Tours And Information
Optional Site Tours
On Wednesday 26th October 2005 delegates can experience a fascinating site tour around Perth's unique housing projects and wind up in Prison! Numbers are limited so book one of the four unique tours now . A bus timetable will be available online at www.nationalhousingconference.org.au shortly.
Tour 1: Dismantling the Old & Building the New (Full Day Tour)
This tour will travel via Guildford, the historic regional centre of Perth. From here we will swing north through vineyards to the award winning Ellenbrook development. The tour will visit The New North, one of Perth's major public housing urban renewal projects. We'll then venture further north to the satellite City of Joondalup ending the tour with a scenic drive down the coast to historic Fremantle.
Cost: $25.00 incl GSTTour 2: Sustainable Development and Redevelopment (Half Day Tour)
This tour travels south through East Perth to the State Renewal Program in Karawara and Coolbellup. We then head further south to Mevè at Beelair enjoying its exceptional vista and undulating terrain. This unique joint venture development has seen the benefits of co-operative consultations between State and Local Government, private developers and the residents action group. The tour then ventures on to the New Living project at Southwell before travelling through South Fremantle and ending at the Fremantle Prison.
Cost: $15.00 incl GSTTour 3: Community and Social Housing (Half Day Tour)
Communities are coming alive around Fremantle through an array of community focussed urban renewal and brownfields developments which include refurbishments such as the Fremantle Cold Stores. Community housing projects, Lodging Houses and Co-op housing projects are continuing to re-invigorate neighbourhoods in the Fremantle region again following the America's Cup in the 1980s.
Cost: $15.00 incl GSTTour 4: Regenerating the City (Half Day Tour)
This tour takes in fashionable Subi Centro one of Perth's most sought after neighbourhoods. This award winning redevelopment encompasses townhouses, apartments, parkland, commercial office, retail shopping, home office, service industry and public transport - scooping the Urban Renewal category in the 2004 UDIA National Awards for Excellence. From here we head west to Fremantle via Buckland Hill redevelopment, the old Fremantle Army Barracks, Fremantle Cold Stores and conclude with a drive past the old Warders' Cottages before we wind up in Fremantle Prison.
Cost: $15.00 incl GST
All four tours culminate at historic Fremantle Prison, the original Convict Establishment and Western Australia's premier cultural heritage site, managed by the Department of Housing and Works. Delegates who book a technical tour will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the Welcome Event inside the walls of Fremantle Prison after the tour. Other delegates unable to participate in the tours should pre-book for the Welcome Event as numbers are limited due to the unique nature of the venue.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Pinnacles, New Norcia & Wildflowers
Our morning journey takes us through historical Guildford and Swan Valley, past Perth's Pearce Air Force Base through the orange growing district of Bindoon to reach fascinating New Norcia. First settled in 1846 as a mission to the regions Aborigine, New Norcia is home to Australia's only Benedictine Abbey.
A local guide escorts our drive through town explaining the intriguing history and culture of the community before visiting the local museum housing artifacts and priceless pieces, many being treasured gifts to the monastery from Popes and Royalty of Spain. We also visit a local produce shop for the chance to purchase Benedictine Community goods including olive oil, fruit wine, delicious New Norcia nut cake and fresh breads.
Heading onwards, we arrive at the rock lobster fishing town of Cervantes for a picnic lunch, or alternatively indulge yourself and order the optional lobster lunch. These highly prized Rock Lobsters are caught by local fishermen, primarily for export to Japan.
Afterwards we travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles Desert. Here your driver guide takes you for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. Ensure you wear comfortable footwear, bring a hat and plenty of film. Before making our return trip to Perth we visit a local store featuring a range of dried wildflowers. Stops to view spring wildflowers (Aug - Dec) will be made en route with arrival back in Perth at approximately 7.30 pm.
Tour departs at 8.00am Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from the Perth Sightseeing Centre, corner Hay & Pier Streets.
$165 per person (inc Rock Lobster Lunch)
$150 per person (inc Picnic Lunch)
Sandalford Vineyard Luxury Wine Cruise
Depart Barrack Street Jetty, and participate in an extensive wine appreciation session, sampling Sandalford Premium wines matched with gourmet chesses, coffee, tea and petit fours. Enjoy commentary on the history of Swan River, Guildford, Swan Valley and the wine industry.
On arrival at Sandalford, we go through a tour of the winery to the custom designed theatrette giving you an overview of Sandalfords history. From overhead suspended walkways and platforms you will be able to experience a 'behind the scenes' tour of the operational winery, including red and white fermentation areas, crushing, pressing and the barrel room. Time to sit down to sumptuous three-course lunch perfectly matched with premium wines in the restaurant. Following lunch we visit the Cellar Emporium where you can try fortified wine straight from the oak barrel. Time to browse through the extensive range of wine products and giftware. Returning to Perth via coach.
Tour departs at 10.00am Wednesday and Sunday from the Barrack Street Jetty.
$139 per person
Tourist Trifecta - Perth Tram, Swan River Cruise, Fremantle Tram with Fremantle Prison Visit and Lunch
Visit Kings Park and experience spectacular panoramic views, Botanical Gardens, wildflowers (in season) and the Tree Top Walk. See Barrack Street Jetty, Belltower, Perth Mint, Burswood Casino and much more while enjoying an informative commentary from your driver.
On this popular Trifecta, after the Perth Tram, we continue to Fremantle on a Swan River Cruise (inc morning tea) with Captain Cook Cruise. Upon arrival in Fremantle join the Fremantle Tram and take in all the sights of this historic port city. Continue to Fremantle Prison for a tour then enjoy lunch at the Esplanade Hotel.
Afterwards, join a cruise back to Perth including afternoon tea and wine tasting. Arrive back in Perth at approximately 6.00pm.
Tour departs at 8.30am daily from the Perth Sightseeing Centre, corner Hay & Pier Streets.
$99 per person (inc lunch)