Located in the south west area region of the vast state of Western Australia, with 1.5 million residents, it contains around 70% of that state's population.
Understand
Perth is based around the Swan River on a flat coastal plain down from the Darling ranges. The many relatively uncrowded beaches along the Perth coastline also help define the lifestyle; Perth is laid-back, quiet and quite safe.
Orientation
The centre of the Perth metropolitan area is the Perth CBD located on the Swan River around 10 km inland. The CBD is the premier business and shopping centre, and together with the adjacent Northbridge, the entertainment centre as well.
The CBD is about 1 km North-South but 2 km East-West and is centred on the pedestrianised Forrest Place. In or adjacent to Forrest Place you will find the General Post Office (GPO - open Monday - Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-12), the Tourist Information Centre, Perth Train Station and the Forrest Chase shopping centre including Myer Department store.
The main East-West streets are Wellington Street (northern boundary), Murray and Hay Streets (which become pedestrianised shopping malls in the centre), St Georges Terrace/Adelaide Terrace and Riverside Drive (which runs along the Swan River and forms the southern boundary of the CBD). The main northbound street is Barrack Street which runs along the eastern end of the central shopping district and the main southbound street is William Street to the west.
History
The site now known as Perth, was home to the indigenous Nyoongar tribe with evidence of their ancestors stretching back 40,000 years.
British settlers established a free settler colony in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony. From 1850, an influx of convicts boosted the size of the colony and their labour helped shape the early architecture of the city. The discovery of gold in the 1890's triggered a boom which, with subsequent mineral discoveries, has been key to the city's economy. As capital of the state Western Australia, Perth joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
Climate
Positioned on the south west of the continent, the city experiences a mediterranean climate with wet (used to be wet anyway!!) , mild winters (June to August; daily maximums around 18C) and hot, dry summers (December to January; daily maximums around 30C). The best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
Get in
By plane
Practically all scheduled flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport ().
There are three terminals at Perth airport:
Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent to each other, but Terminal 1 is eleven kilometres away by road (NOT walking distance). A shuttle service operates between terminals 1 and 2 to coincide with international flight arrivals. Qantas passengers may get complimentary transfer vouchers. For other passengers, the fare is $8.00.
The city and major hotels can be accessed by taxi or commercial shuttle bus from all terminals. Transperth buses serve the domestic terminals (Route 37, every 20 minutes, no Sunday night), but there is no public transport to the international terminal.
By boat
The sea port of Fremantle is irregularly visited by a number of cruise lines.
By rail
The Indian Pacific trans-continental railway runs from Perth to Sydney via Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill. It is not cheap but a 3 day journey to remember, especially if you're a train buff. The Indian Pacific leaves from and arrives at the East Perth terminal, which is not Perth's main train station. A transfer to the suburban service (Midland Line - East Perth Station, 1 zone fare) or taxi is required to get into the city centre from East Perth.
Train services (1 or 2 per day) are available to and from the regional cites of Kalgoorlie (departing from East Perth) and Bunbury (departing from the main station) - see Get Out section for more details.
By road
There is currently no regular scheduled coach service across the Nullarbor Plain between Perth and Adelaide. People wishing to travel by road may wish to consider one of the adventure oriented tours that include camping and sightseeing.
Greyhound Australia offers a daily coach service the length of the state from Darwin via Broome. At over 2 1/2 days this is not a trip to be taken lightly!
Driving a car from Perth and Adelaide is also an option and the road and accomodation infrastructure makes it achievable without too much stress. However, be warned that it is still a 2700 km drive and is considered a 'once in a lifetime' activity for locals.
Get around
By public transportation
Perth has a comprehensive and relatively inexpensive public transport network operated by Transperth. Information can be obtained from their website, by phoning 136212 (until 10 pm daily) or at information centres at Perth Train Station, Wellington Street Bus Station, Esplanade Busport and Plaza Arcade in the City Centre.
The new southern line to Mandurah will open in mid-2007.
Fares: The Transperth system is divided into 9 concentric zones, plus the "Free Transit Zone" for the CBD. Zone 2 extends as far as Fremantle and for most visitors a two zone ticket will suffice. Two main types of tickets are available: "single trip" tickets, which can be purchased from bus drivers or coin-operated ticket machines at train stations, and "SmartRider" tickets which are a pre-paid smart card which will automatically calculate your fare and deduct it from your account balance. SmartRiders are available from Transperth InfoCentres (at major train stations and bus ports) or from most Newsagents. You need to charge the card at machines at major stations, or can give the bus driver cash (notes only, no change) to charge your card up. When you get on board a service you 'tag on' at the fare gate or next to the driver and once you have completed your trip you 'tag off' and the correct fare will be deducted from your balance. Smartrider cards apply a 15% discount over cash fares.
