Despite my last-minute flight delay/reroute by the airlines, Christine kept good communications and Jeff welcomed me at the early hour of my arrival, and a comfy bed for a few more hours of sleep. A hearty fish croquette brunch and a beef rendang dinner topped off a day of easy sightseeing from their home. They also courteously took me back to the airport as the last bus by their house leaves about 9:10pm-ish to the airport.
The Airport Bus had just been renumbered from #37 to #935, so take note!! It is $4.60 to ride, or $3 on concession rate. A day pass is $12. Once in town, you can take the hop-on / hop-off bus for $35 to major sights in town, including the parks and the Campanile / Ferry docks (to South Perth or Fremantle or Rottnest Island) / bus station at Elizabeth Quay. There are also *free* "CAT" buses (blue/red/yellow/green) to major sights (brochure 903?) and similarly in Fremantle (train, ferry). There are two bus (local, distance) and two train (Underground, "Bridge" distance) stations which are on the CBD (downtown) CAT routes.
Pick up the "Hello Perth" brochure at the Immigration area at the airport, or several sites in town for more ideas for the region. The Museum of Western of Australia is currently closed until early 2017. The Campanile has the bells from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London, as the only royal bell set outside of England. Enjoy the parklands, including the expansive natural park areas at King's Park.
- One more note: the "real bank" ATMs are on the check-in level and have an AUD$3 fee. Travelex has a poorer exchange rate, so ATMs by banks are recommended.
You will have a great visit and great conversation with Christine and Jeff, and meet to very friendly dogs when you visit, even if for a short time. The hospitality was so welcome!