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.
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.
The site now known as Perth, was home to the indigenous Nyoongar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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.
Perth is classified as having a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry whilst winters are generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures average near 30C or 86F between the months of November and April and during the height of the season, maximum temperatures occasionally reach and exceed 40C or 104F. Very hot days are usually accompanied by very low humidity which makes conditions more bearable. A common occurrence during the summer months is the arrival of "The Fremantle Doctor" a sea breeze which can cool the city by up to 15 degrees. Winters are cool and moist, however, visitors from colder climates might find it odd that on some days, even locals can be seen without a jumper or jacket on. Maximum temperatures during this season (June-August) average 18C or 64.6F. Minimum temperatures can approach or drop below zero on clear nights. When it does rain, it is often very heavy. Storms with destructive winds and minor tornadoes occasionally occur during the winter months, but 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.
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. 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.).
Practically all scheduled flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport ({{IATA|PER}}).
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, Adelaide and Cairns), Tiger Airways (Low-cost, only flies to a few cities), QantasLink (a regional subsidiary of Qantas) and Skywest (regional mid-service, although does fly to Melbourne via Kalgoorlie), Air Asia (low-cost, only from Kuala Lumpur).
There are three terminals at Perth airport:
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. [http://www.perthairport.com/default.aspx?MenuID=34] Terminals 2 and 3 are literally next to each other (less than one minute's walking distance). Smoking is permitted outside the terminal and away from the marked area however it is frowned on - many (but not most) locals cover their noses when walking past smokers!
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.
The '''sea port''' of Fremantle is irregularly visited by a number of cruise lines.[http://www.fremantleports.com.au/Shipping/Movements/FutureVisits.asp]
The Indian Pacific [http://www.gsr.com.au] trans-continental '''railway''' runs from Perth to Sydney via Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill. It is generally not cheap, but this journey, which takes four days and three nights, is one of the world's great train journeys. The train traverses the longest stretch of straight track of any railway in the world (478km) as it journeys across The Nullarbor.
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. If you are carrying 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 either of the stations.
International visitors intent on train travel might want to consider purchasing a rail pass for unlimited travel on any of Great Southern Railways' services including the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth), The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs) and The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne). The rail pass entitles you to just a sitting seat on any train for 6 months for $700 ($100 less for students/backpackers). Taking your car with you is also possible between the capital cities and Alice Springs, for an additional fee.
Regular train services (one or two per day, depending upon whether you are travelling 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.
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 [http://www.greyhound.com.au] 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.
It is usually easier for tourists to use Google Maps' 'Google Transit' service to obtain bus and train times in Perth, as the Transperth website can get very confusing. Simply visit [http://www.google.com/transit/ http://www.google.com/transit/] or [http://maps.google.com Google Maps], enter in your start and finish points and choose 'Public Transport' from the drop-down menu. Google's service also includes a map.
Train services run frequently during peak hours and every 15 minutes during daylight hours (to most stations). Services commence around 5:30AM each day and cease at around midnight. It is worth noting that trains run half hourly from 7PM every day.
'''Fares''': The Transperth system is divided into 9 concentric zones, as well as the Free Transit Zone (city centre and surrounds). The Free Transit Zone on the trains is only available to SmartRider (transport card) holders. 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.
With the advent of the new SmartRider system those passengers not holding SmartRider cards will need to present their paper ticket to the transit guard upon entering and leaving Perth Station and selected suburban stations. This is because gates have been installed to prevent those not holding a SmartRider card to see a transit guard before entering due to problems with non-paying passengers.
As is the case with anywhere around the world, 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. At most stops this courtesy will not usually need to be observed due to low passenger volumes; however, during peak hours Perth Station can get quite busy.
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. Transperth also have trains operating until 2AM on Friday and Saturday night servicing all lines.
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.
Two major taxi companies are Swan Taxis (13 13 30), who dispatch both Swan and TriColor taxis, and Black and White Taxis (131 008).
Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and at Planners Map [http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/1924.asp]. 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. Doing this, however, is an easy way to cheese off local pedestrians if you are going too fast.