More information on ticketing and bus/train routes can be found on Transperth's website - http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au
Taxi
Perth is serviced by a number of taxi companies that are generally efficient. You can wait up to 2 hours on Friday or Saturday nights. You may be able to try the Night Rider buses operated by Transperth in the Fremantle area, and a Northbridge (Perth) nightrider is also now in service.
By bicycle or on foot
Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has very well developed cycling infrastructure. Areas further out from the city are easier to access with a car. The Perth Bicycle Network is a network of cycling and walking facilities throughout the metropolitan area. This comprises:
Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and a Planners Map is also online. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure publishes free Travelsmart guides, showing routes for cycling, walking and public transport. Also published are brochures showing popular rides such as Ride around the Rivers, Ride along the Sunset Coast, Ride through the Hills, Ride from Armadale to Perth, Ride from the City to the Sea, Perth and Kings Park by Bike.
Particularly recommended is the ride along the north side of the Swan River between the City and Nedlands. Allow 60 minutes for a round trip, depending on wind!
Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains, except in peak directions during peak hour.
By car
Renting a car is recommended for visiting the surrounding areas. Perth has lovely uncongested roads out of peak times, and is well served by an excellent freeway system. "Peak hour" is 8-9.30am and 4-5.30pm on weekdays, when the main arterial roads serving the CBD are slow-moving.
The general speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.
There are no toll roads in Western Australia.
Cars may be rented at the airport and elsewhere from major rental companies, or at smaller, less conveniently located, cheaper companies.
Note that traffic in Perth (as elsewhere in Australia) drives on the left. Some acclimatisation may be required for visitors from other countries.
See
Do
There are a lot of options if you have car, from the city just head to the coast, then head north or south.
Buy
Perth has many unique things to buy, including the world renowed Broome pearls, Perth Mint gold and Argyle diamonds.
Normal shopping hours in Perth are
Smaller shops may open longer hours.
Some useful hints:
There is a Woolworths Supermarket in the city on Murray Street mall near Barrack Street. This is open 7 days and until 7 pm on Weeknights. It can get very busy around 5 pm.
A late-night pharmacy (chemist) is located on the corner of William Street and James Street in Northbridge (just north of the city centre)
King Street has some of the more expensive shops in Perth, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Hay Street and Murray Street malls are the main shopping precinct of Perth. They have a number of chain music, clothing and department stores. The two are connected by a number of arcades, including Carrillion arcade, Plaza arcade and Picadilly arcade. These have a number of off-beat asian fashion stores, unique jewellery shops, and even a shop which specialises in gourmet teas. Basement level of Carrillion arcade has a large food court.
Northbridge is fast becoming the place to go for more alternative shopping. William Street, located on the opposite side of the Perth Train Station to the city malls, has a variety of independently owned businesses, mostly operated by the youth of Perth. Here you can find punk/goth/rockabilly fashion and footwear, graffiti art supplies, independent art galleries, anime/manga collectables and generally more unique stores. If you are bored of the same big clothing labels, you can find some really different, locally designed fashion, as well as some excellent vintage pieces.
Harbour Town located on Wellington Street in West Perth (Yellow Cat to Harbourtown or Train, Fremantle line to City West. Within Free Transit Zone)is good for a budget shopping spree, and contains primarily outlet stores.
Trendier suburbs such as Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco have a number of offbeat designer fashion stores.
There are a number of shopping complexes located in the outer suburbs, such as in Morley, Carousel, Cannington, Midland, Joondalup, Booragoon, and Karrinyup. These have the usual department stores and chain stores.
Subiaco Markets operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is located about 30 seconds walk from the Subiaco train station. A good place for cheap fruit and veg.
Eat
One of the drawbacks of Perth is the lack of late night dining. Very few places will serve food after 10pm at night, with the notable exception of some excellent out-of-the-way Asian eateries and the other cafes in Northbridge such as The Moon late nite cafe.
There are a lot of restaurants in Northbridge just across the railway line north of the CBD. Mainly Southern European (Greek, Italian etc) and Asian (especially Indonesian and Vietnamese) restaurants. The seafood restaurants are also recommended. Northbridge gets very busy Friday and Saturday night.
Fremantle is a good option for getting out. It's easy to get to by train and has enough restaurants, bars and coffee shops to keep you well fed and watered.
South Tce has a coffee strip that is popular from the morning and on through the day; about the only place around Perth that's alive from dawn to... dawn.
