• When to visit
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Live Music
• Stay safe
• Get out

Perth is one of the most isolated state capitals in the world. 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.

Perth as seen from Kings Park (Jan 2005)

[edit] When to visit

Perth is generally a good place to visit any time of the year, being in a temperate/Mediterranean climate zone, however those sensitive to the heat may like to refrain from visiting Perth during January and February, typically the hottest months, when the temperature can break the 40 degree Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit mark. In the winter months (June to August) temperatures are usually around 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although Western Australia has many public holidays during the year, most of these are not celebrated, with the exception of New Years' Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas Day. Most shops are closed on days like Labour Day (first Monday of March), Queen's Birthday (uniquely in Western Australia this is held near the end of September or at the beginning of October and different to the other states of Australia) and Foundation Day (first Monday in June).

For those who like fairs, the Perth Royal Show is held to coincide with the local school holidays. In 2008 the dates are 27 September - 4 October. As it is held by the WA Agricultural Society (RASWA), farm animals feature prominently at the Show along with the typical show fare (i.e. ferris wheels, a sideshow alley, etc.).

[edit] Understand

Perth is based around the Swan River on a flat coastal plain down from the Darling ranges. The many uncrowded beaches along the Perth coastline also help define the lifestyle; Perth is laid-back, quiet and safe.

[edit] 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.

Murray Street, Perth

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.

[edit] History

The site now known as Perth, was home to the indigenous Nyoongar tribe with evidence of their ancestors stretching back 40,000 years. A Noongar cultural museum will be opened soon; additional information on aboriginal tours and other cultural offerings can be found at tourist information centres.

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.

[edit] Climate

Some say that Perth has a Mediterranean climate, however this is a popular misconception, as the city and its surrounds have a climate all their own. Summers are long and hot whilst winters are generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures often exceed 30C between the months of November and April and during the height of the season, maximum temperatures occasionally reach and exceed 38C or 100F. Conditions can be either dry or humid, and as one can imagine, once the humidity sets in, things can get very unpleasant indeed. Winters, meanwhile, are very wet during a good season however visitors from colder climes might find it odd that on some days, even locals can be seen without a jumper or jacket on. These sunny winter days, however, are usually succeeded by a very cold night, as temperatures can drop to around zero degrees celcius. When it does rain, it often pours. Storms with destructive winds often occur during the winter months, but if you must travel to Perth during this season, they generally aren't too much to worry about and you might find that in a day or two you can wander around the city without a coat on again!

Spring (September through November) and Autumn (March through May) are ideal times in which to visit Perth. Spring is perhaps the very best time of year to see the sights as after a decent winter's rainfall, the famous wildflowers around Kings Park and the Avon Valley bloom splendidly. Beach-goers from colder climes might find the summer months too unbearable, so it is perhaps best to visit during March-April or October-November.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Practically all scheduled flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport (Template:IATA).

Major domestic airlines servicing Perth Airport are Qantas (full-service), Virgin Blue (low-cost), Jetstar (low-cost, owned by Qantas and from Perth, only flies to Melbourne) and Skywest (regional mid-service).

There are three terminals at Perth airport:

• Terminal 1 - Perth International Airport: International flights including Qantas flights QF1-QF399 operate from this terminal.
• Terminal 2 - Qantas Perth Domestic Airport: Qantas domestic flights QF400 and above, QantasLink (which services numerous regional centres in WA) and Jetstar operate from this terminal.
• Terminal 3 - Skywest and Virgin Blue Domestic terminal.

Terminal 1 is in the international terminal and it is in a completely separate area from the domestic terminal and you cannot walk to the other terminals (around 10km by road). A shuttle bus runs between the terminals to coincide with flights. Qantas passengers may get complimentary transfer vouchers. For other passengers, the fare is $8.00. [1]

The city and major hotels can be easily accessed by taxi or commercial shuttle buses from all terminals. Courtesy phones are located inside the terminals (for the domestic terminal, the courtesy phone is surrounded by a large board advertising accommodation past the baggage conveyor belt as you leave the arrivals area). For more than two people it is often cheaper and faster to take a taxi into the city (waiting time and drop off other passengers can make a shuttle bus service to the city very long!).

Transperth buses serve the domestic terminals (Route 37, every 20 minutes, not Sunday night), but there is no public transport to the international terminal.

[edit] By boat

The sea port of Fremantle is irregularly visited by a number of cruise lines.[2]

[edit] By train

The Indian Pacific trans-continental railway runs from Perth to Sydney via Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill. It is generally not cheap, but this journey, which takes all of about four days and three nights, is one of the world's greatest train journeys. The Indian Pacific leaves from and arrives at the East Perth terminal, which connects with Perth's suburban rail network as well as the regional bus depot. The city centre is just a five minute train ride away from the terminal, however if you are carrying heavy baggage, it is probably best to jump into a taxi as many of the city's hotels and hostels are located up to a few kilometres away from any of the stations in between and including the East Perth terminal and the central station.

