Information for visitors
Location Perth is located in the south western corner of Australia. Latitude 31 degrees 57 min South, longitude 115 degrees 51 min East.
Population 1,445,078 metro Perth (State total: 1,959,088) as at the 2006 census.
Climate Perth enjoys a mediterranean climate, with warm to hot summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures average between 29° and 32° during the day and between 16° and 18° at night. However, it is not unusual for summer temperatures to reach 35° for three or four days in a row, especially in February. The afternoon sea breeze (known as 'the Fremantle Doctor') offers relief to coastal towns during the summer. The highest daily maximum temperatures recorded in Perth are around 44°. The average winter temperature is 18° during the day and around 8° at night - although it occasionally snows down south, Perth almost never falls below 0° at night. It is said that Perth has the climate California thinks it has! With an annual average of eight hours’ sun per day, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital. Perth averages only two or three days of rainfall in summer, with up to 19 days of rain in July, our wettest month.
Perth's mean daily temperatures - degrees Celsius |
|||||
| Summer | Max | Min | Winter | Max | Min |
| December | 29 | 16 | June | 19 | 8 |
| January | 30 | 18 | July | 18 | 8 |
| February | 31 | 18 | August | 18 | 8 |
| Autumn | Max | Min | Spring | Max | Min |
| March | 29 | 16 | September | 20 | 10 |
| April | 26 | 14 | October | 23 | 11 |
| May | 22 | 11 | November | 26 | 14 |
Sometimes we have too much sun for visitors - so it might be wise to take a look at our Sun sense information below. Need forecasts or more information? Drop into the Weather Bureau online.
Sun sense You've planned your holiday, saved for it and probably waited months to enjoy it! When people go on holidays, they want to have a great time, to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Getting sunburnt isn't part of their plans, yet about two thirds of holiday-makers get sunburnt while away from home. Sunburn can really put a stop to your holiday fun. First, there's the pain, and then you end up missing out on some of the activities you were really looking forward to. Yet it's easy to avoid getting sunburnt, and it needn't get in the way of having a great time...all it takes is a little forethought.
Did you know that, after your skin has absorbed some ultraviolet radiation (UV), sunscreens will not protect you for as long? So, get into the habit of protecting yourself BEFORE you go out into the sun. If you don't protect yourself with sunscreen all day, it's very easy to get sunburnt. Skin that is not covered by clothing, shade or hats can burn very quickly in summer...especially in the middle of the day. People with dark skins may last a little longer before they burn, but why run the risk? You may get away with not using sunscreen if the only time you spend outside is less than half an hour either before 11am or after 3pm. However, if you do this, your skin will have absorbed some UV radiation and if you decide to go outside again later, you are then more likely to burn. We suggest you follow these straightforward tips to make the most of your holiday in WA - without the sunburn.
Whenever you're planning an outdoors trip, be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Cover up with clothing and hats whenever possible.
Densely woven material that you can't see through gives the best protection.
Be on the lookout for shade.
Try to avoid the sun in the middle of the day by taking time to relax for lunch or having a break in the shade.
Apply SPF 15+ or 30+ water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside.
The Cancer Council of WA stocks a comprehensive range of sun-protection items; you can visit their showroom at 334 Rokeby Road in Subiaco Phone 9381 4515.
Currency Australian currency is decimal, with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equal one dollar). Notes come in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5, while coins are $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available at the Perth International Airport. City banks will exchange currencies and are open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and to 5pm on Friday.
Money Changing Currency exchange facilities can be found at Perth International Airport. When you’re in the city, visit Travel Money (formerly Nationwide Foreign Exchange), who offer no fees or commissions on foreign cash transactions. Also, look for Travel Money when visiting Rockingham. Whether you're backpacking across the globe or just enjoying a getaway, Travel Money can help. They offer international money transfers through MoneyGram, accept most international credit cards, have multi-lingual staff and accept most brands of travellers cheques. Groups are welcome to arrange multiple transactions if required. With competitive rates and up-to-date products, this is the next generation in foreign exchange available now. The two city stores are open seven days a week, late trading on Fridays. Stores on the Hay Street Mall between London Court and St Martin's Arcade or on the Murray Street Mall near Carillon Arcade, both in the centre of the City. Phone 9221 1261 or email rod@fctravelmoney.com.
Credit cards The most commonly accepted credit cards in WA are Visa and Mastercard. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. Credit cards and EFTPOS can be used for a wide range of goods and services throughout Western Australia.
| Credit Card Companies |  |
|
| American Express | |
1300 132 639 |
| Diners Club | |
1300 360 060 |
| Visa | |
1800 450 346 |
Banks Most banks are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm, and to 5.00pm on Fridays; some smaller banks and credit unions may be open on Saturday mornings. Perth and Fremantle contain numerous ATMs, most of which accept most cards.
