Travel Information

Air

Perth is easily accessible by air from around Australia, overseas and from many locations within the State. Perth Airport serves Western Australia by connecting people, business and communities, and provides support for local communities. It strengthens cultural, family and social bonds as well as supporting business, tourism and leisure travel. It is the fourth busiest airport in Australia in terms of passenger traffic, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. 

International Airlines:  Air Asia | Air Asia X | Air Mauritius | Air New Zealand | British Airways | Cathay Pacific | China Southern Airlines | Emirates | Garuda Indonesia | Jetstar & Jetstar Asia |  Malaysia Airlines | Malindo Air | Qantas | Qatar Airways | Scoot | Singapore Airlines | South African Airways | Thai Airways | Virgin Australia

Domestic Airlines:  Air North | Jetstar | Qantas | Tigerair | Virgin Australia

Regional Airlines:  Alliance Airlines | Qantas | Regional Express | Skippers | Virgin Australia

Train

Known as one of the world's greatest train journeys, the legendary Indian Pacific, operated by Great Southern Rail, is a trip of a lifetime. This three-day trip departs from Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide and journeys through vineyards, river lands, the both amazing and expansive Nullarbor Plain and plenty more that the beautiful country of Australia has to offer.

Road

To truly appreciate how big and sparsely populated Australia's outback is many people decide to take the journey across the country or through the state by road. There are clearly sign-posted, well marked and serviced wide roads in Western Australia's north and south. Townships and roadhouses are also regularly spaced throughout. Speed limits are 110 kilometres per hour, and wildlife can often be sighted by the roadside.

Cruise Ship

During summer (November to February in the southern hemisphere) Perth, along with other parts of the state feature on world cruise itineraries as part of Australian coastal cruise packages. This presents a range of opportunities to explore Western Australia by sea. Find out more about cruising into Perth.

Airport Access

Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available from both the domestic and international terminals. A taxi trip from the airport terminals to Perth city centre will take 20 to 30 minutes and cost approximately AUD30.00 - AUD40.00. Taxi ranks are located outside both the domestic and international terminals and main providers in Perth are Swan Taxis and Black & White Cabs. Perth Airport has dedicated rideshare pick-up areas to service all terminals. Uber is a ridesharing service available at Perth Airport, offering a range of services. Find out more on the Perth Airport website.

Public Transport
Transperth operates regular bus services between Perth Airport, Perth City and other local centres. You can plan your journey on public transport using their Journey Planner. For up-to-date information about routes, rates and schedules, please contact Transperth.

Airport Shuttle
The Perth Airport Connect offers shuttle services between Perth Airport Terminals and car parks. myAirShuttle connects Fremantle with all domestic and international terminals. Departing from the Fremantle Town Hall with modern, air-conditioned vehicles.

Perth's public transport system, Transperth, brings our city’s greatest attractions within easy reach, while going easy on your wallet. Before you head out for the day, use the JourneyPlanner feature on the Transperth website or app. JourneyPlanner will provide you with useful details like what service you’ll need to take and how much it will cost. Download Transperth's Guide to Getting Around Perth for more information, and see some of Transperth's services below.

FREE CAT Buses

Within the Perth City CBD, you can enjoy free and easy transport. The modern CAT buses run on four routes providing free transport around Perth City and Leederville. In February 2022, new CAT service will link two of Perth's major hospitals (Perth Children's Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital) with the University of Western Australia. The CAT bus stops are easily recognisable and provide real time passenger information. Free CAT bus transport is also available in Fremantle and Joondalup. 

Transperth Metro Bus and Train Service

There are five train lines which service the Perth metropolitan area departing from Perth City to Armadale, Fremantle, Midland, Joondalup and Mandurah. Many train stations along these lines provide connecting bus services to access Perth's tourist destinations and attractions. Train and bus service details, as well as a comprehensive journey planner, can be obtained from Transperth or by calling 13 62 13. TransWA operate bus and rail services outside the Perth metropolitan area to region destinations.

Transperth Ferry

A Transperth ferry service crosses the Swan River from Elizabeth Quay in Perth City to Mends Street Jetty in South Perth - giving access to the South Perth foreshore, dining options and the Perth Zoo. 

Taxi and Rideshare

Designated taxi ranks are located around Perth City for safe and convenient travel. Supervised taxi ranks operate in Northbridge on Friday and Saturday nights. Taxis may also be hailed on the street or ordered by telephone anywhere in Perth. The main taxi service providers in Perth are Swan Taxis and Black & White Cabs. Ridsharing service, Uber also operates in Perth.