The Indian Pacific railway features an abundance of trivia, however there is one piece that arguably qualifies the Indian Pacific as being the greatest railway journey on Earth; the train traverses the longest stretch of straight track of any railway throughout the world (478km) as it journeys through The Nullarbor.

Backpackers who are intent on staying in Australia for a long period of time might want to consider purchasing a Rail Pass which entitles them to unlimited travel on any of Great Southern Railways' services including the Indian Pacific, The Ghan (which runs between Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs) and The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne). The travel pass entitles you to a day-night seat and you will save an exorbitant amount of money on your travel expenses. Taking your car with you is also surprisingly inexpensive.

Regular train services (one or two per day, depending upon whether you are traveling during the week or on Saturday/Sunday) are available to and from the regional cites of Kalgoorlie (departing from East Perth) and Bunbury (departing from the central station). The Get Out section features more information regarding these regional services.

[edit] 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 accommodation 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.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By public transport

Perth has a fairly reliable and inexpensive public transport system that is operated by Transperth. Information with regards to journey planning, timetables, disruptions or service alterations can be obtained from this website, by calling 13 62 13 (until the hour of 10pm) or at information centres located at Perth central train station, Wellington Street bus station, the Esplanade busport (which is located to the South of St. Georges Tce) and Plaza Arcade, which is located within the city centre (the Plaza Arcade can be found between the Hay and Murray St malls - if walking from St. Georges Tce, walk up London Court and across the Hay St mall, the Plaza Arcade is located directly opposite the exit to London Court).

• By Bus: All buses operating within the city centre, including the CAT (Central Area Transit) buses, are free of charge. CAT buses run circle routes every 5 to 15 minutes, but depending on the traffic and the volume of boardings, you might find walking to be less time consuming. City CAT services are geared towards both tourists and locals. The red CAT service runs East-West and stops at Royal Perth hospital, the WACA (Perth's home ground for cricket), the Perth mint, Wellington Square, the Murray St mall/Perth underground, His Majesty's theatre, Parliament House, King St (after its return to the city via West Perth) and the Wellington St bus station/central train station. The yellow CAT runs a similar route to that of the red CAT. The blue CAT runs North-South and stops at; the Bell Tower, London Court, James St (Northbridge), Central TAFE and William St. The vast majority of stops along each route have a map and an ETA (which can either be read or dictated by pressing a large button below the route map). Transperth also operates a CAT service in Fremantle which runs every 10 minutes. This service provides a great way of getting around the port city as it connects both facilities and tourist attractions. Most buses are clean, modern and air-conditioned. Suburban services run from the city, major suburban towns such as Fremantle and from major train stations.

• By Train: Perth's suburban railway network is great for getting to outlying suburban areas for those who might be visiting relatives, however tourists might only find the Mandurah line and/or the Fremantle line to be of any use. The Armadale/Thornlie, Midland and Fremantle lines run through three transfer stations; Perth central, McIver and Claisebrook whilst the Mandurah and Clarkson lines run underneath the city. The Mandurah line travels through the Esplanade station, which provides easy access to the adjacent busport and the South of the city and the Perth Underground staion. Perth underground station features an underground concourse which allows pedestrians to connect to the central station, which is located at surface level.

Train services run frequently during peak hours and every 15 minutes during daylight hours (to most stations). Services commence t around 5:30am each day and cease at around midnight. It is worth noting that trains run half hourly from 7pm every day.

• By Ferry: Transperth provides a ferry service that travels across the Swan River. This service departs from Barrack St Jetty and arrives at Mends St Jetty, South Perth. The ferry provides a great link to the cafe strip of South Perth, however it is best for tourists (especially those who do not like walking...) to catch a bus if they wish to visit the nearby Perth zoo, as it is a sizable walk from Mends St (most of it being uphill).

Fares: The Transperth system is divided into 9 concentric zones, as well as the Free Transit Zone (city centre and surrounds). Zone 2 extends as far as Fremantle and for most visitors a two zone ticket will suffice. Two main categories of tickets are available: "single trip" tickets, which can be purchased from bus drivers or coin-operated ticket machines which are located 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 (patrons must "tag" on and off upon boarding and alighting bus services, however patrons must tag on/off at fare gates at train stations. SmartRiders can be bought or recharged at Transperth Information Centres, major train and bus stations and/or from most Newsagents. Bus drivers can also charge your SmartCard for you, however they will not provide change. Smartrider cards carry a 15% discount over cash fares which discourages time consuming cash-for-ticket exchanges between bus driver and passenger.

Patience is a virtue when alighting at Perth's central railway stations, as there is no clear entry or exit point, meaning that passengers often walk in both directions through the narrow fare gates.

As is the case with anywhere the world over, it is common courtesy to allow patrons to alight before you board a bus or train (even if the locals are not leading by example) and to provide a seat to the elderly, disabled, pregnant and small children.

