Perth has a unique mix of big city and country-town feel. In 2019 it will host the Bledisloe Cup and the second state of Origin game. We sent Elisa Elwin to Perth to find a great place for families to stay. Read her Fraser Suites review.
Perth has Adelaide’s small-town charm and Sydney’s CBD convenience. Picture: Supplied.
Location
Surrounded by leafy parks near the legendary WACA, Fraser Suites Perth is located in a quiet end of town to the east of Perth’s city centre. It’s an ideal base for families attending sporting events at the cricket ground and well connected to destinations in and around Perth by public transport, as well as being just 20 minutes’ drive from the Perth Airport. A short walk through the adjacent Ozone Reserve takes you to About Bike where you can hire family-friendly quad bikes (think pedal-powered cars) to explore the Swan River in style. Do the kids need to let off some steam? Fraser Suites Perth is just a stone’s throw from the Lake Vasto Playground, which boasts stunning views of Perth’s city skyline.
Why we stayed here
Offering all the comforts of home, the Fraser Suites are beautifully designed with sophisticated furnishings and decor touches that reflect the essence of Perth. They boast laundry facilities and well-equipped designer kitchens where you can prepare your own meals, as well as family-friendly extras such as cots and external daycare on request.
Accommodation
Each of the spacious suites features floor-to-ceiling windows capturing panoramic views of the Swan River, with separate bedroom, living and dining areas that create a homely feel. You can select from their one or two-bedroom suites, depending on your family’s needs, with the apartments cleaned daily on request and manned around the clock by a 24/7 reception.
Even the executive suite doesn’t compromise on space. Picture: Supplied.
Activities
Despite its self-contained apartment setup, Fraser Suites offers the leisure facilities of a hotel, including an indoor heated swimming pool, bubbling spa and sauna. Never miss a workout in the 24/7 gym or head next door to the Bali Beautique Spa for some indulgent “me time”. You can also take advantage of complimentary wi-fi throughout the property to stay on top of emails and stream your favourite children’s shows in the evening.
Food & beverage
If you want to sample locally sourced and seasonal Western Australian produce, be sure to dine at the in-house Heirloom Restaurant & Bar whose menu features signature dishes such as macadamia-crusted schnitzel and options for those with all kinds of intolerances. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Heirloom or stroll down Adelaide Terrace to enjoy the homestyle fare at Infinity Cafe, with mild Indian dishes available in the evenings at nearby Aachi Indian Cuisine.
Explore
Watch gold being poured into gleaming solid bars at the Perth Mint whose award-winning exhibition brings Western Australia’s mining history to life or travel across town to get hands-on with the kid-friendly exhibits at the Scitech discovery centre. Perth also boasts its own Gold Coast-style theme park at Adventure World, which nestles in landscaped gardens overlooking Bibra Lake to the south of the city. Cool off at Australia’s largest water playground, Kahuna Falls, enjoy the tame rides of Dragon’s Kingdom and get up close to native animals at the Aussie Wildlife Experience.
Family Travel tip
Parents in need of a nightcap can head down to the elegant Lobby Bar whose drinks menu includes an extensive wine selection, local beers on tap and sweet indulgences like cognac-spiked hot chocolate.
The indoor pool is a good way to escape Perth’s hot summers and cool winters. Picture: Supplied.
Important information
10 Adelaide Terrace East Perth
Western Australia, 6004 Australia
+61 8 9261 0000
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