On weekends, a local favourite is to visit the Fisherman's Wharf at Fremantle for fish and chips in one of the specialised eateries there. It can get very busy on Sundays in warm weather.
Subiaco is a couple of km from the city centre and easily reachable by train on the Fremantle line. Subiaco is a fun suburb with some great food and entertainment. Remember to pronounce it something like 'Soo-bee-AK-o' OR just 'SOO-bee', otherwise they'll know you're from out of town!
Claremont is a suburb on the same train line as Subiaco (or a close drive away) which has some good food too.
Mount Lawley and Highgate Centered around the Beaufort Street strip, this bohemian suburb includes some of Perth's edgier bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes and clothing shops. Mount Lawley and Highgate is the heart of Perth's gay and artistic communities. If you want to splurge, try the Must Wine Bar. Jacksons, is located on the southern end of the strip.
Some of Perth's better class restaurants are to be found in the Claisbrook Cove area of East Perth.
Other suburbs with good dining include:
Some specific options include:
There is a large Western Rock Lobster (known locally by its former name of crayfish) industry. Most of the crayfish is exported to the USA for vast sums of money. However, crayfish prices in Perth can be relatively cheap, especially during summer in a good season. Lots of restaurants serve crayfish, so give it a try without breaking the bank!
Drink
Coffee
Perth is home to a thriving, European-style cafe culture, influenced by the large amounts of Italian migrants. There are a number of stylish cafe's, including
The Moon Cafe located on William Street, in Northbridge. Open till late and hosting a jazz band every Thursday, it is a staple for university students, gays and coffee-house intellectuals. It has off beat interior design, an assortment of quirky lamps, retro lounges and board games Also serves great alcoholic beverages and a number of meals and snacks to share.
Kaio, Roe street, Northbridge. Cheap coffee and snacks, stylish surroundings and a collection of Lonely Planet guidebooks for the wannabe traveller. Has an upstairs section which looks over the Perth metropolis.
Cafe on Oxford 130 located on Oxford street, Leederville. Includes board games for hire, and a funky plastic outdoor setting.
Exomod home of the one litre milkshake and coffee. Located on Beauford street, Mt Lawley, has a stylish modern indoor setting and a range of sweets. Open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Free wifi!
Infusion Coffee If you're in the city and want something a little stronger than what Gloria Jeans or Starbucks have to offer, then Infusion Coffee in Plaza Arcade in the Perth CBD has a pretty good selection.
Non-drinkers who have an interest in Chinese bubble tea can grab a drink (and a spot of karaoke) at Utopia which is a trendy spot for the youngsters who come out to break the curfew. Easy Way is another up-and-coming popular bubble tea place a few doors down from Utopia.
Bars
Try the Brass Monkey on the corner of William and James St; a great comedy club on site and a good selection of beers and wines. Bar Open on William Street is a hot little club that can only be reached via alleyway. It's virtually hidden location means it's sleek clientele are clearly in the know, and it is perfect for those looking for a spot to chill and any cocktail you could dream up- it's sister club upstairs, Club 234, is equally as classy. Connections claims to be the oldest (gay) night club in Australia and possibly the world while The Court is a gay and lesbian hotel/bar/club (still open but under renovation).
Perth CBD boasts several bars, usually crowded after 5pm with those who have just finished a hard day at work. Belgian Beer Cafe Westende has an impressive selection of imported and local beers on tap, with specialised glassware to match. Alternatively, Sassellas tavern located on the third floor of Carillon Arcade has a balcony that overlooks Forest Chase, and if you're hungry they have a good selection of food that's ready in 10 mins. The steak sandwich is good value for around $13.
Fremantle has the usual array of pubs and clubs. Of special note are the Fly by Night Musicians Club and Kulcha (folk). The famous micro-brewery Little Creatures is also worth visiting for those wishing to experience a unique local brew and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. You can also enjoy a nice meal there, with Pizza being their main specialty.
Subiaco has an array of venues where you can have a drink and a dance, such as the Subi Hotel, Club Red Sea, Sapphire Bar and Llama Bar. "Subi" becomes really busy when events are held at Subiaco Oval.
Drive Through Liquor Stores - not exactly a bar per se, but definitely a concept unique to Australia. These are usually open until quite late. It is considered polite to park your car outside and walk through if you are intending to browse and take your time.
Live Music
Perth is well known for its indie music scene at established venues such as Amplifier Bar, Rosemount, Fly By Night, Hyde Park Hotel, Mojos, and The Swan Basement. Visit YourGigs.com.au for upcoming gigs
or Perth Indie Bands for a selection of good Perth bands.
