all must go

A mere $39 per person per night.

Did you see the RIA’s advertising blitz (a double-page spread in West Travel) on the weekend?

They’re trying to plug some gaps in winter accommodation: the various packages are on Sunday to Thursday, June to August, but not during school holidays.

We’d be spewing if it was cheaper than our looming 13 days in South Thomson: we paid $1860 about a year ago for 13 nights in a six bed: about $24 per person per night.

The $39pppn doesn’t say where it is, but extras have been thrown in during the five night stay for four people: Rottnest Express ferry travel (we assume return), bikes and a bus or train tour.

The most expensive option is $66pppn for three nights for two people.

There’s still quite a bit available. We just had a look for a four-bed villa in Geordie/Longreach/Fay’s anytime in June: 935, 936, 939 and 941 are up for grabs for fortnightly stretches. Lots of other options too.

The copy in the spread is pedestrian at best. The island is “steeped in history”, the Wadjemup bus tour is “unique and purely Western Australian”, “steep yourself in history” at the museum: “Rottnest Island really is a treasure trove of history and culture”. Really! “Booking is easy!”