[edit] Taxi

Perth's taxi services, as with anywhere in Australia, are at times unreliable, expensive and are best avoided.

If you do insist on catching a taxi from an entertaining precinct, make sure that you are waiting at a spot that is as close to a taxi rank as possible, as this might increase your chances of getting a taxi quickly. Drivers are known to avoid picking up drunken patrons from outside of pubs, clubs or from the entrance to Perth central station.

It is worth pointing out that the West Australian government has committed to improving the city's taxi service, however whether or not this will make a difference remains to be seen.

If you are out partying in Perth/Northbridge or Fremantle and you do not need to travel too far, it is probably best to hop on a Transperth Nightrider bus.

On arrival into Perth Airport, be prepared for the possibility of lengthy waits for a taxi, particularly at the international terminal and late at night. Unfortunately, other transport options into the city are severely limited; especially at night; and incoming passengers are left with little choice but to take a taxi.

[edit] By bicycle or on foot

Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has some of the best cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Australia. The Perth bicycle network features an ever growing, metro-wide system of bicycle/pedestrian paths. The system features;

• Principal Shared Paths (high standard shared paths that run adjacent to each railway lines and along major motorways).
• Local Bicycle Routes (a series of on-road routes as well as some suburban off-road sections that run through parks - these paths provide a connection to such destinations such as schools, shopping centres and other recreational facilities.
• Generic minor works (projects include general improvements to the cycling environment in local areas, such as on-road bike lanes and sealed shoulders).
• End of trip facilities (including; U-Rails, Cora bike racks and bike lockers and change-rooms).

Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and at Planners Map. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure provides a range of guides, maps and brochures for bike riders. If you have a scenic route in mind, these brochures can take you to the coast, Kings Park, Armadale and the Hills or around the Swan River.

A favourite amongst seasoned local cyclists is the ride along the North side of the Swan River between the City and Nedlands. Allow sixty minutes for a round trip along this route, as you might encounter a strong headwind!

Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains but not during peak hour.

Cycling at full pelt in the fully pedestrianised Hay and Murray St malls in the city centre is generally tolerated by the police, however doing this is an easy way to cheese off local pedestrians if you are going too fast.

[edit] By car

Renting a car is the most ideal means of transportation for traveling to outlying attractions. Perth's major freeways and highways are free from any tolls, as is not the case in Sydney and Melbourne and from either of these major arterial roads, it is possible to be surrounded by beautiful countryside within minutes.

Rent-a-car providers are located adjacent to the airport and there are quite a few scattered around the city and the suburbs. Try one of the on-line sites such as DIY Car Hire to compare rates from all the major car hire companies.

The general speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated.

Note that traffic in Perth (as elsewhere in Australia) travels in the left-hand lane(s). It is advisable to travel on the left hand lane even in dual carriageways for tourist drivers. This might take a bit of getting used to if you drive on the right-hand side back home. Drivers from left hand side of the road countries should fit right in.

[edit] See

• The Perth Cultural Centre is located adjacent to the Perth Train Station and Northbridge. It is the hub of cultural activity in Perth, including the art gallery, the museum, the State Library and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. CAT buses stop regularly; the Blue CAT Stops 7 and 15 both service the Cultural Centre, as well as Yellow 24, Red 31 and the Perth Train Station.

Biking trail in King's Park.

• Kings Park is a large and lush park that is full to the brim with native flora and fauna. Located to the South-Western side of the city centre, Kings Park provides a fantastic view over the city (especially at night). The modest yet striking War Memorial can be found here. To get here, take either bus #37 (weekdays) or #39 (weekends) from St Georges Terrace. Also 39 on Sundays (Kings Park is located within the Free Transit Zone if you are traveling from within the city centre).

• The Red Bull Air Race, [3]. is held in Perth annually in early November. It is the Final of the season and the event determines the overall winner of the competition. Thousands of spectators pack the Swan River foreshore as planes fly at low altitude (just metres above the water!) at speeds reaching well over 300kmp/h). After the race there is an air show in which the pilots can perform some airborne trickery. Potential spectators should be warned that it is a very busy event: parking will be a enormous problem (with some locals going to extreme lengths to get spaces) and public transport sparse.

• Fremantle, about 20km south-west of Perth's city centre is the original port town of Fremantle. Even today, the port still supports a major maritime industry. Despite the fact that Fremantle is a part of Greater Perth, it is still considered by many to be a city all its own as back in the old days, Perth and Fremantle were separate colonies. Small enough to walk around in, Fremantle boasts attractions that include; the Maritime Museum, the Fremantle markets (located on South Terrace, amongst the cappuccino strip), the E-Shed markets (located near the Fremantle wharf), he Little Creatures brewpub, the Fremantle Gaol (after dark "Ghost Tours" are worthwhile) and South Beach. Why not hire a moped to complete the very European feel of this humble yet wonderful port city?