Stay safe
The main danger that an overseas visitor to Perth faces is sunburn! Make sure you cover yourself with SPF 30+ sunscreen and a hat, and preferably a shirt, especially in the warmer months. An insect repellent such as 'Aeroguard' will be useful on summer evenings if you are outdoors.
Otherwise Perth is relatively safe. If you wish to pick a fight, then Northbridge late at night (e.g. at 2.00am when the pubs close) may provide you with opportunities, but generally speaking use your common sense and you will be fine (e.g. don't flash money around, stay in busy well-lit areas at night and avoid lone drunks).
Police are friendly and approachable, but response times can be lengthy particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
There have been a small number of incidents at outer suburban railway stations in recent years. It is probably best for solo travellers to avoid places such as Carlisle, Queens Park and Kelmscott on the Armadale Line late at night (not that there is any real reason to be there in the first place)!
Transit guards normally travel on trains after peak hour. All train stations have a time to next train as well as an emergency button to call transit guards. Response times can be problematic. All stations have live monitored cameras and by pushing the emergency button the cameras on that train station are automatically brought up in the monitoring room. Note the locations of the "talk to driver" buttons next to the doors in all trains as they are not on all doors.
The bus network safety differs according to the route you take but problems with people sniffing paint or petrol on board buses is rapidly increasing. Do not look or stare at these people and it is best NOT to move away from them if you can. As you exit the bus go past the driver and simply say "sniffers", do not stop to talk to the driver and the driver will usually take them one or two more stop before removing them. Mirrabooka bus station should be avoided after peak times when there is only one security officer due to Aboriginal and African gang related activity.
Beggars, pickpockets and suchlike are almost unknown in Perth.
Sleep
Hostels and Backpackers
Perth is very popular with backpackers and there are a large number of backpackers' hostels located in the city, particularly in the Northbridge area.
The new Youth Hostel is located on Wellington Street in Perth, about 200m east of the main train station.
Hotels
Caravan Parks
Caravan parks (Trailer parks) are a cost effective and often good value family way to stay in Perth. Caravan parks are usually some distance from the city, but some have bus stops right out the front door. Caravan parks are generally clean and offer a variety of different accommodation types.
Get out
The main operator of regional bus and rail services in south west Western Australia is the government run Transwa. The Australind train departs Perth Train Station at 9.30 am and 5.55 pm daily for Bunbury in the south west with various coach connections, and The Prospector departs from the Public Transport Centre (East Perth) at various time to the inland city of Kalgoorlie. Coaches also depart from the Public Transport centre to various locations around the state.
Margaret River is the home to some of the world's best wines. Good food and pristine beaches make the southwest region a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike. Is also nearby, if you consider, as many 'Sandgropers', or residents on Western Australia do, a three hour drive to be 'close'. It is an ideal location for a weekend get away.
Coach services are available from Transwa or South West Coach Lines (enquire at their office in Esplanade Busport).
Take a cruise to Rottnest Island, hire a bike, and cycle around the secluded beaches spotting quokkas. Cruises start from the Barrack St Jetty in the centre of Perth or from Fremantle.
Nambung National Park is a (long) day trip from Perth. In the heart of the Nambung National Park is the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone pillars rise out of the yellow sand. Beautiful and recommended. As a bonus for the scientifically inclined, a nearby lake has stromatalites closely related to those found in rocks billions(!) of years old. Tour companies run coach tours to the park, otherwise you'll need to hire a car. For photography, the best times are at sunrise and sunset - it's best to drive up from Perth in the afternoon, check into accommodation at Cervantes, and visit the park for sunset. Next morning, get up really early, visit the park, then go back for breakfast and check-out.
The Darling Scarp , known locally as The Hills provides an opportunity for bush walks; especially recommended during the spring (September through November) when the wildflowers are in bloom. There's a chance you will see wild kangaroos but be warned that they often jump in front of cars, especially at dawn and dusk. A drive to the old towns of Toodyay and/or York makes for a nice day's outing, being about an hour's drive away. Toodyay is also accessible by train.
Perth is a town in the north-east of Tasmania, Australia. It lies 20 km south of Launceston, on the Midland Highway. The town has a population of 1,984 and is averaging a 1% increase per year (2001 census . Perth is part of the Northern Midlands Council. Federal Lyons MHR Dick Adams also has an office in the town.
It is the first major town out of Launceston on the route to Hobart, and also serves as a major junction for people bypassing Launceston on the route from Hobart to the north west of the state.
Like nearby Longford, Perth is a historic town with many buildings dating back to the early 1800s.