Rent-a-car providers are located adjacent to the airport and there are quite a few scattered around the city and the suburbs.
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.
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.
Perth has many local things to buy, including the world renowned '''Broome''' pearls, Perth Mint gold and Argyle diamonds.
Shopping hours in Perth are mostly regulated by the government. Between January and November they are:
In mid-December Christmas trading hours kick in and usually run until the end of December (individual shopping centres set their own times). Trading is extended to 9PM on weekdays and on Sundays most shops open 10AM-5PM.
Smaller shops may open longer hours by law all year.
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 7PM on Weeknights. It can get very busy around 5PM (the end of the business day for Perth office workers).
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 jewelery 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, CDs, DVDs and a small selection of DJ equipment.
Keep an eye out for Elizabeth's secondhand bookstores - along Hay St (west) near King St. 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.
After Christmas (and around July as well for many stores) is the best time to come to Perth for shopping. Perth City as well as some regional (i.e. Bunbury, etc.) stores are open Boxing Day and suburban stores open on the 27th. Customers have been known to form a line across the street to even ''enter'' stores such as 'Guess' and Myer store entry and escalator movement is monitored by security guards to prevent floor crowding.
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 night cafe.''' Most restaurants in Perth do not cater for vegetarians or vegans, and if they do - the range is extremely limited.
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 approachable city in general and as such, locals are only too happy to provide directions.
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!
Perth has its share of worldwide fast food chains. Franchises of McDonalds, Burger King (called Hungry Jack's in Australia), KFC and Subway can be found in many locations (there are a few in Perth City alone) while local chains like Red Rooster and Sizzler's buffet restaurant can be found by asking hotel concierges.
Perth is home to a thriving, European-style cafe culture, influenced by the large amount of Italian migrants. There are a number of stylish cafes, including:
'''The Moon Cafe''' [http://www.themoon.com.au] 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''' [http://www.kaio.com.au], Roe street, Northbridge. Cheap coffee and snacks, stylish surroundings and a collection of Lonely Planet guidebooks for the wannabe traveler. Has an upstairs section which looks over the Perth metropolis.
'''Tiger Tiger Coffee Bar''' [http://tigertigercoffeebar.com/], 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''' [http://www.exomod.net/] home of the one litre milkshake and coffee. Located on Beauford street, Mt Lawley as well as corner Murray and Barrack street in the CBD, 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 has 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.
Perth has a few Gloria Jeans stores but no Starbucks stores.
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. Its virtually hidden location means its 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. Its sister club upstairs, '''Club 234''', is equally 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 minutes. 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 draft 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 and 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 stories high and as one might imagine, the draft 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. Keep going and you'll hit '''Tiger Lils'''. This funky Asian styled resturant/bar is great for lunch or dinner and transforms into a vibing bar on Friday and Saturday nights.
Towards the east end of Murray St is the home of Perth's dark/alternative scene, '''Sin Nightclub''' (45 Murray St). Open on most Saturday nights from 10PM, Sin plays a mix of industrial, electronica, goth and 80s new wave. The crowd is predominantly goth, with much of Perth's artistic & internet culture also well represented. Nightclub attire is a must, with lots of black recommended if you want to blend in with the regulars. The club has a very strict 18+ ID policy: if you don't have an Australian drivers license, you'll need to show your passport to get in the door. While draconian, it ensures that Sin remains a trouble free sanctuary for the alternative 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'''[http://llamabar.com/]. "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.
'''Freo Beach House''' [http://www.freobeachhouse.com/] is located on Perth's Indian Ocean coast, just across the road from Fremantle_fs 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, cafes 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
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.
The Duke's Apartments supply 1 - 4 bedroom, apartments and holiday houses in Perth city and on the coast. Contact at bookings@dukesapartments.com, or call 0409 085 259.
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.
The main operator of regional bus and rail services in south west Western Australia is the government run Transwa [http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/]. '''[http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=46 The Australind]''' train departs Perth Train Station at 9:30AM and 5:55PM daily for Bunbury in the south west with various coach connections, and '''[http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=45 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.