Getting around

AIRPORTS

Perth's international and domestic airports are located 16km and 11km respectively South East of the city. Shuttle buses, hire cars and taxis operate between the airports, and Perth and Fremantle.

Taxis are available at the international and domestic airports. Transfer time from the international airport to the city is 30 minutes and 20 minutes from the domestic airport. The fare is around $35-$40 and $25-$30 respectively. Perth is well served by meter operated taxi cabs. There are taxi ranks throughout the Perth central business district and Fremantle. You can also hire a qualified taxi driver to conduct your own personal guided tour of Perth. Cab fare costs include a flagfall charge of $3.60 weekdays or $5.20 in peak times, plus distance charge of $1.47 per kilometre. Surcharges may apply. A special taxi service for passengers with disabilities can be booked on 9422 2240. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is recommended that you book 24 hours in advance for this service, however this is not a strict requirement.

Transperth route 37 operates between the domestic airport and St Georges Terrace in the Perth city centre. Buses depart from the airport approximately every half an hour during the day, and hourly after 6.00pm and all day Sunday. Transfer time is approximately 40 minutes.

With over 6000 destinations in over 200 countries, Jetta Express can send your excess baggage overseas cheaper and more conveniently. Luggage can be sent prior to or after departure – no ticket required. Jetta are Australia’s leading national excess baggage service with over 15 years’ experience. They will pick up from your door and deliver to your destination airport. All baggage is totally secure; payment by cash, credit card or Eftpos. Phone 1300 300 688.

RENTAL CARS

WA has a great range of rental vehicles at competitive rates. For more details, please talk to the operators listed below. You should ensure that you are familiar with Australian road rules before driving and be sure to observe parking signs. You will need a valid Australian or international drivers' licence (in English); a standard licence will allow you to drive any vehicle which carries up to 12 people, as well as scooters with up to 50cc engines.

Bayswater Hire Car has a 2000 car fleet with cars starting from just $15 per day (conditions apply). A no frills service aimed at excellent value. 381 Guildford Rd, Bayswater Phone 9370 3888 Fax 9271 7296

Budget Car Rental has 25 locations statewide including airport terminals. Hotel delivery/collection available, as well as 24 hour roadside assistance. Self-drive itineraries available. 960 Hay St, Perth Phone 13 27 27 Fax 9480 3166

M2000 Car Rentals All new cars, from 3 door hatches to commuter vans to suit large groups. You'll find a car and a price to suit your holiday and your budget. All prices include insurance and 100kms free. Guaranteed low prices. Perth City, Belmont Airport and Leederville offices are open 7 days a week. 166 Adelaide Tce, Perth Phone 9325 4110 Fax 9227 1078

Myaree Car Hire have new cars from $22 per day. Large range of vehicles including Tarago 8-Seater and Motorhomes. We deliver to airport and hotels. Open 7 days a week. Unit 2/12 Hayden Court, Myaree Phone 9330 8848 Fax 9330 3941

DRIVING IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road before driving. In Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road. The speed limit in Perth city and suburbs is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise signed (major arterial roads are generally 60kph zones). The freeway has an upper limit of 100kph or 80kph on busier sections and near signals. The upper limit in country areas is 110kph, although lower limits are designated by roadside speed limit signs. Road-side cameras are widely used to police speed limits. International road signs are in use in most parts of the state. If you do not immediately understand the meaning of the sign, you should proceed with caution. A Stop sign means just that - stop completely before the white line and give way to traffic to the right and left prior to proceeding. You need not stop at a Give Way sign but you must give way to traffic both ways.

Don't drink and drive Western Australia has drink driving laws which limit the amount of alcohol a person can consume before driving a vehicle. These laws are rigidly enforced by an efficient police force equipped with modern, sophisticated radar devices and mobile alcohol detection facilities. The blood alcohol limit in Western Australia is .05. Further information on road rules can be obtained from the Department of Transport on 9216 8000.

Many service stations in the metropolitan area are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Smaller service stations are generally open 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday inclusive, while some are open until 10pm or midnight, 7 days a week. Major roads and highways will generally have late trading stops at reasonably frequent intervals. Most service stations sell unleaded fuel, premium unleaded fuel, liquid petroleum gas (LPG, also known as GoGas) and diesel fuel. Many have car wash facilities and grocery items. The Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) is located on Wellington Street, West Perth (Ph: 13 17 03).

Finding somewhere to park in the city can take some planning. There are many carparks found throughout the city area, either outdoor or in a multi-storey undercover building. These carparks will clearly display fees and conditions but you should check for their closing time to ensure that your car is not locked inside. Short term roadside parking is not plentiful, but when you manage to find a spot, make sure that you park legally. Road signs designating parking areas and time limitations will indicate ticket or meter parking. Some parking zones are also Clearways or No Standing areas at certain times of the day, so be sure to check. The City of Perth's parking inspectors enforce parking regulations. Be sure not to park in a Clearway, No Standing zone, taxi/bus zone or loading zone (for commercial vehicles only), as these will attract up to a $100 fine, as will an expired meter or ticket. If you are driving a rental car and you get a parking fine, or any traffic infringement, be sure to let the hire car company know, as many of them will charge an additional administration fee for recovering the cost of fines incurred on their vehicles.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

BUSES Perth is well connected by Transperth. Tickets are valid for 2-3 hours and can also be used on Transperth trains and ferries. The main terminals are at the Wellington Street Bus Station and the City Busport, Mounts Bay Road, Perth. Buses run daily from 6am to 11.30pm with reduced services on weekends and public holidays. The cost of a ticket depends on how many zones you travel; bus drivers or the ticket machines at train stations can calculate the fare for you. Cash fare for one zone is $2.30 adults, 90¢ concession; fare for two zones is $3.50 adults, $1.40 concession.

