Vodafone Ashes Series 2010-11
Inspection Report - Perth
Perth's Western Australia Cricket Association ground - the WACA ground - is the venue for the third Vodafone Ashes Series match between Australia and England - the mid-point of the series. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, the nation's largest state. Sitting on the banks of the Swan River, it is one of Australia's most distinctive and beautiful cities, with a laid back pace of life and lots to explore.
The famous WACA ground has played host to some momentous matches in years gone by and still remains one of the most appealing grounds to visit for any cricket fan. Pace and swing bowlers favour the conditions here too, with a bouncy wicket and sea breezes working in their favour. The capacity of the WACA will be 24,500 for the Ashes, with some temporary stands being erected especially for the series. Fans with silver seats will be completely exposed to the sun here, so make sure you take plenty of sun cream and protective clothing.
Throughout its history, the ground has also been used for athletics, Australian rules football, baseball, football, rugby and music concerts.
Howzat Travel seating arrangements will be as follows*:
Gold - Podium Stand West (See map / View unavailable)
Platinum - Podium Stand West or East (See map / View unavailable)
Read Cricket Australia's 'Conditions of Entry' guidelines here.
Hotel
In Perth, all Howzat Travellers will be staying together at the same hotel - the Novotel Langley - just a 10-minute walk from the WACA in one direction, and a 10-minute walk to the city centre in the other. It is also only a short walk from the free 'Red CAT' bus service, the route of which extends all the way to West Perth.
Novotel Langley Hotel 4*Hotel website
Located on Langley Park on the banks of the Swan River, the Novotel Langley is an ideal place to be based for your stay in Perth. The hotel is a short walk from the Swan River ferry service at the Bell Tower, Barrack Street, where you can catch ferries to many of the local atttractions and recommended places to visit.
This 253-room property offers fantastic views across the Swan River from its upper floors. The hotel gym and spa are located at the top of the hotel and provide the same breathtaking panoramic experience. The hotel rooms all feature broadband internet and cable TV, and downstairs you will find two food & drink options in the excellent Sen5es restaurant and the Fenians Irish pub, which also offers regular live entertainment.
The Novotel Langley is located on Adelaide Terrace and is just a 10-15-minute walk to the WACA ground - see map to the left, click to enlarge. Simply walk east on Adelaide Terrace, turn left at Plain Street and right onto Nelson Crescent.
Things to do in and around Perth
Travel around Perth on one of the three free CAT bus services - the ideal way to get your bearings. Visit the Bell Tower - also the site of the Swan River ferry service. The Bell Tower is an eyecatching structure and is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. It offers fascinating displays on the famous bells, plus stunning 360° views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River from the sixth floor open air observation deck. Take a trip to Fremantle - a 20-minute drive or you can catch a ferry from the Bell Tower. Known as 'Freo' by the locals, it has some great bars, restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping. You will also find street entertainment and charming markets at this extremely chilled-out, attractive port city. Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Fremantle, or you could go direct from the Bell Tower in Perth. At 'Rotto', you will find clear, turquoise waters and gorgeous sandy beaches. There are no cars on 'Rotto', so hire a bicycle and explore the beautiful island on two wheels! Perth's beautiful Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and covers over 400 hectares. It overlooks the city and the Swan River and includes the state's Botanic Garden - home to 300 native plant varieties and 80 species of bird. Located just across the Swan River from the Bell Tower, Perth Zoo is a great way to spend a long afternoon. Home to over 1,500 animals representing 200 species, here you can see a wonderful array of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and dingoes. AQWA - the Aquarium of Western Australia is located a short distance up the coast at Hilarys Boat Harbour. Here, you can discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia. A bit further afield, Rockingham is a 40-minute drive south from Perth - an attractive seaside town where you can take a ferry out to Penguin Island or swim with wild dolphins.
Weather
Perth has a Mediterraean climate and in the summer the weather hot. Perth also enjoys a refreshing afternoon sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor which brings welcome relief on hot days. The average temperature in summer is 29°C but can get up to 40°C on very hot days.
Everyone travelling to Perth must ensure that they take plenty of protection from the sun. As mentioned earlier, fans in the silver seating area will be completely exposed to the sun, and with the Fremantle Doctor wind making you possibly feel a little cooler, it could be a recipe for some people getting burnt without realising. It is imperative that you take plenty of sun cream and protective clothing for this one!
Travel around Perth on one of the three free CAT bus services - the ideal way to get your bearings.
