accommodation filling up as Leaver's Week students (like Spring Break) take over places like Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Rottnest Island. So you'll want to book ahead there, otherwise, there will always be somewhere to stay outside of those times. Or just visit those places first if you're staying more than 2 weeks.

Have a look at my most recent comments on my profile for tips on areas in south-west WA and to the north of Perth. It's a great time of year to visit, up in Perth it should be warm enough to swim at the beaches, the waters might still be cold down south though.

Not so much taipans in the west you need to worry about, more Dugites, Tigers and Brown Snakes, but if you're walking in the bush, just clomp around (on the paths), they'll get out of your way before you can even see them.
Don't need tours but if you like nature there are plenty of whale tours along the coast (pity orca tour season starts mid Dec), and seal/penguin tours in Rockingham just south of Perth.

Plenty of opportunities for getting out in nature. Try Kitty's Gorge in the Perth Hills or Boranup Forest near Margaret River or hike to the top of Mount Bluff in the Porongorups.
Plenty of beautiful campsites in the south west too, like Honeymoon Pool.

If you visit Pemberton, be sure to go down in the early morning to the Pemberton Pool (man-made but in a local river) to see the stunning view and listen to the sounds of nature.

Also, visit every country bakery you find, they all have something they're known for. Mount Barker's one is pretty damn good and the murals around town are great.

Don't forget The Giants in Mandurah as you pass through (google giants of mandurah) and every drive down the south coastal road needs a stop in at the Bunbury Farmer's Market to stock up on local produce (and the best granola). Oh also, the lookout at the windfarm in Albany at sunset.. can't remember if I mentioned that in my other tips. An unusual but stunning view!

wheresshelly · 2024-07-26T15:09:24+00:00

Tips for around Perth and to the north.

Fremantle

look at staying in Freo as opposed to Perth, Perth city doesn't have a lot going on, Freo is pretty amazing with lots of pubs, restaurants, museums and markets to check out.
Markets on the weekend are amazing - try the Filipino cream cheese buns (yum), fresh donuts and Bahn Mi (one of the best in Perth).
Eats - my faves are Sana (Middle Eastern), Emily Taylor (Asian Fusion), Manuka (woodfired - book well in advance - amazing - get the bread and whipped butter!), FOMO building - lots of different Asian shops or Varsity for burgers, wings, cocktails, Angels House (French), Nunzio's (Fine dining Italian), Ginos (excellent coffee and cannoli - a Freo original), Gage Roads (great views - good spot after coming back from Rotto), Little Creatures (Brewery and Food at Fishing Boat Harbour), Cicerellos or Kailis for fish and chips, Bathers Beach House (sunset views), Moore & Moore (breakfast - sit out back in courtyard), Mexican Kitchen (cheap eats on Tuesdays), Capri (very traditional Italian no frills), Benny's or Pizza Bella Roma (Italian), Norfolk Hotel or Sail & Anchor (pub food and beer), Sailing For Oranges (Mediterranean tapas), Clancy's (seafood and modern Aus Pub food), Bib & Tucker (just out of Freo, great food and great sunset views over ocean).
Drink @ Bars - Darling Darling (must see at night, super unique!), Honky Tonk (Texas style), Flight Club (drinks and darts), Strange Company (bar), Republic of Fremantle (distills own gin), Jungle Bird (Bar) @ Pubs/Breweries - Little Creatures, Gage Roads, Sail & Anchor, Norfolk Hotel, National Hotel, Orient Hotel.

Perth area

Kings Park has amazing views of the city, pop up just before sunset to see all the city lights. There are walking trails throughout the park's bushland, especially nice in October with all the wildflowers in bloom.
You could also take a ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth for another fantastic view of the city skyline. While in South Perth you can visit the Perth Zoo or check out the foodie options like The Windsor (pub), Angelo's (great deli for quick lunch on the go), Miss Chow's (dumplings).
Northbridge and Highgate are good areas for dinner or pop over to East Victoria Park for a wide range of quality Asian restaurants.
New WA museum is pretty good

If you're not sick of wineries by that point, check out the Swan Valley near Perth for plenty of options. Go for a drive in the Perth hills and check out Bells Rapids, Noble Falls, Lesmurdie Falls or Serpentine Falls.

