Perth Life and Travel Tips

(Perth, Western Australia - WA, Australia)

Perth, the most important city in Western Australia, is situated on a large sweep of the scenic Swan River. With a large port in Perth's Fremantle district, world-class shopping, superb restaurants, stunning weather and glorious, sandy beaches, Perth is a popular destination to visit at any time of the year and Perth attracts tourists from all over the world.

The spreading city of Perth is home to a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with many interesting features. Architecture in Perth is varied, with the most historic dating back to the early 19th century, combined with a number of striking skyscrapers, which make the Perth's skyline breathtaking, particularly at night when the building lights are reflected into the water.


Perth's combination of stunning weather, exceptional tourist attractions and superb Perth beaches attracts people from all over the world, throughout the year.

Tourism and Tourist Information

There is a large selection of tourism and tourist information offices and outlets throughout Perth and these provide detailed Perth tourist information, such as brochures, maps of Perth, attractions information, landmark opening hours, theatre bookings, directions and general Perth tourism and tourist information.

Western Australian Tourist Information Centre
Address: Albert Facey House, Forrest Place, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +1 300 361 351
Perth's Western Australian Tourist Information Centre is overflowing with tourist information, brochures, maps of the Perth area, tourism guides, information about Perth travel and the latest Perth events. Manned by helpful and friendly staff, the Western Australian Tourist Information Centre is situated in central Perth and also provides a theatre booking service. The Western Australian Tourist Information Centre is close to Perth's main train station and bus station.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 08:30 to 18:00, Friday - 08:30 to 19:00, Saturday 08:30 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00

Fremantle Tourist Bureau
Address: Fremantle Town Hall, Kings Square, Fremantle, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9431 7878

Mundaring Tourism Information Centre - The Old School, Mundaring, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9295 0202

Perth Traveller's Club
Address: 499 Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +1 800 016 969

Perth Backpackers Travel Centre
Address: 223 William Street, Northbridge, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9228 1877

YHA Travel Shop
Address: 259 William Street, Northbridge, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9227 5122

i-City Information Kiosk
Address: Murray Street Mall, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia

Safety

When travelling in Perth, as in any large city throughout the world, is it sensible to always maintain an awareness of your surroundings and not look like a tourist when visiting Perth. Although crime levels in Perth are generally low, try to blend in, look like you know where you are going and be particularly careful with hand baggage, handbags, purses and money.

Places of Worship

The spreading city of Perth is home to many different cultures and religious beliefs and most religions have some kind of presence in the Perth area. Many locals in Perth are at least nominally Christian in their belief, although this majority is reducing in more recent years. Most Protestant churches in Perth have merged to form the Uniting Church, although the Anglican Church of Australia remains a separate entity. Catholic churches in Perth are particularly popular, due to a large population with an Irish or Mediterranean background. Perth has two cathedrals, Saint Mary's Cathedral which is a Catholic church and Saint George's Cathedral, an Anglican church. There are a number of other religious minorities in the Perth area, such as Buddhists, Jews and Muslims, together with splendid examples of mosques and synagogues.

Pharmacies and Chemists

Tel: +61 0(8) 9328 7775
Most pharmacies or chemists in Perth city centre open from 08:00 until 20:00 or later and a number of Perth's pharmacies are now open 24 hours. Pharmacies in Perth are run by qualified professionals who are allowed to dispense prescribed medication and medicines. Visitors to Perth are permitted to bring three months' worth of prescription medication with them, although it is advisable to also carry a doctor's certificate to avoid problems at customs.

Language

English is the most commonly spoken language in Perth and Australia as a whole, although many other nationalities and ethnic cultures are well represented in Perth. Although Australian 'Aussie' accents in Perth can be strong, they are not difficult to understand.

Visas

All visitors to Perth and any other area of Australia require a visa and application forms are available from either Australian diplomatic missions overseas or travel agents, where you can either apply in person or by mail. Many travel agents and airlines now also grant on-the-spot Australian visas for up to three months, using the Electronic Travel Authority system (ETA).

New Zealand nationals are the only country not requiring these travel visas, although they do receive a 'special category' visa when arriving at Perth.

Working

There are very strict regulations allowing overseas visitors to work in Perth and these rules are issued by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). Visitors to Perth aged between 18 to 30 from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Malta may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, lasting up to 12 months.

Tipping

Most services in Perth don't expect to be tipped, although many of Perth's porters, waiters and taxi drivers are generally tipped small amounts. Most restaurants in Perth and Western Australia expect a tip of around 10%, to the nearest Australian dollar, in recognition of prompt, courteous service and good food. Generally, no other public service workers in the city of Perth expect tipping or gratuities.

Taxes and Refunds

Perth has a 10% goods and services tax (GST) that is applied to most items purchased in the city, although fresh food produce can be exempt. If you purchase goods in Perth that have a total value of more than AUD 300 from a single supplier, you can claim a full refund of the tax within 28 days. Cheque refunds are available at Perth Airport at designated booths.

Smoking

Smoking in Perth is not allowed in public buildings, restaurants, outdoor areas and sporting arenas and on public transport in Perth. When is Perth, it is advisable not to smoke in enclosed spaces in Perth unless others around you are also smoking. Many locals in Perth are now anti-smoking so it is often best to ask first before lighting up.

Invitations to Eat

Much business is done over the dinner table in Perth and business lunches are often held at restaurants throughout Perth. This is a popular way to conduct business in Perth and most restaurants should be booked in advance, as many quickly get fully booked for lunch and dinner.

Social Drinking

Perth has an enormous selection of public houses, in and around central Perth. With a good selection of lively pubs and wine bars in Perth city centre, many with spectacular views of the city and the ocean, most of the pubs and wine bars are friendly places to relax. There is a large concentration of bars along Perth's Sunset Coast, close to the beaches.