It is worth noting that the locals call Fremantle affectionately 'Freo'.

• Hillarys Boat Harbour can be found within Perth's northern suburbs (just a thirty minute car ride). Here you can find the ultimate sunset experience as you swim all day in the ocean, before enjoying a meal and a beer at any one of the area's great eateries and watering holes. There is a small water park called The Great Escape, for those who need to keep the kids entertained! The Aquarium of Western Australia (Aqwa) is located at Hillarys as well. Aqwa features an underwater observatory that takes the shape of a tunnel. It is possible to get up-close and personal with sharks, stingrays and a huge variety of marine life. (Bus 456 from Greenwood station will get you to Hillarys during daylight hours on weekends.

• Perth Mint is the nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the world. Even today it still produces coins and gold bullion from its original premises. You can buy and sell gold, jewellery and souvenirs, see the mint in operation and watch molten gold being poured to create gold bars. (Walk from City Centre along Hay Street east or catch the red CAT).

• Perth Zoo has been open since 1898 and has an excellent reputation with both tourists and locals alike. Free guided tours are provided at 11am and 1.30pm each day. Buses 30, 31 and 34 provide a quick and easy means by which to get to the zoo however if you do feel like a good walk, take the Transperth ferry from the bottom of Barrack St. Once at Mends St, head up the hill to the first major road (Labouchere Rd), turn left and cross at the next available set of traffic lights. The zoo is a bit further up-hill, but it is well worth the walk for those who prefer to keep active. On the way back from the zoo and heading back to the jetty, there are plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants at which you can stop in for a bite, including the Oyster Bar and Cocoa's (which are located right on the riverfront).

• Burswood Entertainment Complex: Situated amongst some of the most valuable real estate in all of Australia is this all-in-one entertainment precinct. The casino is where the top tails and the problem gamblers congregate (the adjacent train station provides an interesting people watching spot), the theatre provides a venue for some of the best touring productions while the Burswood Dome is a 20,000 capacity arena that regularly hosts tennis tournaments and international concerts. Also included within the complex are a number of bars and pubs including Paddy Hannan's (named after the first person to strike gold in West Australia) and the infamous Ruby Room. Take the Thornlie line (platform 4) from the central station, McIver or Claisebrook (platform 2).

• Claisebrook Cove: is a major urban redevelopment area on the Swan River, on the fringe of the city centre. Spend an hour or so wandering about the brightly coloured, modern and strikingly unusual architecture before you wind down with a meal and a hot or cold bevy. Views of the city centre from the footbridge that runs above the cove are particularly stunning at night. (Take the yellow CAT to the Haig Park Circle stop during daylight hours or take the Midland, Armadale or Thorline line to Claisebrook transfer station which is located within the Free Transit Zone).

• The Swan Bells, is a unique bell tower located at the foot of Barrack Street. The bells are from the church of St Martin-in-the-Field in London, and were a gift from the City of London to the people of Perth. This landmark is unfairly regarded as being an eyesore and an unnecessary expense to the taxpayer, however it is well worth a look, the proof is in the pudding by how many visitors grace it every day.

• Mundaring Weir; a historic feature of the Perth landscape, the Mundaring Weir was completed in 1903 and was designed by the famous enginee;r C.Y. O'Connor (who also responsible for the Fremantle Harbour and the Kalgoorlie water pipeline). Visitors may walk over or around the Weir and the surrounds have picnic areas featuring public barbecues. There is also a museum nearby which documents the history of the Weir and the Pipeline project. The Mundaring Weir Hotel is also a historic landmark and offers good food, accommodation and often live (usually classical) music. The Weir is a relatively short drive from the Mundaring townsite and it provides an ideal gateway into Perth's scenic hills.

Whiteman Park; located in the Northern outskirts of the city, Whiteman Park is an amazing national park and wildlife sanctuary. Kids can pet the Kangaroos and other wildlife and the grownups can enjoy the railway, railway museum and loads more. Perth features an abundance of similar wildlife parks which are spread around the outskirts of the metropolitan area.

Australian Rules Football: Perth, like Melbourne, is mad for its footy! Every weekend, Subiaco fills to near-capacity with either West Coast Eagles or Fremantle Dockers supporters. Why not choose whose colours you iike best and join in the fun? As the Eagles are the more popular and successful side in the Australian Football League (A.F.L., games are likely to sell out well in advance, so it is best to buy your tickets a couple of weeks before the scheduled fixture (Ticketek offer a pick-up service as the venue). Aussie rules football might be hard to understand at first, but it is quite exciting and apart from the unruly group of drunken idiots who normally won't do anyone any harm, it is perfectly safe to attend a game and even sit amongst opposing fans (as is not the case when attending a soccer match).

[edit] Do

• Take a walk along the river or on one of Perth's many beaches.