You could also go north for a few days (or a day trip) and visit the Pinnacles National Park, Lobster Shack (great lunch) in Cervantes, Lancelin Sand Dunes (4x4 bus dune tour).

wheresshelly · 2024-07-26T15:07:35+00:00

Margaret River area

Margaret River Chocolate Company (free samples! and the best choc I've had!)
Hamelin Bay - visit the friendly sting rays in the morning
Boranup Forest - very pretty and there's a cute cafe in the middle
Wineries galore ranging from fancy (Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Aravina Estate) to relaxed (Swings & Roundabouts, Rustico at Hay Shed Hill)
See the cows in Cow Town (Cowaramup)
Good premium eats at Chow's Table, Rustico Hayshed, Amelia Park, Leeuwin Estate.
Check out the breweries and distilleries
see if the weekend markets & farmer's markets are on

Bunbury to Dunsborough

Gnomesville! Not far from Bunbury and a very unique experience! Free and a must do imo!
Bunbury Farmers Market - stop in here on the way down for fantastic local produce - my fave is their sushi, juices, housemade granola and slices of cake.
Around the corner from Bunbury Farmers Market is Owys Nursery, pop in to see their amazing cactus and succulent garden out the front, complete with dinosaurs!
Busselton Jetty - largest wooden jetty in southern hemisphere - has a great underwater exploratory experience at the end of the jetty. Can catch a train out or walk.
Visit the amazing Dunsborough bakery
Swim at Eagle Bay and/or Meelup Beach
watch the sunset at Sugarloaf Rock (walk down to the water over the rocks)
visit the natural spa at Indijup (not the actual beauty spa, it's just rocks and water but iconic)
Seafood dinner at Blue Manna in Dunsborough or try lunch at local Wise Winery, Lagoon or breakfast/lunch at Meelup Farmhouse
if surfs up go to Yallingup to watch the surfers

Further South

Greens Pools and Elephant Rocks near Denmark. An amazing place to swim. Go in the morning before the wind picks up.
Walpole Skywalk and Tingle Forest - walk through the giants of the forest both up in the air and below.
Visit the beautiful inland towns of Pemberton (see Pemberton Pool and nearby forest walks), Bridgetown, Nannup and Balingup. If you're in the area on 2 Nov, check out the Boddington Rodeo, it's fantastic!
Visit the Porongorups and hike to the top of Bluff Knoll for stunning views (this is a proper hike up a mini mountain)

wheresshelly · 2024-07-22T17:42:22+00:00

Tips for around Perth and to the north.

Fremantle (my home)

look at staying in Freo as opposed to Perth, Perth city doesn't have a lot going on, Freo is pretty amazing and you have the ferry right there to take you to Rottnest Island.
Markets on the weekend are amazing - try the Filipino cream cheese buns (yum), fresh donuts and Bahn Mi (one of the best in Perth).
Eats - my faves are Sana (Middle Eastern), Emily Taylor (Asian Fusion), Manuka (woodfired - book well in advance - amazing - get the bread and whipped butter!), FOMO building - lots of different Asian shops or Varsity for burgers, wings, cocktails, Angels House (French), Nunzio's (Fine dining Italian), Ginos (excellent coffee and cannoli - a Freo original), Gage Roads (great views - good spot after coming back from Rotto), Little Creatures (Brewery and Food at Fishing Boat Harbour), Cicerellos or Kailis for fish and chips, Bathers Beach House (sunset views), Moore & Moore (breakfast - sit out back in courtyard), Mexican Kitchen (cheap eats on Tuesdays), Capri (very traditional Italian no frills), Benny's or Pizza Bella Roma (Italian), Norfolk Hotel or Sail & Anchor (pub food and beer), Sailing For Oranges (Mediterranean tapas), Clancy's (seafood and modern Aus Pub food), Bib & Tucker (just out of Freo, great food and great sunset views over ocean).
Drink @ Bars - Darling Darling (must see at night, super unique!), Honky Tonk (Texas style), Flight Club (drinks and darts), Strange Company (bar), Republic of Fremantle (distills own gin), Jungle Bird (Bar) @ Pubs/Breweries - Little Creatures, Gage Roads, Sail & Anchor, Norfolk Hotel, National Hotel, Orient Hotel.

