PERTH OVERVIEW:
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia. It amounts to a third of the area of Australia, with a total area of more then 2,500,000 sqkm. Perth is the capital of Western Australia with just under two million people and is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Australia.
WA is divided into five regions; the Kimberley, the North West, South West, the Interior, and the Wheat Belt. The majority of the population live along the beautiful white sandy beaches of the West Australian coast.
Perth City is situated between the Darling Ranges and the Indian Ocean, and along the banks of the Swan River, 12 km from the ocean. The river is named after the famous black swans which can be found along the river. The city is bound by the river to the east and south. To the west of the city is Kings Park, which has over 400 hectares of natural Australian bush overlooking the city center and the Swan River. The view from King's park is quite unique and is a must for any visitor to Perth.
The Swan River weaves its way through the metropolitan area to the Port of Fremantle, which has many beautiful houses, restaurants, and recreational areas along its banks.
The river provides an ideal opportunity for the locals to enjoy the beautiful weather and participate in many different water sports such as boating, sailing, water skiing, wind surfing, rowing, fishing, parasailing, swimming, jet skiing, or just cruising the river on one of the many ferries.
The city center is quite small when compared to other cities in Australia such as Sydney or Melbourne. The city has four major streets running east to west - St George's Terrace, Hay Street, Murray Street, and Wellington Street.
Nature and urban life exist in harmony in Perth, on Australia's west coast. Here, where the locals soak up more sunny days than in any other Australian capital city, you can visit nearby Rottnest Island, walk in leafy Kings Park and experience Swan Valley's vineyards, Aboriginal art, food and history. For local culture, wander the nearby city of Fremantle's winding portside streets, Perth city centre's museum and gallery precinct or peel back the layers of this urban landscape with an Aboriginal guide.
Kings Park is one of the biggest city parks in the world - bigger than Central Park in New York City - yet it's right in the heart of Perth. It grants epic views of the Swan and Canning rivers and the skyscrapers perched on their banks. Astonishingly tall, white-trunked trees line the entrance road to this inspiring patch of green, which has a treetop bridge, bushland trails, manicured gardens and cafés.
Perth is almost unfairly blessed with extraordinary beaches. Transparent blue water with astounding visibility meets sugary sand that seems to stretch on forever. Perth has more sunny days than any other capital city in the world. It has perfect beach-going weather and a population that happily obliges. Expect to see locals embracing the beach from dawn till dusk.
It's fair to say that Cottesloe Beach is Perth's pin-up beach. With its feathery soft blonde sand, its clear aquamarine ocean, its grassed terraces and its sprawling Norfolk pines, it charms without even trying. A 20-minute drive from the city centre, Cottesloe looks its best in the morning before the wind, locally known as the Fremantle Doctor, blows in from about 10.30am. Or bring a picnic later in the day. Waves are generally gentle but surf lifesavers are regularly on duty; look for the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
PERTH WEATHER:
Perth enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. During summer rain is unusual, but winter can bring downpours of rain and thunderstorms. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall.
Summer in Perth is hot and dry with very little rainfall. Average temperatures range from 17.5 - 30ᵒC (63.5 - 86ᵒF). In the afternoons a sea breeze called the 'Fremantle Doctor' provides some relief from the heat.
During autumn, Perth experiences warm, sunny days and cooler nights with average temperatures between 13.7 - 26ᵒC (56.6 - 78.8ᵒF). There can be occasional showers and some humidity. Evening temperatures rarely drop below 10ᵒC (50ᵒF).
Winters are relatively cool and wet with temperatures ranging from 8 - 19ᵒC (46.4 - 66.2ᵒF). There are occasional storms, characterised by downpours of rain and thunderstorms.
During spring, days are warm and sunny with average temperatures ranging from 11.7 - 23ᵒC (53 - 73.4ᵒF). There is little rainfall at this time of year. There is a lot of flora in spring: discover more than 12,000 species of wildflowers, which blossom in Perth's nature reserves and national parks.
Perth has never recorded snow on the ground.
Daylight savings is not observed in Western Australia. The time zone in Western Australia is Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), UTC +8.
December experiences the longest hours of daylight in Perth with sunrise at approximately 5am and sunset at 7:30pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 7:15am and sunset at 5:20pm. Perth is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
In summer the average sea temperature ranges from 20.9 - 22.8ᵒC (70 - 73ᵒF). Temperatures reach their peak in March with an average of 23.4ᵒC (74ᵒF), and dip in winter to 19.4 - 21.3ᵒC (67 - 70ᵒF).
Visitors to Perth should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
PERTH LIFESTYLE:
The open layout and spacious surroundings make Perth ideal for an outdoor lifestyle. There are long paths for walking and cycling, plenty of parklands and numerous sports facilities available. The people are friendly, and the lifestyle is relaxed - all in all, this sums up the way of life in Perth.
