Located in Western Australia, Perth is the laidback city that’s loved by locals and travellers. The cosmopolitan city is spread out and surrounded by beautiful beaches; where you can have the best of both worlds. The city centre is filled with bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural activities. Move to South Perth and Bentley, where you are riverside with city views. Northbridge, Leederville and Mt Lawley offer the main shopping strips; William, Oxford and Beaufort street.
Crawley, Claremont and Subiaco are the ‘trendy spots’ also known as the “Golden Triangle” where you can find high end shopping on student budget. Freemantle offers a historical feel where you can find the oldest building is Western Australia. Another draw card is Perth’s proximity to Indonesia, where a 3 hour flight will have you touched down in a whole new country; and in a shorter amount of time than it takes to fly to most of Australia!
Things To Do
Adventure World is a must stop in Perth, it has something for everyone, from rollercoasters to visiting the cuddly Koalas. Whether you’re after a thrill or simply to chill, you must experience adventure world.
Running since 1898, Perth Zoo plays a large role in the conservation of endangered species. It’s open every day of the year (even Christmas day!), 9am-5pm you won’t be disappointed with the array of animals housed there.
Kings Park is visited by over 6 million a year and is one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world – bigger than Central Park in New York. You can enjoy a free guided-walk, climb the DNA tower or do some shopping at Kings Park Gallery.
For something a little different, be sure to visit Prince Lane – it features a series of street artwork by 6 well known Western Australian artists. It’s very Melbourne-esk.
Cheap and tasty and Japanese – Taka’s Kitchen is a must stop in Fremantle and Barrack Street, the city. They offer filling meals about $8.
Old Lane Street Eats in Northbridge offers amazing Chinese meals for a small price – Their Famous Roti John and Pad Thai in an omelette are a hit with the locals.
For Italian on a budget, go to Tommy Sugo. Super tasty, super affordable, you get a large pasta meal for approx. $15.
Your one stop Greek Shop, Filos and Yiros is top of the list. It’s only $11 for a Jam-packed Wrap with all the good stuff. Filos are $8, and salads are $10.
For a whole street of delicious and cheap eats head to Oxford street in Leederville. From Vietnamese to Breakfast, you won’t be disappointed for choice.
Hopscotch Bar is open 7 days and serves delicious food, and even better beer. It’s been voted one of the coolest bars in Perth and offers nightlife under fairy lights you don’t want to miss.
Six levels above the ground, with a deluxe retro fit out and bean bags, Rooftop Movies is the perfect date night. Open in the Summer and only $13 a ticket when you buy online!
Once a crocodile farm, now home the arguably Australia best brewery, Little Creatures Brewery is constantly rated one of the top beer gardens in Australia. It’s busy, big and home to the some of the best beer in Australia.
Greens & Co offers laid back atmosphere and the perfect place to people watch on Oxford Street. They offer delicious cake and coffee and board games!
Up for a scare? Freemantle Prison runs Torchlight Toursevery Wednesday and Friday evening at 6.30pm. They offer audio guides too. Summer hours vary so be sure to check their website.
Fringe World kicks off in January for four weeks, and is the third largest Fringe Festival in the world. Full of art and culture and home to over 730 even annually, Fringe World is a great way to kick off the year.
Sculpture By The Sea is held on the gorgeous Cottlesloe Beach in WA and is held in March. The sculptures are located all along the sea and sand and feature works from local artists.
Show bags, farm animals and side show fun is waiting for you at the Perth Royal Show, held annually in September. Don’t miss the gorgeous fireworks displays held each night.
November is host to the premier culinary event, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. Showcasing the regions wine and food, it’s attracting world famous chefs such as Heston, Nigella Lawson and Marco Pierre White.
The Christmas countdown starts at Christmas Eve At Left Bank. With many DJ’s and local artists, It’s the most highly anticipated Christmas Party in Perth – make sure you secure your tickets!
Things To Know
Biggest Number of Millionaires: The booming mining industry in Perth has blessed it with the highest per capita number of self-made millionaires in any city in the world. Now that will certainly turn non-Perth inhabitants green with envy.
Perth is closer to Singapore and Jakarta than it is to Canberra.
With Perth’s closest city being Adelaide, over 2,200 kms away, it’s the most isolated city in the world.
Perth enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia.
Summer is hot and dry and runs from December to February and average temperatures range from 17.5-30°C (63.5-86°F). If you’re lucky the scorching sun will be relieved by the “Fremantle Doctor” – an afternoon sea breeze.
Autumn lasts from about March to May. Autumn temperatures fall between 13.7-26°C (56.6-78.8°F). You can expect some showers and humidity.
Running from June to August, winter offers occasional storms as well as cool and wet weather. Average temperatures range from 8-19°C (46.4-66.2°F).
Spring averages temperatures of 11.7-23°C (53-73.4°F) If you’re expecting rain, you’ll be disappointed – it rarely rains but there is an array of flora and fauna blossoming.
For public transport you’ll need a SmartRider Card. They’re a prepaid card, much like a debit card, where you load money onto it at the station or other store (you can find such stores on their website) and use it to tap on and off public transport as you travel. The fares are based on how far you travel. If you don’t have a SmartRider Card, you’ll need to pay per ride, and cash fares are generally higher than those on the SmartRider.
For shorter trips around Perth, buses are a good option – services leave every approx 15 minutes. Make sure you check the timetable if you’re travelling outside of business hours, as they do change, especially on the weekends. There are free CAT buses in the popular areas – leaving every 8 minutes – check out the Transperth Website to see which suit you.
For a scenic route, you can take the Ferry across the river every half an hour on weekdays – not the faster mode of transport but you get a good view!
Uber is legal in Perth. Simply log in via their app and order one to drive you around, much like a taxi. Uber is often cheaper than a cab and you can confirm the fare before you take off, meaning you will know an approximate price before confirming the ride. Uber is also a great way to meet some locals who know their way around the city.
Bikes are a super cheap and healthy way to get around the city. They can save you a lot in transport fees and are a great option for the environment. Please remember: it’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet or a bell. You must also have a light on your bike to ride at night time. Stick to the designated bike lanes and learn the road rules, then you’re ready to go!
Taxis are another option and can be reasonably priced if you share the fare (especially on a night out). Local taxi companies include Swan Taxis 13 13 30 and Black & White 13 32 22
Perth offers six train lines heading to and from the city – on and above ground.
Transport – full time international students qualify for a discounted concession Smartrider card, supplied by TransPerth and the card itself counts as proof. Students should apply through their institution (visit the Transperth website to see if yours participates) and all others must apply directly to Transperth.
UNiDAYS – Use your student email account to sign up and receive 10-25% discount on a huge range of stuff. Visit their website for more info.
ISIC – The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the most internationally-recognised student ID offering amazing discounts on products and services throughout Australia and the world. It’s also handy if you need official proof that you’re a student. View their website to see if you qualify for the card on their website
Tourism Videos
Sources
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https://www.leftbank.com.au/upcoming-events-list/xmas-eve/
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https://www.rooftopmovies.com.au/
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https://adventureworld.net.au/
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https://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/outdoor/rac-vultures-14773305/