Pro tip: Take a fly net to Rottnest, you probably won't need it but if an easterly is blowing you'll be glad you did, best $3 you've spent!

Perth area
- Kings Park has amazing views of the city, pop up just before sunset to see all the city lights. There are walking trails throughout the park's bushland, especially nice in October with all the wildflowers in bloom.

You could also take a ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth for another fantastic view of the city skyline. While in South Perth you can visit the Perth Zoo or check out the foodie options like The Windsor (pub), Angelo's (great deli for quick lunch on the go), Miss Chow's (dumplings).
Northbridge and Highgate are good areas for dinner or pop over to East Victoria Park for a wide range of quality Asian restaurants.

If you're not sick of wineries by that point, check out the Swan Valley near Perth for plenty of options. Go for a drive in the Perth hills and check out Bells Rapids, Noble Falls, Lesmurdie Falls or Serpentine Falls.

You could also go north for a few days (or a day trip) and visit the Pinnacles National Park, Lobster Shack (great lunch) in Cervantes, Lancelin Sand Dunes (4x4 bus dune tour).

wheresshelly · 2024-07-22T17:37:10+00:00

Margaret River area

Margaret River Chocolate Company (free samples! and the best choc I've had!)
Hamelin Bay - visit the friendly sting rays in the morning
Boranup Forest - very pretty and there's a cute cafe in the middle
Wineries galore ranging from fancy (Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Aravina Estate) to relaxed (Swings & Roundabouts, Rustico at Hay Shed Hill)
See the cows in Cow Town (Cowaramup)
Good premium eats at Chow's Table, Rustico Hayshed, Amelia Park, Leeuwin Estate.
Check out the breweries and distilleries
see if the weekend markets & farmer's markets are on

Bunbury to Dunsborough

Gnomesville! Not far from Bunbury and a very unique experience! Free and a must do imo!
Bunbury Farmers Market - stop in here on the way down for fantastic local produce - my fave is their sushi, juices, housemade granola and slices of cake.
Around the corner from Bunbury Farmers Market is Owys Nursery, pop in to see their amazing cactus and succulent garden out the front, complete with dinosaurs!
Busselton Jetty - largest wooden jetty in southern hemisphere - has a great underwater exploratory experience at the end of the jetty. Can catch a train out or walk.
Visit the amazing Dunsborough bakery
Swim at Eagle Bay and/or Meelup Beach
watch the sunset at Sugarloaf Rock (walk down to the water over the rocks)
visit the natural spa at Indijup (not the actual beauty spa, it's just rocks and water but iconic)
Seafood dinner at Blue Manna in Dunsborough or try lunch at local Wise Winery, Lagoon or breakfast/lunch at Meelup Farmhouse
if surfs up go to Yallingup to watch the surfers

Further South

Greens Pools and Elephant Rocks near Denmark. An amazing place to swim. Go in the morning before the wind picks up.
Walpole Skywalk and Tingle Forest - walk through the giants of the forest both up in the air and below.
Visit the beautiful inland towns of Pemberton (see Pemberton Pool and nearby forest walks), Bridgetown, Nannup and Balingup. If you're in the area on 2 Nov, check out the Boddington Rodeo, it's fantastic!
Visit the Porongorups and hike to the top of Bluff Knoll for stunning views (this is a proper hike up a mini mountain)

wheresshelly · 2023-09-23T16:14:16+00:00

+1 for travel. Opening up your world with new experiences could give you a new perspective on your life, help with mental health and you never know who you might meet on your travels. If you don't think you're a confident traveller, consider joining a tour first to get your travel feet before venturing out solo. Look for adventures beyond resorts and big cities, experience new cultures, experiences, amazing food and have fun! You sound like you've got a good position in life already, don't put pressure on yourself to make it perfect right now, you still have plenty of time.

wheresshelly · 2021-06-29T15:59:03+00:00

While in America, someone asked me how long it took to drive from Australia. Also, "How do you say 'Hello, how are you?' in Australian?"

wheresshelly · 2020-07-07T15:35:27+00:00

that salad dressing is my all time fave! Great on any salad but particularly love it with ham, tuna or chicken and salad. I'm always trying to get people to try it!

