Albany Holiday Units - Western Australia

Date of stay : February 2013

This was a real 'home away from home'. Clean, well furnished and the kitchen had everything we needed.

From the minute we walked in the front door we loved this place. It wasn't just clean, it was immaculate. The decor is attractive, the furnishings were comfortable and the location, 2 streets back from Middleton Beach, could hardly be any better.

The units are in a nice quiet street and although they appear to be quite old from the outside, inside they have been fully upgraded.

Off street parking was available and we had no problem parking the big old Landcruiser in the bay supplied.

We would recommend these units to anyone. We were even supplied with a rice cooker which was something we have never seen in any similar accommodation.

There is free WiFi - which really is a must these days and even though we only had a few nights in Albany, we were very happy here.

The beds were all comfortable and can be recommended by someone with a bad back. The street was lovely and quiet at night and it is just a short walk to the beach.

If we are in Albany again then we will certainly be back.

Evedon Park, Burekup - Western Australia

Date of stay : February 2013

I really would like to say nice things about Evedon Park as the setting is wonderful. A piece of the Australian bush with a lake and views over the coastal plain thrown in.

The resort was apparently opened in the early 1980s and its age is starting to show. We stayed in one of the cabins, not the 2 storey apartments so I can only comment on what we saw. Ours was called the Wandoo cabin.

The cabins are old and badly in need of a complete facelift including ALL the furniture, beds, lights, curtains, carpets etc.

The sliding doors to the balcony were HORRIBLE! Almost impossible to open or close properly.

The barn doors connecting the balconies could only be locked from one side.

On the balcony there were nail heads sticking up so that you could damage your feet on them if you did not have shoes on.

The chairs on the balcony were uncomfortable.

The chairs inside are worn out and only seat 4 people in a 5 person (max) unit. Ok there were only 4 of us so we didn't mind quite so much but they still need replacing.

The utensils provided in the kitchen are very limited. Basic things like a cutting board, veggie peeler etc,. were missing.

The fry-pan is too small to cook for 5 people let alone 4. We suggest a visit by the manager to the nearest Op-Shop to buy some more utensils. It would only take a small amount of money to get enough utensils and cooking pots to make the kitchen area much better.

Pillows were flat and there weren't enough so we had to ask for more.

Single beds were uncomfortable, the double was ok.

Lighting in the bedrooms is too limited. Not everyone wants to be blinded every time the lights go on. A choice of soft lighting is badly needed.

Blankets were horrible and insufficient, they all need replacing.

The toilet is old and the vanity needs replacing. Ok it works but it looks like it is direct from the 1970s. It is time to update it.

Hot water was very good and the stove in the kitchen was great. Other appliances supplied like toaster, kettle etc. were also good.

Security in the unit is poor so don't leave any valuables there.

With a bit more attention to detail this place would be wonderful. As it was, we enjoyed our stay but if you are looking for 4 or 5 star then forget it.

Other items that could be improved, more coffee and tea supplied, and for goodness sake replace that awful OLD evaporative air-conditioner. It is the most noisy contraption we have ever seen in a hotel. On the subject of noise and replacing things, also the bathroom fan is far too noisy and the light on the kitchen exhaust fan did not work - the fan on this was noisy when turning on/off too.

The free canoes on the lake were great and we even dared to swim a bit but as this is not running water we kept our heads out of the water.

We did enjoy our stay despite the negatives but unless many things were upgraded we probably would think twice before going again.

If you stay in a cabin get one that is shaded from the afternoon sun. Depending on the time of year you visit you may need some insect repellent as there were quite a few biting March flies about when we were there.

While it may sound like we are being a bit picky with this review, the main reason we want to bring these matters to the attention of management is that we think this place could be something very special. The setting is wonderful and with just a bit of improvement Evedon Park would be an amazing pace to stay.

THINGS TO DO

In Albany

Albany is full of places to see and things to do. If you are planning on heading down that way, we would suggest a visit of 10 to 14 days as there is just so much to do.

Top of the list should be Whale World.

Then there is the natural beauty of the south coast that gives you many places to explore.

To the west of Albany you might like to take a day trip out to William Bay to see Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool. Spend some time and perhaps have lunch in the small town of Denmark. On the way back visit Shelley Beach at West Cape Howe, Cosy Corner, Torbay and Muttonbird Island.

In and around Albany you can visit Torndirrup National Park that contains some really amazing scenery. Check out Salmon Holes, Jimmy Newell's Harbour, The Gap and Natural Bridge.

Take a drive up to the lookout at Mt. Melville and also visit Princess Royal Fortress on Mt. Clarence.

Next comes Middleton Beach, Emu Point and then you can head east to places like Lower King, Ledge Beach and Two People's Bay.

If you want to head a bit further east go out to East Bay, Betty's Beach and Norman's Inlet. A bit further still is Cheyne's Beach and Waychinicup.

If you get fed up with all the stunning coastal scenery then you can head inland to visit the Stirling Ranges and the Porongurups.

Albany is at its best in the warmer months of the year but no matter what time you go you will find lots to enjoy.

In Burekup

To the north of Burekup you can explore a number of small inland and coastal towns including Australind, Harvey, Yarloop and Brunswick.

Harvey in particular is worth visiting to see Stirling's Cottage and the Harvey Weir, which is a good spot to stop and have a picnic.

If you need to do some serious shopping then Bunbury is only a short drive from Burekup and then you can head further out to the Ferguson Valley.

One of the must see attractions in this area is Gnomesville. It won't cost you any more than the fuel it takes to drive out and back. If you want to, take along your own gnomes to join the 5,000 or so that are already there.

A drive up to Collie and a visit to Wellington Dam is recommended.

You can make your way back to Burekup via River Road (from Wellington Dam). There are a number of stopping places along the way where you can walk down to the river.

On the way you will pass the turn off to Honeymoon Pool. In the warmer months take your swimming gear as Honeymoon Pool is a wonderful swimming spot.

Become a supporter of this website for just $5 a month