Simon Calder's Holiday Helpdesk: Recommendations for Perth

Q. Any recommendations for staying in Perth this month? I had an apartment booked in the Fremantle but the owner has just cancelled my booking. My young family and I are staying in Perth only for 20 nights.

Edith Owusu

A. The apartment-owners have left you with a bit of a raw deal. Places to stay in Perth are at a premium because of Western Australia's extraordinary mining "gold rush" that has helped to boost the strength of the Australian dollar. There are still options out there for the late-booking holiday maker. If you are set on staying in the relaxed port city of Fremantle rather than the urban buzz of Perth centre, consider Number Six apartments, still available during the Easter period right across Fremantle and costing between A$75 (£50) and A$200 (£133) per night.

For something with a little more colonial personality, try the Fremantle Colonial Accommodation, and its slightly more costly selection of themed, self-enclosed apartments and cottages from $150 (£100) per night.

For a bit of variety, you could try Rottnest Island, home to secluded beaches and coves. The Hotel Rottnest also still has spaces left for the Easter period but you will be lucky to find a room below $250 (£167) per night at this stage. You could also try the Rottnest Island Authority Cottages: individual, central apartments for families starting at $121 (£81) per night, or $65 (£45) per night for more basic accommodation.

* Additional research by Samantha Hunt

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