Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

Swan Valley Wine Tour from Fremantle, Australia

by Janis on February 28, 2013

I flew to Perth, Australia before heading to the port city of Fremantle to join Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage for two weeks.

Most of the guests have been on board since January 5th when the ship left Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on to sail around the world on a 115-day journey.

After my first night on the ship, I was anxious to explore Western Australia before we set sail to Indonesia. Specifically, I wanted to visit some Australia wineries, so I booked the West Coast Wineries tour through Holland America’s shore excursions.

Thanks for coming along on my adventure.

West Coast Wineries Tour of Australia’s Swan Valley

Just outside of the Fremantle port we boarded a bus and headed east to Perth and the Swan Valley. I headed to the back of the bus — where I could get two seats to myself and where the fun people tend to sit.

As we traveled to Perth we followed along the banks of the Swan River. We got a good view of the Perth skyline.

The drive seemed to go on forever, but finally — wine grapes appear outside the window. After more than an hour of driving, I’m disappointed to learn that we only have 30 minutes at the first winery.

Houghton has been producing wine since 1859, nearly 175 years. It has beautiful grounds.

As hurried as we are, our gracious tasting host takes us through a tasting of six wines — 3 whites and 3 reds. My favorite of the tasting was the White Classic, made in the style of a white Burgundy.

Houghton wines feature two swans on their labels. Despite our guide’s trying to hurry us, a number of us buy wine. Everyone would have liked to have stayed longer at this winery.

Our next stop was Sandalford’s Caversham Estate –one of Western Australia’s largest privately owned wineries. The winery has a restaurant and offers concerts on the park-like grounds.

Our visit started with a tour of the wine-making operation. This room was the most appealing part of the tour, because it was cool in temperature.

The misting areas were popular since the day was quite warm. Our stay at this winery was about an hour, including the tour and tasting.

We headed back to Fremantle, this time taking a route through downtown Perth, catching a bus-window view of the new Perth Arena. With traffic, our tour arrived back in Fremantle just in time for all aboard.

Soon we are sailing away from Fremantle. So long Australia!

Next time I visit I’d like to arrange my own transportation to the Swan Valley for a better wine tasting experience. But if that’s not available, I’d recommend this tour.

Have you tasted wines in Western Australia? Would you like to? Please share your thoughts below in comments.

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Boarding the Amsterdam Grand World Voyage in Fremantle, Australia

by Janis on February 27, 2013

I traveled to Perth, Australia to join Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage for two weeks.

Most of the guests have been on board for 51 days, boarding in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 5th,2013 to sail around the world on a 115-day journey.

Today I joined the ship in Fremantle – the port located near Perth – to surprise some client friends who have been aboard for the complete journey.

Thanks for following along on my adventure.

Getting From Perth to Fremantle

I arrived in Perth a day before the Amsterdam’s arrival. Now, I’m anxious to get to the port. Since I have one very heavy bag plus a computer bag, I opt for a cab to Fremantle rather than the train.

I’m told the cab fare will be $30 to $40 Australian dollars, but with traffic getting out of Perth it ends up being $51 before tip.

Finally, the ship is in sight. The Freemantle train station is very close to the port, but it would not have been an easy walk with luggage.

First, we pass by a different kind of “cruise” ship: one that is used to export live sheep to Muslim countries. It’s empty today.

A little closer. Can you tell I’m anxious to get on the ship?

I’ve arrived at Victoria Quay, the location of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.

This is not a “regular” embark port for the Grand World Voyage, so I have to drag my luggage through the terminal, up the ship’s ramp, and to the security as you enter the ship. Since my suitcase will not fit in the x-ray machine, it needs to be inspected. Then I head to the front desk to check-in, along with a few others such as entertainers joining the ship for a short stay.

Most exciting, of the more than 1,100 people on board, I run into Tom and Steve, my clients and friends, as I’m heading up to the ship;s entry ramp. They are SURPRISED to see me, but thrilled.

Once checked in and unpacked, I explore around the ship and go back outside.

The ship is staying in Fremantle overnight.

An Evening View of the Amsterdam

The pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks makes for a great evening view of the ship.

Cruising is a terrific way to see the world as your “hotel” moves you from place to place.

I decide the Amsterdam will be a nice place to call home for the next 14 days.

Have you sailed on a World Cruise? Would you like to? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

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A Walk Around Downtown Perth, Australia

by Janis on February 26, 2013

I traveled to Perth, Australia to join Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage. The ship departed Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 5th, and is sailing around the world on a 115-day journey.