| ANZ Bank | |
13 13 14 |
| Bank of Melbourne | |
13 25 75 |
| Bank of New Zealand | |
13 22 18 |
| BankWest | |
13 17 18 |
| Bendigo Bank | |
1300 361 911 |
| Commonwealth Bank | |
13 22 21 |
| Macquarie Bank Ltd | |
1800 806 310 |
| National Australia Bank | |
13 22 65 |
| Police and Nurses Credit | |
13 25 77 |
| St George Bank | |
13 33 30 |
| Westpac | |
13 20 32 |
Public holidays Almost all trading hours are altered on a public holiday, so it's best to be forewarned. For example, public transport operates less frequently, while banks and many shops are closed. However, at the same time, some shopping areas have special permits allowing them to trade on public holidays, so major centres like Perth and Fremantle will be open, and most markets are open on a public holiday Monday. Any shop with special trading hours such as delis, 7-day-a-week supermarkets, etc, are generally open on public holidays, but this can be left to the individual operator. Fast food outlets are almost all open, as are most restaurants, although surcharges may apply. Attractions such as cinemas are also usually open. If you are travelling out of the metropolitan area at the beginning of a long weekend, you will find traffic much heavier than normal, as Perth's suburbanites also leave the city for a getaway. Major service stations will be open, so you shouldn't run out of fuel.
Disabled access 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.
Electricity The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from many countries including Asia, so some visitors may need an adaptor socket. If your appliances are 100V, check if there is a 110/240V switch; if not, you will also need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels. Multi-voltage appliances and adaptors are readily available in department stores and at many luggage shops.
Telephone To call Perth numbers from overseas, access your international line, then dial 61 for Australia, then 8 for Western Australia, then the eight-digit number. To dial WA from other parts of Australia, dial 08 followed by the eight-digit number. If dialling a 13 number from anywhere in Australia, no area code is required. From overseas, dial 61 for Australia, then the 13 number. For 0500 numbers (10 digits in total), no area code is required anywhere in Australia. From overseas, dial 61 for Australia, then 500 (leave off the first zero) then the other six digits of the number. Telephone numbers starting with 1800, 1300 or 1901 and 1902 (all 10 digits in total) cannot be accessed from overseas.
A standard fee applies to all local calls made within Australia, with the exception of information-lines, irrespective of the length of call. From a public phone box, the minimum call charge is 50c. STD (subscriber trunk dialling) and IDD (international direct dialling) are charged by distance as well as the length of the call. Different rates apply to different times of the day, and to make a telephone call during an off-peak period can result in substantial savings. Details of rates can be found towards the front of the Perth White Pages telephone directory. 13 numbers will cost you the same as a local call, both 0500 and 1800 numbers are freecall numbers, while 1901 and 1902 information calls are usually charged at a fixed rate per minute, some price-capped and some not.
STD and IDD codes can be found towards the back of the directory, along with time differences from Western Standard Time. Depending on the payphone, calls may be made using coins, Telstra or Optus Phonecards (available from most newsagencies) or credit cards. For greater flexibility while on holiday, you can hire a mobile from assorted outlets.
If you can't find the phone number in the phone book (or you can't find a phone book at all), you can call directory assistance on 1223 for all Australian numbers, or on 1225 for international numbers. Alternatively, try the White Pages telephone directory online. Complete instructions on how to call home from Western Australia can also be obtained from the White Pages online.
Facsimiles These can be sent from all but a very few official post offices. Telephone 13 13 18 to be automatically connected to the nearest post office from where you are calling. Most hotels and motels have facsimile machines which they will allow guests to use.
Studying & Working in Perth Perth is a vibrant multicultural city with many world-class educational institutions running courses in English as a second language. Fees in Perth are much the same as in Melbourne and Sydney, but our greatest advantage is the lifestyle. Perth is big enough to have all the amenities you could want, but is also friendly and clean. Many students take advantage of homestay accommodation with a Perth family, a more personal taste of Australia than just a hotel room or self-contained unit.
Working holiday visas can be obtained by citizens of countries including the UK, Japan, Canada and Germany. These arrangements allow people aged 18-30 years with no dependent children to holiday in Australia for up to a year and supplement their funds through incidental work. Visas must be organised before arriving. For enquiries contact the Department of Immigration on 13 18 81.
If you are thinking of moving here permanently be sure to seek legal advice. Before departing Australia you may wish to seek advice for visa renewals to allow for future re-entry or for other legal and/or migration matters from qualified solicitors who are also registered migration agents.
International Communication Plaza is a licensed employment and labour hire agency specialising in helping working holiday makers, overseas students and other migrants find work in Perth and WA. If you wish to study here, ICP can place you in a variety of schools, colleges and universities. They can also give you free education counselling to help you choose an appropriate course. ICP is affiliated with AusVisas, one of Perth's leading migration agencies. Australian migration law is complicated and AusVisas are experts in mapping out migration pathways and assisting people in applying for permanent and temporary visas.
