Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 9 . PERTH & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Station Museum (& 08/9026 6388) in Woodward Street, houses gold rush
and transport memorabilia in the original 1896 station building and the engine,
two carriages, and the guard’s van of a turn-of-the-20th-century steam train. It’s
open daily (except Wed) 10am to 4pm (closed Christmas, Boxing Day, and
Good Friday). Admission is by donation.
If you like period architecture and interiors, browse the restored National
Trust–owned Warden Finnerty’s Residence (& 08/9026 6028) on McKenzie
Street off Hunt Street. It was built in 1895 for the mining warden. Opening
hours vary, so call before you go. Admission is by gold coin donation.
The Coolgardie Camel Farm, 4km (2 1 ⁄2 miles) west of Coolgardie on the
Great Eastern Highway (& 08/9026 6159), leads rides through the bush on the
mode of transport they used in the goldfields in the old days—camels. It only
operates during school and public holidays.
WHERE TO STAY
Mercure Inn Overland Kalgoorlie This serviceable motel is on the highway
about 2km (1 1 ⁄4 miles) from town, so you will need your own wheels or a
cab to go exploring. Tours pick up from the door. The rooms are quiet, modern,
clean, and a good size; family rooms have an extra bedroom and kitchenettes
with stovetop and microwave, and there are also barbecue facilities if you feel
inclined to cook for yourself.
Lower Hannan St., Kalgoorlie,WA 6430.& 1300/66 6565 in Australia, 800/221-4542 in the U.S. and Canada,
020/8283 4500 in the U.K., 0800/44 4422 in New Zealand, or 08/9021 1433. Fax 08/9021 1121. www.accor
hotels.com.au. 89 units (with shower only). A$117 (US$76) double; A$159 (US$103) family. Extra person A$30
(US$20). Children under 16 stay free in parent’s room w/existing bedding. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar; outdoor pool; tour desk; car-rental desk; room service (at dinner only); laundry service and coin-op
laundry. In room: A/C,TV with free in-house movies, minibar, coffeemaker, kitchenette (family rooms only), iron.
WHERE TO DINE
Akudjura MODERN AUSTRALIAN The Italianate outdoor terrace
under sailcloth and the timber floors, curved silver bar, and blond-wood furniture
make this Kalgoorlie’s first groovy restaurant. A bright, young staff provides
snappy service from a long and stylish menu featuring items like chicken Caesar
salad, smoked salmon fettuccine, kangaroo steak, and seafood dishes (yep,
even in the desert) like Tasmanian salmon in a citrus and coriander dressing.
Lighter fare is available outside meal hours.
418 Hannan St. (next to Hannan’s View Motel). & 08/9091 3311. Reservations recommended. Main courses
A$13–A$32 (US$8.45–US$21); lunch averages A$13 (US$8.45). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7am to approx. 10pm.
5 The Midwest & the Northwest: Where the Outback
Meets the Sea
The Midwest and Northwest coasts of Western Australia are treeless, riverless
semi-desert, occupied by vast sheep stations and a handful of people. Temperatures
soar to over 115°F (46°C) in summer, and the Outback sand burns orange
in the blazing sun. But it’s not the land you come here for—it’s what’s in the sea.
Since the 1960s, a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins has been coming into shallow
water at Monkey Mia , the World Heritage–listed Shark Bay Marine Park, to
greet shore-bound humans. Their magical presence has generated worldwide
publicity and drawn people from every corner of the globe.
Another 872km (545 miles) by road north on the Northwest Cape, adventure
seekers from around the world come to snorkel with awesome whale sharks—
measuring up to 18m (59 ft.) long—every fall (Mar to early June). The Cape’s