I will join the ship in Fremantle – the port located near Perth – to surprise some client friends who have been aboard for the complete journey.

For 14 days, I hope to get a first-hand taste of this amazing adventure, but first I have a day to explore Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, before I join the ship.

Thanks for following along on my adventure.

A Walk Around Perth, Australia

The Bell Tower is one of the major attractions in downtown Perth. The structure — one of the world’s largest musical instruments — houses the Swan Bells. These were the 12 bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields, from Trafalgar Square in London.

While I didn’t climb the tower, the ringing of the bells was a pleasant sound during my Sunday morning walk around downtown Perth.

The Swan River cuts through the city of Perth, with miles of waterfront trails for walking and biking. Near the Bell Tower is a departure point for scenic river cruises.

Palm trees line the Perth waterfront.

This sculpture is a tribute to Mathew Blagden Hale, the first Bishop of Perth. Bishop Hale founded the Bishop’s School for Boys in 1858, today known as the Hale School.

Shopping abounds in downtown Perth with the Hay and Murray Street malls as well as the upscale King Street. David Jones is a department store –with the same name as my brother-in-law.

Around the world, I find places and things that share the name of my hometown. In Perth, Wellington is a major street cutting through downtown.

Just one block away from Wellington Street, I stumbled upon the Margaret River Chocolate Company store. I like Margaret River wines, so of course, I had to stop in for a visit.

After tasting the dark chocolate chips, I had to purchase two bars for Mr. Jones: Red Grape Dark Chocolate and Chilli Chocolate. Will they last for the next two weeks so that I can deliver the gift?

Stay tuned….as my Grand World Cruise adventure continues…..

Have you visited Perth, Australia? What were your favorite sites? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

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A Peek Inside the Parmelia Perth Hilton Hotel, Australia

by Janis on February 25, 2013

When searching for information about hotels in a destination we plan to visit, we like to see photos and read information shared by recent hotel guests to supplement those on the hotel’s website. To return the favor, we occasionally post iPhone photos along with notes of our experiences during recent hotel stays.

A Look Inside Room 833 of the Parmelia Perth Hilton Hotel in Western Australia

I made the 30-hour trip from Kansas City, Missouri to Perth, Australia in order to meet up with Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage during its overnight call on Fremantle, the port city located near Perth. To avoid the risk of missing the ship if I experienced travel delays, I booked a flight to arrive into Perth a day early.

After flying for nearly 30 hours to reach Perth, I was anxious for a room to drop my bags, take a shower and get some rest. I was quite excited when my cab from the airport pulled up to the entrance of the Parmelia Perth Hilton Hotel.

Arriving at the Parmelia Hilton around 7:45 am on a Sunday morning, I knew the odds were not good that my hotel room would be ready for check-in.

I was pleasantly surprised when Sarah at reception found room 833 for me to check-in that early. I had booked this stay as a Hilton Honors Award. The hotel is a HHONORS Reward Category 7.

The King-sized bed in Room 833 was quite comfortable.

The Parmelia Hilton is located in downtown Perth amid all of the high rise office buildings, near the convention center, Swan River and Kings Park. The Hay and Murray Street malls offer nearby shopping opportunities as well as the upscale King Street. Nearby shopping came in handy as I had forgot to bring a converter for my computer plug, phone charger and hair flatiron.

Guest rooms feature wireless internet – complimentary for Hilton Honors members but otherwise $29 Australian dollars per day.

The bathroom was on the small side but contained a refreshing shower/tub.

The room featured a mini-bar and a tea kettle with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

The hotel features a smallish outdoor pool on the second floor, located beside a 24 hour fitness center.

As a Diamond Level Hilton Honors guest, I received a drink coupon for use at the Adelphi Steakhouse & Bar, as well as a bountiful breakfast buffet served in the same restaurant.

The fact that Perth is one of Australia’s most expensive cites became clearer when my pub dinner of fish and chips in the hotel bar that cost $26 before tax or tip.

The Parmelia Hilton Perth hotel is 25 minutes from Perth International Airport (PER). I was surprised that the cab fare on a Sunday morning was nearly $50.

The bottom line: I appreciated the service at this hotel, especially the early check-in after 30 hours of flying to reach Perth. The location in the heart of downtown Perth was within walking distance of the Swan River waterfront and downtown shopping locations. Room 833 offered a comfortable spot to rest and refresh after long travels.

The drawbacks: the property is a little dated. Next time I would take a shuttle service from the airport.

Have you stayed in the Parmelia Perth HiltonHotel? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

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