Transperth’s Free Transit Zone (FTZ) covers all major shopping streets in the Perth CBD as well as West Perth, East Perth and Northbridge. You do not need a ticket to use any bus service within this area. Many popular destinations can be accessed via the CircleRoute buses including major shopping centres, universities and several major hospitals. This route also connects with the various train lines. Route 98 runs clockwise, while Route 99 travels the same roads anti-clockwise. Tickets for this service cost a maximum of a two zone fare.

For all routes and timetables for buses and trains, Transperth InfoCentres are located at the City Busport, Mounts Bay Road, Wellington Street Bus Station and the Perth Central Train Station, as well as a shop in Plaza Arcade, Perth, or call the Infoline on 13 62 13. The Transperth lost property office is located at the Esplanade Busport.

FREE TRAVEL ZONES You can travel free in Perth's Free Transit Zone, an area covering all major shopping streets in Perth and Northbridge. If you are unsure whether you are within this area, just ask your bus driver. There is also a free bus service, the Central Area Transit (CAT) system, which operates around central Perth. These buses are airconditioned and are electronically controlled. You can get on the routes at any of the CAT stops, brightly coloured red, yellow or blue, which also tell you when the next bus is due.

The Red CAT buses travel in an east-west loop through the central business district. Some of the stops on this route include:
• WACA Ground stop 6 • Perth Mint stop 11 • Murray Street Mall stop 14 • Forrest Place stop 15 • Parliament House stop 21 • Havelock St, West Perth stop 26 (Closest stop to Kings Park) • King Street stop 29. Services operate Mon-Fri 6.50am to 6.20pm every 5 minutes and Sat-Sun 10.00am to 6.15pm every 25 minutes.

The Yellow CAT buses travel in an east-west loop between the city and East Perth. Some of the stops on this route include:
• Claisebrook Train Station stop 1 • Victoria Gardens stop 5 • Forrest Place stop 14 • Harbour Town stops 17&21 • East Perth Cemetery stop 31. Services operate Mon-Fri 6.50am to 6.20pm every 10 minutes and Sat-Sun 10.00am to 6.15pm every 30 minutes.

The Blue CAT buses travel in a north-south loop from the river through the city. Some of the stops on this route include:
• London Court stop 3 • Town Hall stop 4 • James St, Northbridge stop 13 • WA Art Gallery stop 15 • Barrack Square stop 19 • City Busport stop 22. Services operate Mon-Fri 6.50am to 6.20pm every 7 mins; Fri 6.20pm to 1.00am every 15 mins; Sat 8.30am to 1.00am every 15 minutes; Sun 10.00am to 5.00pm every 15 minutes.

The Fremantle CAT operates in the central city area from Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.30pm every 10 minutes, weekends and public holidays 10.00am to 6.30pm every 10 minutes. There is no service on Good Friday, Christmas or Boxing Day. The Joondalup CAT bus service departs from Joondalup Station at 15 minute intervals Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm and from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturdays. There are no services on Sundays or public holidays.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS Enjoy the unique and fun experience of a Perth and Kings Park open tour with City Sightseeing's open top Double Decker bus. For details, phone 9203 8882. Fremantle Trams operate tram tours daily from the Fremantle Town Hall, for further details, phone 9433 6674. Western Travel Bug phone 9486 4222 can take you further afield. For a magical experience try a scenic helicopter flight with Heliwest, phone 9414 1114. Two Feet & a Heartbeat provide a unique and insightful walking experience, immersing you in the culture and atmosphere of one of Australia's most appealing cities. Explore Perth's natural beauty and hidden treasures. Delve into its colourful history from its indigenous and colonial beginnings, to the modern boomtown, speckled with tales of crime and corruption. Find some bargains on a City Shopping Tour or discover the history of our port city on a Fremantle Walking Tour, phone 1800 459 388.

