Travel: Central Caravan Park, WA

Before we entered Perth we had heard that Central Caravan Park was an old venue, but the closest to the city. We were pleasantly surprised: since taking over the park Chris and Nella Sialtsis, along with Chris's brother Michael, have made many changes.

A new amenities block has been built with totally separate cubicles. This means you do not have other people's second-hand water running past you. Piped music and soap dispensers are also provided.

A large, new, well-equipped camp kitchen with seats and tables, four-burner gas stove with large oven, microwave and fridge/freezer has been added, as well as a heated swimming pool. An undercover and fabric floored area for tents has also been constructed.

All caravan sites have power, water and sullage plus a concrete pad for van, awning and vehicle. Trees shade some sites and all roads in the park are sealed. Several modern cabins with ensuites and linen complete the accommodation, while further plans include ensuite sites.

The park also features undercover barbecues, a dump point for chemical toilets, Internet access, pay phones and a laundry, and there is an ATM nearby. The bus stop is a short walk and a petrol station and shop are at the end of the street.

We were met at the office by Chris, who offered to put our van on site. He and Michael are well known for their ability to put a van into small spaces, but it was no trouble for me this time.

We were informed about the public transport system and maps, timetables and other relevant brochures were given to us, plus other information. Buses into Perth CBD (only 7km away) and Kings Park leave every 15 minutes. These connect with buses, trains and cruise boats to Fremantle and other places.

Public transport in Perth is wonderful. We bought a two-zone concession ticket, 10 trips for $11. If you board a connection within a certain time, the second leg of the trip is free, so you may travel not only to Perth for $1.10 but also on to Fremantle; and then back to the park for a total of $2.20. How's that for value! This same ticket may be used on the trains. Even more amazing perhaps, the bus drivers are incredibly friendly and helpful, which made navigating around the city pleasant and easy - no need to even consider taking the car.

Cross the quiet street at the back of the park and you are on a pretty walkway running beside the river. This extends for over 11km and is used for walking, biking and fishing. A supermarket is a few streets away, while a large shopping centre is not much further.

Our caravan required servicing, as well as the car, which also needed new tyres, so Chris made a few suggestions. Simon Flavel at Welshpool Caravan Centre, will come to the park to service your van on site. This is a great service and he did an excellent job. I was given directions to the local Ford dealer who fitted my service in, with a two-day wait. They also gave excellent service and did the car while we shopped at the huge Centro Galleria shopping centre next door, although they run a courtesy bus to the caravan park and return.

I shopped around for tyre prices and received a good price and service from Bridgestone, Midland. Rob and Greg who own the business also offered to collect my vehicle and deliver it back to me. We found everyone very friendly with good prices and good service in Perth.

Denyse and I stayed 11 days here, visiting Serpentine Park, Fremantle, Mandurah, Rockingham and other places from our base at Central Caravan Park. We had a very enjoyable holiday, made even better by the friendly Central Caravan Park team.

Central Caravan Park Fast Facts
The park is rated as four-star, and is a member of Top Tourist Parks.
Address: 34 Central Ave, Ascot, WA 6104, ph (08) 9277 1704, fax (08) 9479 4434, www.perthcentral.com.au

This is a small park with personal service from Chris, Nella and Michael, who will go out of their way to help you. They employ three staff, but live on site. I suggest you book, as they are almost always full.

Staff will advise you on the easiest way to reach the park, but being just off the Great Eastern Highway, it is not hard to find. It's normally quiet, but we did find some airport noise when the wind changed.

Most tours pick up from Central Caravan Park, and a notice board is put outside the office each day with special tours and deals that are available.

Welshpool Caravan Centre
(For all caravan repairs)
Simon Flavel
131 Welshpool Road, Welshpool 6106, 0409 295 973

McInerney Ford
239 Walter Road, Morley, WA 6062, (08) 9275 1111

Bridgestone Tyre Centre, Midland
175 Gt Eastern Highway, Midland, WA 6056, (08) 9274 2715