🇦🇺 Perth, Australia
The Old Swan Barracks
📍 2-8, Francis Street, Perth, 6000
Your stay — The Old Swan Barracks
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Perth.
The Property — The Old Swan Barracks
The Old Swan Barracks is a converted 19th-century military barracks in Northbridge, now a budget-to-midrange hotel with a distinctly functional, hostel-meets-hotel feel. The lobby is stripped-back and institutional: polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and a front desk that doubles as a bar. It suits independent travellers, backpackers or couples who want a clean, no-frills base near the city centre and are happy to trade frills for location and price.
Chronicles of Perth
Perth was founded in 1829 as the Swan River Colony, a free settlers’ outpost. Its early architecture was modest colonial stone and brick, but the 1890s gold rushes brought boom-time Victorian buildings and grand civic structures like the Treasury and Town Hall. Post-war, the city sprawled with mid-century suburban houses, but from the 1990s a wave of modern high-rises reshaped the skyline, particularly after 2000’s GFC-driven property surge and the mining boom. Today, Perth is a wealthy, outward-looking city with a strong Aboriginal cultural presence, a thriving live-music scene in Northbridge, and a laid-back lifestyle centred on the Swan River and Indian Ocean beaches.
Best Time to Visit
Full Perth guide →Best months
September to November – spring brings clear skies, wildflowers in Kings Park, fewer heatwaves than summer, and the city feels relaxed outside school holidays.
Peak / festival surge
January and February are the hottest, with frequent 35-40°C days and many locals away at the coast. The Perth International Arts Festival in February draws crowds; hotel prices in the city can double from standard off-peak rates.
Budget shoulder season
March to May – autumn is warm (25-30°C) but cooler than summer, with cheaper room rates, low humidity, and fewer tourists. June is also a bargain if you don't mind occasional rain.
Weather & packing
July is Perth’s coolest month, with average highs around 18°C and frequent cold fronts bringing rain and wind. Pack a waterproof jacket, layers (jumpers and a fleece), and closed walking shoes; leave shorts and sandals at home.
Live City Briefing — Perth
- Perth’s new METRONET rail extension to Yanchep opened in late 2024, but the city’s main lines face weekend closures for continuing upgrades in July 2026 – check Transperth alerts before travelling.
- The Elizabeth Quay riverfront precinct has added several new restaurants and a large public art installation, making it a more inviting walk from the city centre since the last major renovation.
- The WA Museum Boola Bardip remains a top indoor attraction; it’s free to enter most permanent galleries, and its café has been praised for locally sourced food.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Old Swan Barracks, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th) facing the internal courtyard, away from Francis Street. These are quietest and most private.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms at the front of the hotel facing Francis Street, especially on lower floors (ground or first) – street noise from late-night foot traffic and occasional vehicles on this busy inner-city road is noticeable.
Best views
No notable view – the hotel is in a Northbridge backstreet, so best you can get is a partial city skyline or a courtyard aspect. Avoid facing the adjacent building directly.
Quietest floors
Top floor (3rd or 4th) – less footfall above and further from street level.
🔊 Noise notes
Francis Street is a secondary road in the Northbridge entertainment district, so expect pub/bar noise from surrounding venues, especially Thursday–Saturday nights. Also occasional rubbish collection and delivery trucks on weekday mornings.
Insider tips
1. Park at the Wilson Parking on Francis Street (discount voucher often available at reception) rather than the hotel's limited on-site spaces. 2. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs or request a courtyard-facing room – and avoid the ground floor entirely.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Old Swan Barracks
Free standard-speed WiFi throughout; no paid upgrade. Login via room number and surname; speeds adequate for browsing and email
Single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No physical papers; digital news via PressReader (free) on lobby tablet or personal device. The building is a former 1890s police barracks, with exposed brick and original timber beams in the bar area
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00. Late check-out to 12:00 for AUD 30 (subject to availability); after 12:00 charged full night
Yes, free for day of check-in/out; longer stays by arrangement
Step-free entry via ramp at rear; lift to all floors. One accessible guest room on ground floor. No wheel-in shower, but grab rails and lowered fixtures
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park: CPP Pier Street Car Park, 21 Pier Street, AUD 35 overnight (enter after 17:00, exit by 10:00). No EV charging on property
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no tourist tax in WA)
Deposit & card hold: First night deposit required at booking; AUD 100 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Saint George's Cathedral (273 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Saint Mary's Cathedral (487 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Saint John's Pro-Cathedral (498 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Perth Baptist Church (520 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Carillon City — 505 m · ~6 min walk
Government House Gardens — 469 m · ~6 min walk
Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre — 202 m · ~3 min walk
Covered Stage — 526 m · ~7 min walk
Russel Square Public Playground — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
DC-ATM — 404 m · ~5 min walk
Chemist Warehouse — 134 m · ~2 min walk
Zoom Convenience Store — 261 m · ~3 min walk
Perth — 519 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Use ATMs at major banks or currency exchange offices in the city; avoid airport or tourist bureau kiosks which have poor rates and high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless (tap) is standard, and mobile pay works almost everywhere. Carry some cash for small cafes and markets.