City Beach (bus 81/84/85 from Wellington St, bearing in mind that there is a limited Sunday service and a single zone fare), Cottesloe (Train, Fremantle railway line 2 zone fare, then walk 800 m), Scarborough (bus 400 or train to Glendalough, Clarkston line then buses 400/408, 2 zone fare).

• Swim; Perth boasts some of the country's best beaches, which are ideal for swimming during the warmer months. Sunscreen is essential and insect repellent may come in handy during the evening. As the beaches are on the open ocean it is strongly advised that you only 'swim between the flags' at patrolled beaches. Probably the easiest beach to get to by public transport is Scarborough beach, which can be accessed by catching the Clarkson line from platform 1 at either Perth Underground or Esplanade stations, getting off at Glendalough station before catching the 400 Bus. Alternatively, you can catch the 400 from the Wellington St bus station which is located down the far end of the central station - from any of its platforms, head West to the concourse, turn left and then head down the ramp.

• Cycle - Perth has excellent bike paths and fantastic weather almost all year round which makes it perfect for cycling. The paths that follow the Swan River are very scenic and mostly flat. You can take your own bike, hire a bicycle from one of the bike hire providers located near the Swan River or take a tour with Bluetongue Bike Tours or Pedal OZ.

• Catch a flick at one of the many independent or European cinemas, including Paradiso in Northbridge, Astor in Mount Lawley and The Luna cinemas in either Leederville or Fremantle. These cinemas showcase a range of local, Bollywood, French and Italian productions as well as International film festivals and documentaries throughout the year. Most of these aforementioned cinemas often offer free finger-food and beverages before the screening. Also check out the open air cinemas in summer, located in Kings Park, Movies by Burswood, Luna Leederville, Mundaring, and The University of Western Australia.

• Salsa dancing. Like many large cities, Perth has a thriving salsa scene. Great places to visit are the Deen on Aberdeen St, Northbridge, which has a Salsa night on Thursdays, with a live Samba band downstairs and a DJ playing Salsa, Merengue and Reggathon upstairs, The Ruby Room, which is located within the Burswood Casino complex, has DJ's, live salsa music and performances on Thursday nights as well whilst The Mustang Bar in Northbridge features a salsa night on Tuesdays.

• Get out for a day to Fremantle; great for a walk around without a specific goal in mind or for some light shopping (Markets with food and knick-knacks are open on Thursdays, Fridays and on Weekends) or why not enjoy a meal or coffee and cake whilst soaking in the atmosphere?

• Fun park - For the young and the young at heart; Adventure World is Located in the outer suburb of Bibra Lake. This fun park features five waterslides, various rides for the adventurous (and some for the timid) and a special 'Kids Cove' for children. Picnicking is encouraged or you can buy food on site (no alcohol is permitted). The easiest mode of transport is the car however Adventure World is only a short bus ride (#520 from either Cockburn Central train/bus station or Fremantle train station - frequencies range from half-hourly weekdays, hourly Saturdays and two-hourly on Sundays and public hoiidays - zone 3 fare). Best of all, unlimited rides are included in Adventure World's entry fee. Over summer, Adventure World also hosts several "Adults Only Pool Parties," which are held on either a Friday or Saturday night. The park is closed to children, and becomes a fully licensed venue, serving alcohol as well as hosting bands after dark.

• Go Wine Tasting; Well renowned amongst locals and tourists alike, the Swan Valley boasts some of the country's best wineries and brewpubs. Although the wine is perhaps not as highly regarded as seasoned wine buffs as that produced in regions such as Margaret River, the Swan Valley features the advantage of being relatively close to the city. A combined river cruise and organised bicycle tour with Pedal OZ is a pleasant way to visit the area or if you have a 'designated driver' you can do it yourself. The easiest way to get there is to drive from the city along Lord Street, which then becomes Guildford Road, which will take you to Guildford (25 minutes) then follow the brown tourist information signs. For many people, the Swan Valley is synonymous with Houghtons Wines. This winery provides a popular spot for a picnic. Visits to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Oggies Ice Cream shop (both on West Swan Road) are obligatory!

There are a lot of options if you have access to a car - from the city just head to the coast, then head north or south for some exploring.

[edit] Buy

Travellers looking for a bargain will be bitterly disappointed in Perth, as a 10% Goods and Services Tax is levied upon most... well, goods and services. Electronics in Australia are, compared to the United States, outrageously expensive, due to the GST and markups imposed by manufacturers. However, Harbour Town is where manufacturers have their factory outlets; some good deals are to be had there.

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

• 9-5 Monday to Saturday
• Extended trading to 9 pm on Thursday in suburbs (including Fremantle) or Friday in the City Centre
• 12-6 Sunday in City Centre and Fremantle only

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). A 24 hour pharmacy is located on the corner of Beaufort and Walcott Streets, just north of the city.

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.

People seeking alternative clothing with a dance/street bent might want to check out Narcissist clothing (located along Barrack St - just listen out for the drum & bass oozing from the stairs that lead down to this basement level shop) and Red Rover clothing (Murray St east), the former of which also sells 12" vinyls, CD;s, DVD's and a small selection of DJ equipment.