Perth is a modern and vibrant capital city, boasting a desirable lifestyle, great geographic location and attractive investment opportunities.
Perth is regularly ranked in the top 10 most liveable, friendly and attractive cities in the world. As the capital city of one of the world's most significant mining regions, Perth is rapidly growing in lifestyle, population and economic prosperity. The strength of our economy, especially our capabilities in the resource sector, ensures that both the city and the state are competitively placed for future investment and growth.
Perth's close proximity to Asia opens great potential for investors in energy, minerals, tourism and hospitality, education and agriculture and food.
Perth is in the midst of an exciting period of expansion and new developments. The large-scale capital works projects throughout the city and surrounding areas means Perth will change dramatically over the next ten years, better reflecting the growing global importance of the city. These developments provide great opportunities for investors and will drive further economic growth, creating more jobs and stimulating commerce in all industries.
While the state of Western Australia is fortunate to have world-class reserves of natural mineral and energy resources, the city has become home to an equally impressive resource - a highly educated, skilled and productive workforce - gathered here by the strength of our tertiary institutions, economic climate and world-class lifestyle opportunities, making Perth the state's leading destination for creative innovation and cultural diversity.
With more hours of sunshine per year than any other city in Australia, you will enjoy warm summers and short, mild winters. Situated on the Swan River and right next to an endless coastline of white sand beaches, Perth offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of the warm weather. If you're looking for the ultimate Australian lifestyle, head to the beach for a swim or a surf on your study breaks.
PERTH COST OF LIVING:
As an approximate guide, you can expect to budget for around AUD$350 per week ‘living expenses’ in Perth. This can include such items as rent or board, food, public transport, utilities (electricity, gas and water) and some spending money.
This figure does not include tuition fees, the cost of running a vehicle, textbook and printing or photocopying costs. This also doesn’t include health insurance, airfares or holiday travel costs and additional costs associated with a more expensive lifestyle.
Setting up in a new place does cost money, so you should make sure you have easy access to at least AUD $2500 to pay for expenses needed to get established. These expenses can include paying a bond on accommodation and buying necessary items such as bedding. Please refer to the ‘Study in Australia’ website for additional information.
The figures above are indicative only and costs such as rent can vary significantly depending on where you live. You should be prepared in case your living costs are greater than the indicated figures.
Bus (one way trip)$0.90 - 2.00
Taxi (standard fare)$1.72/km + flagfall
Trainmin $2.10
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gasAU$1.24
Cold medicine for 6 days$12.00
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)$5.10
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)$6.00
4 rolls of toilet paper$2.95
Tube of toothpaste$3.80
Short visit to private Doctor$66.00
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)$19
Rent from weekly$165
Food from weekly$80
Transport from weekly$10
Phone from weekly$10
Internet from weekly$10
Entertainment from weekly$80
Total: $355 minimum per week ($18,460 annually)
PERTH TRANSPORT:
Perth is a vibrant city with well-established public transport networks. Take the train, bus or ferry to wherever you need to be, grab a taxi or Uber or maybe you prefer to walk, drive or cycle?
However you decide to do it, getting around Perth City is relatively easy. Transperth is Perth’s public transport network, helping people get around the city by train, bus or ferry.
There are three train stations in the city; Perth Station, Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay. Each of these is a short walk to the City’s main business, shopping and tourism precincts.For access to outer parts of the City, you will need to use City West, McIver and Claisebrook stations.
If you are travelling in and out of the city on a Transperth bus, most stops terminate at either the Wellington Street or Esplanade Bus Stations. Both are a short walk to the City’s main business, shopping and tourism precincts. A free transit zone (FTZ) also operates within the City of Perth boundaries. You can travel on any bus with the
City of Perth for free.
FTZ signposts are displayed on the route limits. For travel outside the FTZ, please purchase a ticket from the driver or purchase a SmartRider from Perth Station or from newsagents.
Transperth offers a ferry from Perth to South Perth leaving from the Elizabeth Quay Ferry Terminal. You can cross to South Perth in approx. 10 minutes to visit the Perth Zoo and delight in the views of Perth city from the South Perth foreshore.
You can also catch a ferry to Optus Stadium with Captain Cook Cruises or the Little Ferry Co. Escape the crowds on the way to the game, and take it slow by catching a ferry to the game.
Both operators provide a different experience. Captain Cook Cruises leaves from Barracks St Jetty or South Perth (your choice) taking advantage of the beautiful river and amazing jetty facilities at the stadium. Choose from a convenient transfer on the River Cat or combine it with an amazing meal at the Reveley and a VIP entry to the Camfield.
The Little Ferry Co. provide game day ferry’s, specialising in groups from 6 to 12 guests leaving from Elizabeth Quay.
You can even BYO snacks and beverages.
