From exploring geological mysteries to ogling gold at the Perth Mint, there are numerous attractions in Perth you can do with the family even on a tight budget. If you’ve been able to score some inexpensive airline flights to Perth, here are 10 fun, family-friendly things to do for under $50.

Aviation Heritage Museum

Aircraft on display include a Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, DeHavilland Tiger Moth and an Avro Ansen. Apart from display aircraft, the Aviation Heritage Museum also features books, photographs and other types of memorabilia and aviation heritage artefacts. The collection is extensive, making the museum a great destination for all the family.

Cottesloe Beach

Probably the most popular beach in Perth, Cottesloe beach is easy to get to by train or car. You can choose to spend your time on the sand and in the water, perch on the grassed terrace or sitting in comfort in one of the many Cottesloe cafes and restaurants. If you want some peace and quiet, then just head a little way down either end of the beach.

The Swan River

Meandering right through central Perth, the Swan River is a great place to bring the family for a day’s fun. Whether you prefer to be on or off the water, there’s a lot to do along the Swan River. Take a boat ride or fishing trip, bike along the open, flat cycle tracks or picnic along the river bank under the trees.

Kings Park and Botanical Gardens

Only a short walk from the city centre, Kings Park is set on 400 acres of beautiful recreational and bush land. It offers views of the city and Swan River, and various restaurants and cafes to sit back and relax. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take a climb up the DNA Tower. The Botanical Gardens, with thousands of native plants and wildlife to explore, are not to be missed. A day at Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens will surely satisfy your whole family.

Western Australian Museum

With a great selection of artefacts, from dinosaurs to Aboriginal art, the Western Australian Museum easily fits in our top 10 list. The museum has regular travelling exhibitions that will keep you wanting to come back for more. Best of all, admission is free, making a day at the museum a bargain for your family.

Mettam’s Pool

If you happen to be visiting Perth in the summer, you’ll certainly be looking for somewhere to cool off. Mettam’s Pool is a great beach, located about 15 minutes from central Perth. A natural pool protected by a reef, Mettam’s Pool is a great place for young kids to swim safely. Also of interest is the abundant ocean life around the reef, making it a great place for the kids to learn to snorkel.

Fraser Avenue Lookout

Not far from the city, Fraser Avenue Lookout offers spectacular views of the Perth city centre and the meandering Swan River. This is a great place for a picnic during the day or head up in early evening to see the sunset and the city lights. If you want, you can always combine the sightseeing view with a meal at nearby Fraser’s Restaurant.

Kings Park War Memorial

Located in Kings Park, the War Memorial is an impressive structure dedicated to those who have fought and died in war. With beautiful views overlooking the Swan River, Kings Park War Memorial is a great place for a relaxing picnic or a walk through the park grounds.

Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is a stunning architectural building where you can spend an entire day with your family. With a range of exhibitions, demonstrations and activities for everyone to enjoy, the Perth Mint has guided talks, Australia’s largest natural nugget collection on display and the largest collection of gold bars to view. You can even watch gold being poured.

St George’s Cathedral

Situated in the heart of the city, St George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, and one of the few constructed using handmade bricks. With its beautiful jarrah roof trusses and arches, the use of Fremantle limestone, bluestone pillars and gorgeous stained-glass windows, this cathedral doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re here for a tour or a service, St George’s Cathedral has a very peaceful and reverent feel to it.

About the Author: Born and bred in Perth, Janet Moore works as a travel guide for one of Perth’s popular city tour companies. She often contributes articles about the best ways to experience all that Perth has to offer.

I’ve had a week of maps!

I’ve always loved maps. As a child, a favourite pastime was to devour the MelWays (the Melbourne road map book). Of course as I grew a little older, I moved to studying my Atlas where I would dream and plot my later travels across the globe. I’ve always wanted a map mural in my office, like those you see in Travel Agents but I would pin all the places I’ve been and all the places I’m still longing to get too! There wouldn’t be a corner left bare I’m sure.

Anyway, last week I went off to a nearby home-wares store to spend a gift voucher I had. I had no idea what I was after, not really needing anything, when I happened across this lovely antique style framed map. It was instant love. My 18 year old was with me at the time and she too fell in love with it. She declared “You must get this and when you die I shall have it!”. No beating around the bush for her. It has now been mounted on the wall and looks fantastic. More global travel dreaming!

Only a matter of days after my prized purchase, a delivery in the mail arrived. It was like Christmas time! Linda from Journey Jottings had very kindly sent me a sample of her newest range including the Journey Jottings Jotter. She knows I’m a BIG fan!  The photo below is of the inclusions which I mulled over during lunch in the garden on that hot, Autumn day.

Do you share my passion for maps? Do you have a favourite map somewhere in your home to remind you of the dream, travel destinations yet travelled?

Where is Socotra?

Socotra, also spelled Soqotra, is a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean. The largest island, Socotra, is about 95% of the landmass of the archipelago. Socotra lies some 240 kilometres east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometres south of the Arabian Peninsula.

Socotra is considered the jewel of biodiversity in the Arabian Sea. In the 1990s, a team of United Nations biologists conducted a survey of the archipelago’s flora and fauna. They counted nearly 700 endemic species, found nowhere else on earth; only Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands have more impressive numbers. One of the most striking of Socotra’s plants is the dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), which is a strange-looking, umbrella-shaped tree. Because of this biodiversity the island was recognised by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site in July 2008.

Yemen: Jewel of Arabia

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Socotra

One Great Reason to Visit Socotra

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to the magnificent dragon’s blood tree.

Socotra, Yemen

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Yemen Tourism Site