One week ago, I was in Perth. Now that I’m back, it’s time to get this post going.
It was quite a drama before the flight. I booked my ticket months ago but I never realized I need to apply ETA. Of all the times I went in and out of OZ without issue was because I was on my student visa. I totally forgot that now I do not have this luxury anymore.
When I check-in, the staff at the check-in counter inform me that I need ETA. I was shocked! It was 1 1/2 hour before flight. Luckily they told me I can apply ETA on the spot. MY gosh! Good thing I brought my laptop along and thank God for Starbucks free WiFi. Sorry Starbucks for using your WiFi without buying anything from you. Applied for it on the spot with AUD20 payment via credit card and I’m good to go! All done in less than 15 minutes. Thank God for everything! If it’s other country, I’m dead meat, all my money will just gone down the drain from flight ticket to hotel to tours! What’s more, it’s not only my money but my travel mate’s too! She did ask me about it the night before flight and I assured her that we can just go without visa. -.-
Left: Safely arrived KLIA2. Very confusing airport, not enough signage. Luckily we have ample time to navigate our way to international terminal. Before that, we had our dinner at Uncle Lim’s. Ordered the porridge, goodness! Blardy salty and the seasoning was overwhelming that we had to request for hot water to dilute it. Diluted it with one whole mug of hot water but it’s still too salty. Made us so thirsty after the dinner.
Right: Almost slept the way to Perth, good thing no one sat next to me but still not comfortable enough to sleep. The chair wasn’t comfortable. What to expect when you got no-frill cheap tickets and every single thing has to be charged when flying Air Asia? Trying to save as much cost as possible, who to blame but myself. Luckily it’s less than 6 hours flight, if more than that, it would be hell! However, once we’re almost there, we’re greeted by sunrise! Beautiful! Hello OZ sun! I miss you!
First food in Perth, breakfast in the airport while planning our next step once we’re out of the airport.
We stayed at Goodearth Hotel (195 Adelaide Terrace, Perth City Center, Perth, Australia 6004), was lucky to be able to get early bird deal AUD100+/night. If I booked few days earlier it’s less than AUD99/night. Still consider a good deal because it’s in the CBD! Walking distant to many places. It’s an apartment some more! Spacious and clean. Can fit 4 adults some more. The sofa can be transformed to bed. Very happy with it. Just one downside is that no early check-in allowed and check-out time is 10am. However, it didn’t affect us because we check-out extremely early in the morning, 2.30am!
Since we can’t go into our room, we ventured out to find places and started our shopping! This is the only free & easy day. The next four days were going with the tours.
Photos taken along the way…
Murray Street reminded me of Rundle Mall in Adelaide.
We also headed to Harbour Town and glad I went there, I managed to get 2 dresses for AUD30. Just too bad we didn’t have enough time to spend there. We went there using CAT, the free bus. See the grey bus with black cat in the photo? That’s the free bus that’s looping around the city. There’s 3 lines, so you have to plan your journey.
Christmas decorations are already up and the day was very sunny. Was tanned even on the first day out.
At night, we decided to visit the casino for dinner. Not for gambling. Was looking to try out the steak there, found offer there but I forgot the name of the eatery. Didn’t expect it’s inside the Crown Perth Casino. The photo here is the hotel lobby. Interesting architecture. One thing that got my attention, you actually can see people walk into their room, not your usual hotel design.
We saw Market & Co after alighted the taxi and I assumed this is the place. When I saw the menu, I thought maybe they changed the offer (AUD13.99 per dish) and didn’t bother to ask further as we’re too hungry. Just settled with whatever we came across. The steak should be Junction Grill inside the casino.
Left: It’s so filling! Cannot underestimate what you’re seeing. Love the Wagyu Beef Burger, Guyere cheese, lettuce, tomato, jelapeno relish, and fries. The fries was perfect too!
Right: Seared fresh fish of the day, pumpkin and spinach ragout, roasted beetroot puree. This was awesome too!
Overall, the meal was great! However, I would be more satisfied if I get to eat the steak. Didn’t get to eat any steak and Vietnamese pho this trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Hopefully next time.
That’s the end of our first night in Perth. Extremely cold night, was wearing all my autumn clothes that I wore back in Adelaide *LOL*. Day time was rather cold too.
Day 2 will come soon…