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Round up for good service in restaurants, but it's optional. Taxis and hotel staff do not require tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Flat white from any cafe near the train station or along Murray Street — around $4.50 AUD.
Banh mi or sushi roll from a food court or small takeaway joint — about $8–12 AUD.
Pasta or Thai main course at a casual eatery — roughly $15–22 AUD.
Head to the Northbridge side of the city (especially around Lake Street and Roe Street) for food trucks and cheap Asian eats at night.
Coles and Woolworths are the main budget supermarkets; IGA has smaller, pricier outlets in the city centre.
Target and Kmart at the city’s shopping centres (e.g., Forrest Chase, Carillon City) for affordable basics; op shops (thrift stores) along Beaufort Street for cheap second-hand finds.
A SmartRider card gives the cheapest bus/train trips — about $5.10 AUD for a day pass (2-zone). From the airport, take bus 380 or 40 to the city for $4.80 AUD, not the train line (more expensive).
Buy a SmartRider card for public transport (tap on/off, not cash). Eat lunch specials at pubs and Asian food courts rather than dinner. Avoid buying water — free refill stations are all over Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park.
Good to know — Perth
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.43 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
PerthFor non-urgent police matters call 131 444. For medical advice or COVID-19 health support dial 1800 022 222 (Healthdirect Australia). From a mobile phone, 112 works as an alternative to 000.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Perth, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Old Swan Barracks
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · DC-ATM — 404 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Chemist Warehouse — 134 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Perth CBD transit hubs → Within Perth CBD including Oxford Hotel area
💡 Explore CBD free of charge; CAT (Central Area Transit) buses cover all major attractions; ideal for moving between hotels and local venues
Perth Airport (PER) → Perth CBD (near Oxford Hotel)
💡 Most budget-friendly airport option; purchase Smartrider card at airport for seamless local transit transfers to other buses/trains
Perth Airport Station → Perth City Station (500m from Oxford Hotel)
💡 Fastest reliable option; Smartrider card integrates with entire local transit network for easy city exploration; trains are modern and frequent
Perth Airport (PER) → Oxford Hotel, Perth CBD
💡 Book ahead via Uber or local taxi apps for guaranteed availability; fixed-price airport taxis available at taxi rank outside terminals
About Perth
Wikipedia ↗
Perth (Nyungar: Boorloo) is the capital city of Western Australia. It is the fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth as of 2023. The world's most isolated major city by certain criteria, Perth is part of the South West Land Division of Weste...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Old Swan Barracks?
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th) facing the internal courtyard, away from Francis Street. These are quietest and most private.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Old Swan Barracks?
Avoid rooms at the front of the hotel facing Francis Street, especially on lower floors (ground or first) – street noise from late-night foot traffic and occasional vehicles on this busy inner-city road is noticeable.
Is The Old Swan Barracks noisy?
Francis Street is a secondary road in the Northbridge entertainment district, so expect pub/bar noise from surrounding venues, especially Thursday–Saturday nights. Also occasional rubbish collection and delivery trucks on weekday mornings.
Which rooms have the best views at The Old Swan Barracks?
No notable view – the hotel is in a Northbridge backstreet, so best you can get is a partial city skyline or a courtyard aspect. Avoid facing the adjacent building directly.
What are insider tips for staying at The Old Swan Barracks?
1. Park at the Wilson Parking on Francis Street (discount voucher often available at reception) rather than the hotel's limited on-site spaces. 2. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs or request a courtyard-facing room – and avoid the ground floor entirely.
What time is check-in at The Old Swan Barracks?
Check-in at The Old Swan Barracks is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Old Swan Barracks have Wi-Fi?
Free standard-speed WiFi throughout; no paid upgrade. Login via room number and surname; speeds adequate for browsing and email
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Old Swan Barracks?
None (no tourist tax in WA)
Where can I eat cheaply near The Old Swan Barracks?
Banh mi or sushi roll from a food court or small takeaway joint — about $8–12 AUD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Old Swan Barracks?
A SmartRider card gives the cheapest bus/train trips — about $5.10 AUD for a day pass (2-zone). From the airport, take bus 380 or 40 to the city for $4.80 AUD, not the train line (more expensive).
When is the best time to visit Perth?
September to November – spring brings clear skies, wildflowers in Kings Park, fewer heatwaves than summer, and the city feels relaxed outside school holidays.
Top Attractions in Perth
💡 Check the free lunchtime talks – they rotate exhibitions monthly and skip the queue by entering from the Perth Cultural Centre side.
💡 Bring your own snacks – cafes here are pricey. The free water play area opens 10am-6pm November to March.
💡 Go at sunset for the city lights. The free guided walks leave at 10am from the information centre.
💡 Train from city to Cottesloe station is $5 return. Swim between the flags – the shelf drop-off can surprise. Fish and chips from the kiosk are decent value.
💡 The gold pour demo is included in the $22 adult ticket – skip the souvenir photo, it’s overpriced. Free lockers for bags.