Keep an eye out for Elizabeth's secondhand bookstores - one is located along Barrack St and the other along Hay St (west). There is also one located along the cappuccino strip in Fremantle which is open 'til late on weekdays. Books start at just AU$2 which is brilliant if you are running low on both spending money and reading materials.

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. Specifically, music and book lovers will want to check out the dependable Planet Video & Books (located at the corner of Beaufort and Walcott Sts, Mount Lawley).

There are a number of shopping complexes located in the outer suburbs, such as in Morley, Carousel, Cannington, Midland, Joondalup, Booragoon, Innaloo and Karrinyup. These have the usual department and chain stores.

[edit] Eat

One of Perth's drawbacks is that its people have not embraced late night dining. Very few places will serve food after 10pm, even on Friday or Saturday nights, with the notable exception being some excellent out-of-the-way Asian eateries and the other cafes in Northbridge (Northbridge is Perth's entertainment precinct and is located just to the North of the suburban railway line) such as The Moon late nite cafe.

There is an extensive array of restaurants in Northbridge. You will find a great selection of Southern European (Italian, Greek etc) and Asian (especially Indonesian and Vietnamese) restaurants. Seafood lovers are also spoilt for choice. As one might expect, Northbridge gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights as Perth goes into party mode.

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 is famous for its cappuccino strip (as this nickname suggests, both sides of South Tce feature an endless array of cafes, many of which are situated next door to one another), but this area is popular amongst the yuppie crowd, busy during peak hour and most cafes serve rather average coffees (in fact, good coffee can be hard to come by in Perth). If you find yourself in Freo (short for Fremantle), the better cafes and coffee can be found at the smaller establishments located at the train station end of South Tce.

On weekends, a local tradition is to visit the Fisherman's Wharf on warm, sunny weekend evenings for fish and chips. There are a couple of options to choose from and they are all located within close proximity to the beach. Just follow your nose or the seagulls.

Subiaco is located just a couple of kilometres from the city centre. You can either catch a train from Perth central station (Subiaco station is the third station from Perth along the Fremantle line) or if you are feeling adventurous, you can walk down Hay St (heading west) from the city. Subiaco is a trendy but fun suburb which features some great food and entertainment. Remember that the pronunciation of Subiaco should sound something like 'Soo-bee-AK-o' OR just 'SOO-bee'.

Claremont is a suburb which is also located along the Fremantle railway line (or a short drive away) and it is here that you will find some good restaurants as well (including authentic Italian).

Mount Lawley and Highgate Centered around Beaufort Street, this bohemian suburb includes some of Perth's edgier bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes and clothing shops. Mount Lawley and Highgate provides the heartbeat of Perth's gay and artistic communities and as such, you might find yourself spending a lot of time browsing around Planet Video and Books or any one of the several fashion boutiques, before you unwind at either The Queens or The Flying Scotsman pubs (which mark the start and finishing points of the restaurant/cafe strip respectively if you are heading North from the city). If you want to splurge, try The Must Wine Bar. Try GoGo's Indian for a real spicy treat. If you're from the UK, they'll even do curry and chips for you upon request!

The Swan Valley, especially along West Swan Road contains various wineries and restaurants with stunning views over the vineyards. Particularly good are The Black Swan Cafe, Duckstein Brewery, Elmar's and The Mallard Duck Cafe.

Some of Perth's classier restaurants can be found in the Claisbrook Cove area of East Perth. The street arrangement within this area can be quite confusing, so consult a map before you leave. It is worth noting that Perth is a friendly and approchable city in general and as such, locals are only too happy to provide directions.

Other suburbs with good dining include:

• South Perth,
• Victoria Park (some of the best Asian cuisine can be found here),
• Leederville (lovers of seafood or fish & chips should check out the Kalis Bros. restaurant or Sweetlips fish & chips) and
• Cottesloe.

Some specific options include:

• Tea Cafe (茶餐厅)[[4]], 108B James Street Northbridge, WA6000, Tel: (08) 93283386. Authentic Hong Kong style cafe which is a favourite among migrants and students currently residing in Perth.
• Yú Restaurant, Burswood International Resort Casino (Burswood, Casino side), for reservations call (08) 9362 7551, [5]. Fine dining and check out the $3 million renovation.
• CBD. "Cafe at the Hyatt", a buffet restaurant at the Hyatt Regency. This is a fairly upmarket buffet, in a very very nice location. One of the more expensive restaurants in Perth; $40 a head is the going rate (plus drinks)
• Blue Duck Cafe (on the coast). Features a lovely ocean view.
• C Restaurant Lounge, St Martins Tower Level 33/ 44 ( top of the AAPT building, or St Martin's Tower ), (08) 9220 8333, [6]. Has amazing views of the entire city including Kings Park. The food is good but the view is most definitely the defining feature.
• King Street Cafe, 44 King St, (08) 9321 4476.
• CBD Restaurant & Bar 815 Hay St (bottom of the Rydges Hotel), (08) 9263 1859.
• Perugino Restaurant, 77 Outram St, (08) 9321 5420.
• Il Principe Gran Caffè, 49 Colin St, (08) 9324 3747.
• Subiaco Hotel, 465 Hay St (Subiaco), (08) 9381 3069, [7]. Worth a visit.
• The Witch's Cauldron, 89 Rokeby Rd (Subiaco), (08) 9381 2508, [8]. An institution; great steaks and sizzling prawns.
• Chutney Mary's Indian Restaurant, 67 Rokeby Rd (Subiaco), (08) 9381 2099. Arguably the best Indian food in town.
• Bellissimo Restaurant, Bay View Terrace (Claremont), (08) 9385 35883. Worth a shot for some good Italian.
• Deco @ The Raffles, Cnr Canningbeach Road and Canning Highway (Applecross), (08) 9314 9000. The recently renovated Raffles Hotel consists of a bar downstairs and a fine-dining restaurant upstairs. New to the Perth scene but outstanding reviews, and delightful food.
• Pronto Restaurant, 16 Bay View Terrace (Claremont, opposite Bellissimo), (08) 9284 6090.
• Taka, 150 Barrack St (Perth, on Barrack and Wellington St, and in Shafto Lane between Barrack and Wellington), (08) 9221 4771. Extremely cheap Japanese food.
• Lava Stonegrill, 155 Walcott St (Mount Lawley), (08) 9328 6669.
• King Street Cafe, King St (City) - is in an old warehouse and does a mean breakfast with good coffee.

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!

[edit] Drink

[edit] 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.

Tiger Tiger Coffee Bar, Murray Mews in the CBD. Some argue that Perth's best coffee can be found here. A remarkably serene and quiet back alley in the middle of the bustling city, it makes a nice escape. In addition, plenty of home made food is on the menu.

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.

[edit] Pubs, Clubs and 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.

Perth CBD boasts several bars, usually crowded after 5pm with those who have just finished a hard day's work. The Westende Belgian Beer Cafe 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.

Murray St west end could be the perfect place for a Perth pub crawl as there is a pub or a bar every fifty metres (some of which are next door to each other or a part of the same hotel). Visitors will most likely start this pub crawl at Bobby Dazzler's (300 Murray St on the corner of Murray and William St) if heading West from the shopping mall or from William St. This quintessentially Aussie pub/restaurant (which is adorned by Australian flags as well as sporting and Aussie beer related memorabilia) serves a good selection of draught beers which are complimented nicely by some (albeit overpriced) authentic Aussie grub. Located in the same hotel complex is The Moon & Sixpence - this authentic British-theme pub has a wide and ever changing selection of local, British/Irish and European beers & ales and as one might expect, the food isn't bad either (although this is where the authenticity ends, thankfully!). After your visit to the "Belgian", head back across to the same side of the road as Bobby Dazzler's and the Moon and head West for a couple of (hopefully not too drunken) paces until you find Carnegie's (356 Murray St). The motto of this very impressive pub/bar is "The Spirit of Rock" and as such, the music policy leans towards contemporary rock and pop music (when the resident DJ isn't spinning, punters can select from a wide range of tunes from a state of the art video jukebox). The towering liquor cabinets are almost two storeys high and as one might imagine, the draught beer, cocktail and "shooter" list is equally as monumental (Carnegie's has the longest cocktails list in Perth according to local press) and it is all complimented by a friendly and outgoing team of bar-staff. Tuesday night is quiz and $6 pints night whilst Wednesday nights feature half-price cocktails from 6pm. Further west from Carnegie's is the Amplifier Bar, linked to Capitol Nightclub. Head here late on a Saturday night for some indie dance hits and an eclectic crowd.

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 gourmet 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. Many Aussies enjoy to drink in the comfort of their own home or backyard as much as they enjoy drinking in their favourite pub.

Perth has a small but strong dance music scene which revolves heavily around drum & bass. Club nights and international gigs are held at a variety of venues across the city centre, Northbridge and outer suburbs (check out local street press magazines such as Xpress for gig guides and further info) for a comprehensive gig guide). Beats and breaks are big business in Perth and if this is your flavour; it is worth checking out Ambar (104 Murray St, Perth - NB Ambar is not located in Northbirdge) on any given Friday or Saturday night. This unpretentious bar/club, which serves some very tasty cocktails to compliment its uber-cool music policy, was the highest ranking Australian club in a DJ Magazine poll which surveyed 500 international DJ's so as to find the Top 50 International Nightclubs (this poll was held back in 2005 and has yet to be repeated). For the record Ambar came in at no. 42 whilst its only Aussie rival; Sydney's Home Nightclub came in at no. 47. Many local punters say that this accolade could be attributed to the crowd's friendly and "up for it" attitude. Funky house and breaks fans will dig Geisha Bar (139 James St, Northbridge - note: polish those shoes!) whilst trance/hard trance fans will feel right at home at Rise Danceclub (which is also situated at 139 James St - Geisha, Novak's pub and Base Nightclub, which features a music policy that revolves around the top 40 chart, are all a part of the same complex).