Walk and Cycle

Perth has a comprehensive network of cycle and dual-use paths in Perth City and beyond. One of the most popular routes for leisure cyclists and walkers is a circuit around the Swan River at the doorstep of the city, that is clearly signposted. Detailed cycle maps can be obtained from most metropolitan bicycle retailers. There is also pathway popular for recreation lining much of the coast. Hire a bike or see all some great walking trails and cycle trails around Perth.

Private Services, Ferries and Tours

Perth City and Fremantle offer guided hop-on/hop-off bus and tram services with commentary, allowing visitors to embark and disembark and major tourist attractions around the cities. A private ferry service connects Elizabeth Quay in the CDB, to Point Fraser and Claisebrook Cove in East Perth. High-speed ferries travel from Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD to Fremantle, Rottnest Island and the Swan Valley with Captain Cook Cruises, Rottnest Express and SeaLink. A high-speed ferry to Rottnest Island also departs Hillarys Boat Harbour with Rottnest Fast Ferries.

There are a number of tour companies that offer city sightseeing, one day, overnight or extended tours of Perth and its surrounding regions. Most companies depart from the Perth CBD and offer courtesy pick up from selected hotels in the city, Fremantle and along the coast.

Self-Drive

Vehicle hire is readily available from various companies including H2O Car Rentals Pty Ltd and 4xploring Rentals. While international licenses are not required, they are recommended. Visitors will find a huge range of national and international rental brands and special offers, so shop around for the best deal. Motor homes are a popular option when exploring the great outdoors, with plenty of caravan parks to be found across the region. Check out our Perth Self Drive Trails for some inspiration on your next road trip in Perth and WA.

Disabled Access

The City of Perth is considered a universally accessible city for all people, including those with disability. It has pedestrian friendly streets and public spaces that are designed according to universal design principles, and continuous accessible paths of travel link public transport, parking, retail, business and entertainment areas. The People With Disabilities WA website provides some information on accessible accommodation in Perth and country areas.

Travel Times and Distances

How long will it take me to get there? How far away is it? Find out the travelling times and distances before you hit the open road. The distances shown on the chart below use the main roads. In some areas, there are alternative routes using unsurfaced roads or four wheel drive tracks. Check with the local visitor centres for current road information, travel times and distances.

While travelling around Perth and Western Australia, keep a note of the following emergency contact numbers. For a comprehensive list of hospitals in Western Australia visit the Department of Health website.

Emergency Contact Numbers

• Fire / Police / Ambulance: 000
• Fire / Police / Ambulance from GSM mobile phone: 112
• Automobile Association of Australia: 13 11 11

Non-emergency Contact Numbers

• Police: 131 444
• Ambulance: +61 8 9334 1234 (non-emergency transport)
• Fire Services of WA: 1800 199 084 (general enquiries)
• State Emergency Services: 1300 130 039
• Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs: 13 18 81

Unfortunately, some travellers have their holiday cut short due to illness or accident. If you take prescribed medication make sure you will have enough for the duration of your visit and remember to also have a script renewal from your doctor. When travelling in remote areas always carry adequate supplies of water and a comprehensive first aid kit. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as encephalitis and Ross River fever so use an appropriate insect repellent and cover arms and legs with loose clothing particularly at dawn and dusk.

Personal Safety Tips

While Australia is considered to be a very safe country, obviously it is still wise to avoid dangerous situations. Information relevant to the risks that may be present in the area you are visiting is usually available from the local visitor information centre. Here are some safety tips to help you enjoy your visit:

• Avoid dark public spaces when alone
• Avoid hitchhiking and never hitchhike alone
• Always let someone know where you are and where you are going
• Take care when using automated teller machines (ATM's) and secure your cash quickly
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure while travelling
• Always use protection when having sexual intercourse
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Fire and Cyclone Safety

Western Australia's hot and dry conditions create a risk of bushfires. The cyclone season extends from 1 November to 30 April. When a cyclone approaches, you should listen to your radio for cyclone information. Safety information is available from Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA).

Sun Protection

Travellers should always wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors and drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least two litres each day. Be sure to wear sun protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and seek shade to protect your skin from skin cancer and other sun damage. Take extra care when outdoors between 10.00am and 3.00pm when UV radiation is most intense.

Beach Safety

• Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers
• Swim between the red and yellow flags, they mark the safest areas to swim
• Always swim under supervision, or with a friend
• Read and obey the signs
• If you are unsure of conditions, ask a lifesaver
• Don't swim directly after a meal
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don't run and dive in the water
• Conditions change regularly; check before you enter the water
• If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic - signal for help, float and wait for assistance
• Float with a rip current or undertow, do not swim against it

LGBTQIA+ Services

For a full list of the City of Perth's LGBTQIA+ services, click here. 