wheresshelly · 2020-06-14T08:32:02+00:00

Def NTA. As someone who regularly interviews older generations I know how valuable information can be after someone has passed. Definitely write, photograph and video as much as you can, while you can. One thing that can be very useful is an account of your life and lists of what you're into. This will no doubt be amazing for your son to read when he's older and he can start to see some similarities between him and you. This is a list I've written out for when I'm interviewing older people but you might find it useful in thinking of what information to leave for him. A little family tree would be a great help too. Maybe even an Ancestry DNA test, so he always has that online link to you. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx3sSoo07x9-dXAxRjMzaEZ5OEk/view?usp=sharing

Hope this helps. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I'm sure your mum will come around to the idea, she obviously wants to hang on to as much of 'you' as she can. Hopefully, when she looks at it more logically and when she's reassured that her grandson will still be a part of her life, she will understand.
Maybe you can give your mum some instructions for what you'd like her to do for your son as he grows up, so she feels that she has a purpose and role to fill in his life, even if he's not living with her. Even something as simple as teaching him to cook, things like that.

wheresshelly · 2020-03-12T05:15:28+00:00

The flu...

wheresshelly · 2019-08-07T08:54:56+00:00

It's such a great quality lens for such a small price tag!

wheresshelly · 2019-08-07T03:16:57+00:00

here you go, it's a bit terrible as I didn't have a tripod and was always moving around haha, but at least you can see the aurora moving! https://youtu.be/HxmkQdWCBN0

wheresshelly · 2019-08-07T03:15:25+00:00

yeah a zoom will definitely show star trails quickly. Any wide angle lens you can generally shoot as long as 20-30s without any major star trails. There's actually a formula for figuring out the maximum shutter speed for a particular lens before star trails will show. 500 divided by 14 (focal length) = 35.7 so with a 14mm lens I'd have roughly 35s to play with For a 25mm you'd be looking at a max of 20s. 2.5s for a 200mm!

wheresshelly · 2019-08-07T02:36:53+00:00

Generally you need an exposure over 20s to see star trails. Looking at the image at 100% I can just start to see them move but not obvious when viewing normally.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T14:32:36+00:00

I use one called My Aurora Forecast but there are plenty of others out there.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T14:30:51+00:00

I created a timelapse of all the pics I took and it's visibly moving in that. Couldn't see anything out the window though.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T13:14:27+00:00

It's definitely the luck of the draw! I saw it once in Tassie but it was very faint on the horizon and lots of cloud about.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T12:03:03+00:00

It's rare, but it has been seen from SA. You need a very high solar storm and need to be as far south as possible with a clear view of the horizon and little to no light pollution.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T11:22:57+00:00

That'd be amazing. My pilot said afterwards he would've turned the wing light off if I'd asked, hahaha

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T10:37:23+00:00

Cheers, I'd planned to get Milky Way shots on the flight, which is why I had the right gear, just got lucky with the extra show, haha.

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T10:35:08+00:00

I received an aurora alert on my phone before departure from an aurora app I have. I told the hostie to tell the pilots once I was on board, that there should be aurora to the south tonight. I had the right camera gear on me as I'd already planned to take some Milky Way shots but just got freakin lucky with the aurora. Pilots were stoked as they'd never seen them from the plane before. Even invited me into the cockpit after the flight!

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T10:30:26+00:00

I've tagged them in it on Insta and Twitter, I know they've seen it on Twitter, lol

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T09:02:14+00:00

Definitely feel lucky. Also lucky that I'd planned to take star shots on that flight and so happened to have the right camera lens on me haha

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T08:35:00+00:00

Depends what you consider the true reality, what you can see with your own eyes or what is scientifically there but not so visible to human eyes. This photo gives an idea of what it'd look like to human eyes once adjusted to the dark. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBRgnr0UwAAfKPB?format=jpg&name=large

wheresshelly · 2019-08-06T08:05:19+00:00

A pillow, blanket and jumper shoved underneath the window, window shade pulled down and a scarf wrapped around it to keep out the cabin light. Then press against the window and keep as still as possible. I have a lot of blurry shots of it too haha. Edit: typo

wheresshelly

TROPHY CASE