Lou8670 Posted October 20, 2013 Report Share Posted October 20, 2013 Well we've arrived in Perth for reccie. Arrived Saturday pm. Hired a car from the airport through the airline which was cheaper than Bayeswater but as warned on PP (but too late for us) they tried to rip us off on the insurance. Car was around $500 for 2 weeks; insurance $900 to bring the excess down from $2,800 to just under $300. We haven't taken them up on it; hubbie said to the girl behind the desk "Well if we damage the car better make it a good one!". Sis, who's a traffic cop said "yeh but they're notoriously bad drivers here". So all be warned! Car is very nice though... We're staying in a house in Warnbro which some friends parents have kindly lent us as they are away for a month. OH is happy as it's just across from the Aqua Jetty (he's big on his swimming). We spent yesterday getting over the jet lag, doing a food shop and had some time with the family. We couldn't be bothered going far so popped to the local Woolworths. We spent $200 on a full shop for a family of 5 including lots of treats for the kids so it wasn't too bad; we spend that at home. We also had a few things in the shop like undies for my son as his pants seem to have gone missing in the haze of unpacking! We bought a Vodafone Aussie pay as you go sim with data as where we are a staying doesn't have internet. We picked it up from the kiosk outside Woolworths and it was really simple to set up. We also went to a few home views in Baldivis to see what we will be able to get for our $. It's really noticeable how lovely the new developments are compared to some of the older areas. So driving round to get a feel for the place is definitely a must. We've decided to let the kids have a bit of fun today at Perth Zoo as we are meeting a friend later who's a recruitment consultant in the city and going for drinks with her after work. Right now it's 6.30am. I've been awake 1 1/2 hours but kids are still asleep and Hubbies at the pool! As soon as he's back I'm planing to go for a run! Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Welcome, great report, glad you're loving it so far ! Enjoy the zoo today and seeing the city from across the water. If you fancy a meet up while you're here drop me a pm ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beandownunder Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 great to hear you arrived safely and have got set-up. hope you all have lots of fun and the recruitment consultant meeting is positive for you both- we willbe badgering you for your contacts soon lol xx keep us updated on your adventure, J xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beandownunder Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 ps I hope mil 's luggage arrived unscathed lol xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akasully2 Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Great report, keep them coming. Good luck with the meeting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi69 Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Sounds like your having a lovely time Lou. now the weather picking up even better for you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy little Vegemite Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Sounds fab and like you're settling right in, hope the rest of your trip keeps going well for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Well I went for my run. It was a bit unnerving running through an area I don't know but everyone I ran past was really friendly and said good morning and I didn't get lost! We went into Perth and had a brief visit to Kings Park and met our recruitment friend for wine in Mount Lawley. Today we've been to see Tranby College and another trip into the city to visit recruitment agents which were very positive. We're currently stuck in traffic on the freeway south having left Perth at 4.15pm. Can't do this every day...it's worse than the M25!! The train whistles by every 10 minutes and apparently is very cheap. Parking in the city is very expensive so it's a bit of a no brainer that you don't commute by car into Perth. I'm certainly not looking at this move with rose tinted glasses. Lou :-) Oh darn...radios just said there's been an accident between the exit we have passed 20 feet ago and the next exit we were going to get off at as we are fed up of sitting in this traffic...typical!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beandownunder Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Lou, just to clarify- I "liked" your post not because you are sat in a traffic jam, but because your meetings went well and that you are out and about doing all things I can't wait to do :-) have fun, J x ps lashing down here today so hope you're enjoying the warmth..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Lou,just to clarify- I "liked" your post not because you are sat in a traffic jam, but because your meetings went well and that you are out and about doing all things I can't wait to do :-) have fun, J x ps lashing down here today so hope you're enjoying the warmth..... No problem Janine! It was peeing down with rain when we arrived here Saturday. The kids said why is it raining? Bless, they didn't think it ever rained in Australia!!! It's got a little warmer each day and was 25 today although a bit chilly at night. I didn't bring enough jumpers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 I think I've just seen our first brushfire. Sky is full of smoke inland from Baldivis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 4:15 is bit a good time to hit the freeway, anytime after 3:30 is busy, busy. Unfortunately I need my car for work so have to commute to west Perth from Mandurah but have a parking space there ! It's actually cheaper for me to drive my little Getz than get the train and I don't get as stressed in Perth traffic as I did in UK. The bush fire may have been a prescribed burn so don't panic ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 4:15 is bit a good time to hit the freeway, anytime