WA School and Public Holidays mostly commemorate landmark Australian historic events, or religious celebrations, with an average of ten public holidays per year. Should a State holiday fall on a weekend, the extra day's holiday is taken the first working day following.

• Click here to see the current and future Public Holidays in WA.
• Click here to see the current and future School Holiday dates in WA.

National park passes are required for entry to the national parks and marine parks of Western Australia. A range of passes are available to suit your holiday requirements.

Day Pass

This pass covers entry into one or more parks on any one day. Passes are available from rangers within the parks. In some parks, a system of self-registration applies. Fees: $10 per car (up to eight legally seated people), $5 per motorcycle, $4 per passenger on commercial tour vehicles and buses.

Holiday Park Pass

If you are on holiday and want to visit a number of national parks, this pass entitles you to as many visits to as many parks as you wish for any four-week period. Fees: $35 per vehicle (up to eight people)

Annual All Parks Pass

This pass entitles you to visit any park throughout Western Australia as many times as you wish for a period of 12 months. Fees: $75 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

Travelling with pets

Please note that dogs and cats cannot be taken into any of Western Australia's national parks, nature reserves and marine parks. Some caravan parks do not accept pets either. Be sure to contact caravan parks in advance to find pet-friendly accommodation. For further information regarding national park passes, call The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) on +61 8 9334 0333 or visit the Explore Parks WA website.

While Australia is a friendly and welcoming nation, visitors from some countries are required to secure visas, on or before arrival, to ensure smooth entry into the country. These visas are managed and monitored by Customs and Immigration officers' at all international entry ports. Customs officers are easily identifiable and can assist with a range of issues, including customs clearance of goods and luggage, quarantine and travel health concerns. For further information on how Customs can assist you, visit Department of Immigration.

Duty Free, Tax Concessions and Customs Clearance

Most international travellers appreciate the opportunity for duty-free shopping. And visitors to Western Australian will enjoy a range of duty-free shopping benefits for goods including perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, consumer goods and many other items. Age restrictions and limits do apply, so check before you finalise purchases. If you’re an overseas guest, pick up a brochure on the Tourist Refund Scheme – you could qualify for even more savings on your shopping through tax refunds.

Quarantine – Protecting our State

Western Australia's remoteness has provided the State with a natural barrier against many pests and diseases. To help keep Western Australia disease-free there are strict quarantine laws regarding importing and transporting plants and food stuffs. 

While they may seem harmless, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables, plants, flowers, honey, animals and introduced birds pose real threats to the Western Australian environment. Even used fruit and vegetable containers should be presented and scanned by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS) to ensure they are clean, and present no risk. The best rule to follow is, 'if in doubt, declare it'. State-based AQIS officers are friendly, welcoming and professionally trained and generally return more than 90 per cent of declared items to visitors. They want you to have a great holiday in Western Australia.Be warned, heavy penalties apply to those people not declaring items identified as a risk.

Australia has a decimal currency system. Notes are a high quality polymer-based synthetic and come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.Coin denominations are 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, as well as $1 and $2. Prices under 5 cents are rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cent - that is, 3 and 4 cent totals are rounded up to nearest 5 cent, while 1 and 2 cent totals are rounded down to nearest 5 cent denomination.

Banking

Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5.00pm on Fridays. Some suburban banks are open on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Automatic Teller Machines are plentiful and readily available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Banks provide a full range of financial services including currency exchange, all at nominal rates. Electronic fund transfer machines (EFTPOS) are commonly used at most retail outlets, as well as by taxis, restaurants and hotels, and can be used to access many types of bank accounts and credit cards.

Tipping and Currency Conversion

Tipping is generally not expected within Australia, however it is acceptable to leave a small amount should you feel you have received exceptional service. Find out how much your currency is worth at today's exchange rate.

There are three time zones in Australia:

Daylight Savings Time

Australian States except Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland have daylight saving. Also known as Summer time, Daylight Saving Time occurs when the time on local clocks is advanced forward by one hour at the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, and returned back by one hour at the end, during the summer months of December, January and February. The exact dates can be obtained from the relevant Australian State governments.

• Western Standard Time (AWST - GMT + 8:00) in Western Australia
• Central Standard Time (ACST - GMT + 9:30) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and
• Eastern Standard Time (AEST - GMT +10:00) which operates in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.

Most businesses operate Monday through Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. All shops are regarded as general retail shops unless they fall under any one of the other categories including: small retail shops, special retail shops, filling - service stations or motor vehicle shops. Extended shopping hours apply for the Christmas period. Find out more.