There are five major universities in Perth as well as several colleges which specialise in English courses.
| Universities | |
|
| Curtin University | |
Bentley |
| Edith Cowan University | |
Churchlands, Joondalup, Mt Lawley |
| Murdoch University | |
Murdoch |
| University of Notre Dame | |
Fremantle |
| University of Western Australia | |
Crawley |
|
||
| Colleges | |
|
| Aspect ILA | West Perth | |
| Australian College of English | |
Perth |
| Cambridge International | East Perth | |
| Kingston International | Northbridge | |
| Perth College of English | Perth | |
| Phoenix Academy | West Perth, Fremantle | |
| St Marks International College | |
Perth |
| TAFE International | Perth |
Postal services Perth and Fremantle share an extensive network of post offices which provide a broad range of services including next day delivery (Express Post), overseas and local mailing, packaging materials, postpaks and gifts suitable for sending overseas. All post offices are open between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. The GPO in Forrest Place provides a postal service between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. A fixed rate of 55c applies to all standard size and weight envelopes posted to any part of Australia. A standard postcard to anywhere in the world costs a fixed rate of $1.40.
Internet access You should have no trouble finding lots of internet access points in and around Perth and Fremantle. In Perth and Northbridge, these are often found along Barrack, William and Wellington Streets, and also in or near most backpackers' hostels. You will also find coin-operated internet connection stations at Perth's domestic and international airports. Most cafes charge in blocks of 5-20 minutes. Prices can vary quite a lot so if you're addicted to email, you might want to shop around for the best deal. Most centres offer printing and scanning services as well as internet connection.
Goods and services tax The Australian Government introduced a GST on July 1, 2000. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables international visitors to claim a refund of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on goods bought in Australia, whether used during the holiday or not. The refund applies only to goods taken as hand luggage when leaving the country, after going through passport control. The refund will be paid on goods costing $300 or more, bought from the same store, no earlier than 30 days before leaving the country. Visitors may purchase several lower-priced items from the one store, either at the one time or over several occasions within the 30-day period, provided the total purchase amounts to $300 or more and the goods are covered by the one tax invoice. If you are leaving Australia through an international airport, you may collect your refund in cash on departure (up to $200), or choose a non-cash option. There is a TRS booth in the departure area of Perth International Airport. Cash refunds are not available if leaving by ship. For more information call Customs on 1300 363 263 within Australia for the cost of a local call (or translator service - 13 14 50), or visit Customs online.
Perth city information The City of Perth Information Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall is open every day to help visitors discover what there is to do and see in Perth. The i-City Volunteer Hosts lead popular free walking tours, departing from the Kiosk. Orientation tours run at 11am Monday through Saturday and at 2pm on Sundays, while specialty tours run 2pm each weekday. These tours are a wonderful way to gain an insight into this fascinating city, and best of all, there is no need to book in advance, which allows visitors a great deal of holiday flexibility. Just go to the Kiosk five minutes or so before the tour starts and follow your leader!
Perth City walk The three hour walking route shown will help you discover many of Perth’s finest buildings and places of interest. If you get tired, hop on the free CAT buses at the stops marked.View map and information.
Safety Perth is a very safe city by world standards. There is a network of almost 100 closed circuit tv cameras operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in central Perth and Northbridge. The Information and Police Kiosk located in the Murray Street Mall, near Forrest Place operates mainly during shopping hours, while emergency communication poles can be found in the shopping malls and Northbridge. There are three late night supervised taxi ranks in Northbridge operating at weekends. For further information call the Citywatch Info-Line on 9229 2970.
Real estate If you're thinking of visiting Perth for an extended period of time, you may need to consider renting or purchasing a house. All the information you may need to find real estate options in Perth can be found at REIWA, the Real Estate Institute of WA.
Time Zones Western Australia is on Western Standard Time (WST), which is eight hours ahead of GMT. WA is one and a half hours behind South Australia and the Northern Territory, and two hours behind all other states.Time differences can increase by one hour during daylight savings, which will run in WA from 28 October 2007 to 30 March 2008.
| Country | |
Time |
| Canada (Montreal) | |
-12 hours |
| Canada (Vancouver) | |
-16 hours |
| France | |
-7 hours |
| Germany | |
-7 hours |
| India | |
-2 hours |
| Indonesia | |
-1 hour |
| Italy | |
-7 hours |
| Japan | |
+1 hour |
| Malaysia | |
same time |
| New Zealand | |
+4 hours |
| Singapore | |
same time |
| Thailand | |
-1 hour |
| U.K. | |
-8 hours |
| U.S.A. (Chicago) | |
-14 hours |
| U.S.A. (Los Angeles) | |
-16 hours |
| U.S.A. (New York) | |
-13 hours |
| These are open 7 days a week. | ||
| Amcal Pharmacy, Shop 54, Upper Level Forrest Chase, Perth | 9221 1691 | |
| Beaufort St Pharmacy (24 hours), 647 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley | |
9328 7775 |
| Fremantle Drive-in Pharmacy, 197 High St | 9335 9633 | |
| Northbridge Chemist, cnr James & William Sts | 9328 7885 | |
| Stirling Drive-in, 234 Stirling Hwy, Claremont | 9384 2292 | |
© 2008 COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS
PO Box 680, West Perth WA 6872, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9324 1574 Fax: +61 8 9324 1784
Site last updated: 10th November 2008
Disclaimer: The information on this website, which is believed to be accurate and current at the time of publishing, has been prepared in good faith and is given as a guide only. The publisher accepts no responsibility for loss, injury, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of using this information. Customs, travel, safety and health issues should all be confirmed with the relevant authorities before you travel.