after 3:30 is busy, busy.Unfortunately I need my car for work so have to commute to west Perth from Mandurah but have a parking space there ! It's actually cheaper for me to drive my little Getz than get the train and I don't get as stressed in Perth traffic as I did in UK. The bush fire may have been a prescribed burn so don't panic ! Turned out there was a big crash just north of Thomas Road exit. It took us nearly 2 hours to get back to Waikiki which is usually only 30 minutes. Shame about the bush fire as the sky was brilliant blue but the smoke covered half the sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Kids are sleeping in here...I just can't seem to wake them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 If your going into Perth by car, then i recomend leaving Perth before 3:30 to avoid the traffic. Otherwise get the train. The train is cheap as you can get a family ticket for about $12 after (i think) 9am. Also avoid the early morning rush hour - untill after 9am as the freeway can be bad. The radio station 94.5 does regular traffic reports (also my fav radio). If there are bushfires, be aware it can cause problems on the roads because of smoke - a mate got held up for half a day last summer as they closed the Kwinana and they simply had sit there and wait for it to open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 A tip. Be aware of speed cameras. Here there are no signs for them like the UK and they move them every day and there usually hidden in bushes and there is no tolerance factor - i got fined for doing 103 on the Kwinana (100 limit). But, if you google perth speed cameras, you will see the official police site where they list the locations for each day. Not suggesting you speed, but, as i found out it is soooo easy to be done. I always check the list and then when approaching make sure i am well under the speed limit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 If your going into Perth by car, then i recomend leaving Perth before 3:30 to avoid the traffic. Otherwise get the train. The train is cheap as you can get a family ticket for about $12 after (i think) 9am. Also avoid the early morning rush hour - untill after 9am as the freeway can be bad. The radio station 94.5 does regular traffic reports (also my fav radio). If there are bushfires, be aware it can cause problems on the roads because of smoke - a mate got held up for half a day last summer as they closed the Kwinana and they simply had sit there and wait for it to open. My fave station to listen to on the to and from work journey too VS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Here's the link http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Traffic/CamerasCutCrashes/Camerasworkwhy/Speedcameralocations/tabid/1775/Default.aspx If you see an X-trail parked in the bushes at the side of the road it's usually a camera car but sometimes it's a cop standing behind a sign or bush ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesw Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 It was not a bush fire. There are currently prescribed burns going on in the hills which should help ease the situation should a bush fire occur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 It was a pampering session today with the bride to be followed by a family get together. OH headed into Perth by train for more meetings with agents. Oh and the kids got to have a swim in the pool Tomorrow we are heading NoR and will check out some burbs on the way. I hope we don't get stuck in traffic again; we shall make sure we avoid the rush on the roads. Lou :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted October 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 Well we've been busy checking out lots of burbs. I have to say that I loved the areas south of the river such as Leeming, Willeton, Riverton etc; they seem to be an oasis in the city suitable for families but for me the city is just too busy. I much prefer Rockingham and Mandurah and we can get more house for our money. We went to Peel Zoo today which the kids loved but were tormented by flies in 36.9 degree heat. Popped into Spud Shed on way back...so much cheaper than Coles or Woolworths. Also left with a complimentary spider on my chest!!!!! We're off to the beach now to cool off Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy little Vegemite Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 My kids love Peel zoo too, daughter keeps telling me about the sheep that tried pushing a little boy into the mud, she thinks it was very funny! You take your life in your own hands in the bird enclosure though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 We found the same re the burbs so building in Baldivis. Spud shed is great but do check your trolley for spiders ! Enjoy your dip ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akasully2 Posted November 3, 2013 Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 From here in the UK, these places are just names regardless of how many times I look at the map. What is the distance between the burbs as mentioned and rockingham? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted November 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 From here in the UK, these places are just names regardless of how many times I look at the map. What is the distance between the burbs as mentioned and rockingham? Riverton, Leeming and Willeton are about 20 mins south of Perth CBD and 30 mins north of Rockingham. When we were there I loved the burbs around Rockingham and south to Mandurah. There's lots of new developments going up that are between the beach and freeway and new train stations are planned on the Perth to Mandurah line. I find a great way of checking distances and times between places is in the directions feature of google maps. In fact we used this in WA when we didn't have access to a satnav and found it much better than the Tomtom we'd borrowed. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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