Metro City (146 Roe St, Northbridge) hosts a weekly R&B/hip hop night but this enormous venue also hosts concerts and large dance music events. When heading into Perth by train from the West, Metro's (as it is known to the locals) is clearly visible from the window as its unique, palace-like exterior stands out amongst the multi-level carparks and other bland buildings which can be seen along Roe St.

Most dance music bars/clubs close at 6am following Friday and Saturday nights and are not subjected to Police enforced lockdowns and lockouts (as is the case in Brisbane), so you won't find yourself stuck in one place after 3am, nor will you be stranded should you be short on money for a cab.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 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.

Transit guards, traveling in pairs, patrol all scheduled trains after peak hour. All train stations have a time to next train as well as an emergency button which can be used to call transit guards should the need arise. All stations have live monitored cameras and these can be activated by the simple push of the emergency button. Note the locations of the "talk to driver" buttons next to the doors in all trains as these are not located on every door on the train.

Exercise caution when: crossing the road at zebra crossings, walking along the footpath at the entry/exit point of parking lots or when crossing the street at a T-intersection. Though pedestrians have the legal right of way, some motorists choose to ignore this rule. In the case of a zebra crossing, cars should slow down for you though caution is advisable. If you do not notice a car slowing down, do not begin to cross.

Beggars and pickpockets are not common in Perth, though it pays to watch your belongings. Do not leave your possessions where you cannot see them and others may steal them.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] B&Bs

Freo Beach House is located on Perth's Indian Ocean coast, just across the road from Fremantle’s beautiful South Beach. Beach lovers will find it ideal with its sea and marina views and stunning Indian Ocean sunsets. The city centre is a short walk away and here you'll find boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. Unlike other B&Bs FBH offers you your own suite of rooms for the price of a standard double. The price ranges from $99-150 AUD per night depending on the season (including a continental breakfast). Email: stay@freobeachhouse.com

[edit] 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.

[edit] Hotels

• Duxton Hotel Perth, 1 St George's Terrace. tel 1800 681 118 (within Australia) or 08 9261 8000 (international). fax 08 9261 8020. email res1@perth.duxton.com.au. [9] Twin rooms from $139, double roms (king sized bed) frm $159.
• Kings Perth Hotel, 517 Hay Street (cnr Pier St). tel 08 9325 6555. fax 08 9221 1539. email info@kingshotel.com.au. [10] Double rooms from $86 per night.
• Mercure Perth, 10 Irwin Street. tel 08 9326 7000. fax 08 9221 3344. email H1754@accor-hotels.com. Rooms from $115. [11]
• Rydges Perth, Cnr Hay & King Streets ph 1300 857 922 - Rydges Perth's central location is in downtown Perth adjacent to the West End entertainment and retail district. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Australian owned and operated company.
• Best Western Emerald Hotel, 24 Mount Street. tel 08 9481 0866. fax 08 9321 4789. email stay@emeraldhotel.com.au. [12] 4 star: large rooms with kitchenettes from $99 per night. Close to King's Park.
• Flat One Perth, 128 Mounts Bay Road - Email: stay@flatoneperth.com. Flat One Perth is a great alternative to hotel accomodation. It's a 5 star designed, 2 bedroom, luxury executive apartment just a short walk from the CBD, King's Park and the convention centre. Facilities include plasma TV, swimming pool, tennis courts and gym.
• Aaron's All Suites, [13], 12 Victoria Avenue. Tel: 08 9318 4444. Fax: 08 9318 4445. Email: res@aaronssuites.com.au. 4 1/2 star property with decent apartments featuring kitchenettes, free Foxtel and balconies to most rooms. The property also features a rooftop spa and barbeque area, although the spa isn't really sufficient and is heated in summer.
• Waterbird Executive Apartment, The Retreat. tel (61) 8 9524 8044.[14] #2066 4 star: New, ground floor executive apartment has three bedrooms (Master en suite) & two bathrooms.

[edit] 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.

• Perth International Tourist Park: 186 Hale Road Forrestfield. tel 1800 626 677. fax 08 9359 1787. email bookings@perthinternational.com.au. [15]

• Central Caravan Park: 34 Central Avenue Ascot. tel 1300 760 060. fax (08) 9479 4434. email mailbox@perthcentral.com.au

[edit] 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.

• A tip: avoid driving to the south west at the start and end of major holidays (e.g. Australia Day, Boxing Day) as traffic swells to enormous proportions and what is normally a three hour drive can take up to 5 or even 6 hours!!

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.