For a unique insight into the traditions and spirituality of Aboriginal people, take a journey back thousands of years to a time in the Dreaming with Indigenous Tours WA. Experience Kings Park, Rottnest Island and Fremantle through the ancient Dreamtime stories of the region's earliest and original inhabitants, the Wadjuk people. Wadjuk means 'the guardians of the link between the land and the sea' (this link being the beautiful Swan River). Learn about the Nyoongar people of south western Australia, their bush food and medicines, tools and traditional hunting methods. Ph: 9483 1106

TRAINS The Transperth train system is a quick and easy way to get around. Perth’s central city train station is located on Wellington Street opposite Forrest Place and connects to the Underground station for the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. These platforms can also be accessed from the Murray Street Mall, and the Esplanade station takes you right to the Swan River. Travel from Perth to Fremantle, Midland or Joondalup, stopping all stations, takes around half an hour; to Armadale takes around 40 minutes; and you can get all the way to Mandurah in less than an hour. Some services are express and do not stop at all stations. There are reduced but regular services on weekends and public holidays. You must have a valid ticket to travel on Transperth trains. Tickets can be purchased on the platforms from machines. A SmartRider card is a cash-free way to travel on Perth’s buses and trains. It will calculate your fare costs, and also provide you with cheaper fares. If you’re staying in town for an extended period of time, it could be a worthwhile investment. Information on SmartRider cards, bus and train routes and timetables can be obtained from bus terminals or major train stations, or you can contact Transperth on 13 62 13. View map of the Transperth metropolitan train system.

TRAVEL TO COUNTRY WA Government rail operator TransWA has daily train services to Bunbury (The Australind), Kalgoorlie (The Prospector) and Northam (The Avonlink). They service many other destinations in Western Australia by coach. For timetable information and bookings, call 1300 662 205.

INTERSTATE TRAVEL The Indian Pacific train service across the Nullarbor Plain is one of the great train journeys of the world. It departs from East Perth Terminal in West Parade. Further details can be obtained by calling 13 21 47.

FERRIES Transperth ferries operate daily (6.45am to 7.15pm) between Barrack Street Jetty, Perth and Mends Street Jetty, South Perth (the Perth Zoo is a short stroll from Mends Street). There are several private ferry operators which offer a range of services including scenic river cruises up and down river. Captain Cook Scenic Cruises, phone 9325 3341. Rottnest Fast Ferries, phone 9246 1039. Trips to Rottnest Island operate from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, Northport at Rous Heads in North Fremantle, Victoria Quay and East Street Jetty in Fremantle or the Hillarys Boat Harbour at Hillarys, and whale watching cruises operate from Hillarys in spring. Most ferry companies will offer transfers to and from your accommodation but you should check with the operator.

CYCLING

Perth is one of the best capital cities in the world for cycling, with relatively few hills and great weather. The Perth bicycle network offers great opportunities for bike riding all over the city, and dedicated cycleways and shared paths throughout Kings Park, Fremantle and the northern suburbs offer fantastic views of the Swan River and stunning Sunset Coast beaches. Whether you're commuting or sightseeing, biking is a great way to get around Perth while enjoying our great weather. A large range of maps of cycle routes is available, including ride suggestions. All Perth bicycle paths are designated with signs with directional pointers and distances to various attractions.

You can take your bike onto Transperth trains for no charge (restrictions apply during peak times) and see the outer areas of Perth without exhausting yourself totally. A fantastic day out is a ride around the Swan River, with a meal in Fremantle or up at Guildford, then catch the train back to the city.

There are many off-road bike trails in the national parks close to Perth, with difficulty levels to cater for all abilities. The Munda Biddi Bike Trail, nearly 900 kms of trail winding its way through national parks and state forests of south west Western Australia, starts at Mundaring and will visit many charming towns on the way to Albany when fully completed. Campsites and restpoints are provided.

There are some rules and regulations to remember. Pedestrians have right of way over cyclists on shared paths. Ringing your bell will usually clear the way for you. Always ride on the left-hand side, except when overtaking. And wearing a helmet is compulsory. If you don’t have a bike but you feel like going for a ride, bicycles can be hired at various locations throughout Perth including at Kings Park and down by the Swan River. More information can be obtained from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, phone 9420 7210. Booklets detailing routes around the River, along the Coast and from Armadale to Perth are available from the Department of Sport and Recreation, Perry Lakes Stadium, Wembley or by phoning BikeWest on 9216 8000.

DISABLED ACCESS

Public transport in Perth is increasingly able to cater for passengers with disabilities. Transperth staff are available to assist wheelchair users to access metro trains. All buses on the CAT routes and CircleRoutes are accessible, as are any buses displaying the blue wheelchair symbol. For information about access on specific suburban routes, call Transperth on 13 62 13.

A special taxi service catering for wheelchairs can be booked on 9333 3377. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is recommended, but not required, that you book 24 hours in advance. If you are driving a car, reciprocal disability parking rights exist for interstate and overseas visitors for up to 3 months. All City of Perth Council car parks have accessible bays.

While access requirements vary according to the individual, the City of Perth is actively operating to ensure better accessibility for visitors with a wide range of disabilities. Most major public buildings in the city including the GPO are considered accessible; most streets incorporate kerb ramps and tactile indicators and audible crossing signals are in place at most major intersections in the city centre. The City of Perth’s Access City Maps, containing detailed maps of the city with information on all facilities and access points, are available from Council House, 27 St Georges Tce, Perth, or call 9461 3333.

Information on hiring equipment is available from the Australian Red Cross, call 9334 6222. The Citiplace Community Centre located on the upper level of the Perth City Train Station also hires wheelchairs, and provides accessible public toilet facilities. The centre is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm.

For more information contact National Disability Services (WA Division) on 9242 5544.