Working in Perth Australia
Perth and Western Australia
Perth in Western Australia lays claim to the title of Most Isolated Capital City in the World. This unique claim to fame leads to a culture and attitude that is very distinctly West Australian.
Perth itself is nestled on the banks of the Swan River and is about 10 km upriver from the Indian Ocean and the port city of Fremantle. Just to the west of the city lie the beachside communities of Cottesloe, City Beach and Scarborough featuring some of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
Perth is about three hours driving from the Margaret River wine region and home to one of Australia’s great surf breaks. Further south are Denmark and the great Karri forests as well as Albany, an original whaling community. Much further to the north lie such treasures as Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth and the pearling capital of Australia, the frontier town of Broome.
In this minerals-rich state, the Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie is worth the trek inland and for many, a visit to WA is not complete without a trip across to Rottnest Island. Perth is an up-and-coming place and Western Australia is like no other place on Earth.
- Airport
- Railway station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Perth Airport
Perth Airport is located about 10kms from the city centre and features separate Domestic and International terminals. You can get from one terminal to the other via an airport shuttle. Perth is a fast growing city and the airport is in the process of catching up. The Domestic Terminal is in the final stages of a much-needed makeover and works are underway to extend the capacity of the International Terminal as well. Airport amenities are good but not over the top and transport to the city is easily accessed and well organised.
There are three main options for getting into the city from the airport; taxi, airport shuttle services and Transperth buses. If you are not in any great hurry, the buses are not a bad option but remember that they are commuter buses and don’t follow a direct route from airport to city. There are a number of shuttle services that will take you from the airport to any number of accommodation options throughout the city and beyond. Shuttles can be booked once you’re at Perth Airport.
A taxi offers the quickest and most efficient way of getting into the city, but taxis are expensive and a trip from airport to city will run between $20 and $30 AUD.
Railway station
The Indian Pacific railway runs across the southern part of Australia from Peth to Sydney. You can board the train at the East Perth terminal head over the hills to Northam, through the goldfields and across the Nullarbor Plain to South Australia and then on to Sydney. There is also a rail service between Perth and Bunbury in the State’s southwest.
In Perth itself, there are five Transperth railway lines that extend from the city out into various suburban communities. The trip from Perth to Fremantle takes about 30 minutes while the journey to Mandurah is in the 45 – 60 minute range. Both Fremantle and Mandurah are popular tourist destination so having easy rail access is very handy indeed.
Transportation
Tranperth provides linked train, bus and ferry service and getting around Perth is quite easy as a result. You can catch free CAT buses around the city and through Fremantle although both are great places for walking as well.
Unlike cities such as Brisbane and Sydney, the ferry service in Perth is limited to short trips between Perth and South Perth – located on the south bank of the Swan River although one can book a cruise down the river from Perth to Fremantle (on a private provider).
There are plenty of taxis in Perth and they are also a good way to get around.
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Be aware that taxis are very hard to come by on weekend nights and buses and trains stop running by 12:30 or 1:00am. If you are having a big night out, you’ll need to plan your transport accordingly.
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If you are going to be in Perth for a few days and plan to use public transport, make sure to buy a Transperth card as you will save significantly on cost of each trip and it makes catching trains and buses much easier.
Cost of Living
In comparison to other parts of the world, the cost of living in Australia is generally higher especially in Perth, which is quickly becoming one of the most expensive cities in the world. The Australian dollar is relatively strong against other currencies, the Australian economy is also strong and the cost of moving goods into and around Australia is significant. All of these factors combine and put pressure on local costs, but smart travellers can still find plenty of budget-friendly options
According to the online database, Numbeo (www.numbeo.com) prices for typical items in Perth are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | 20.00 A$ |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | 100.00 A$ |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | 9.00 A$ |
| Coke (330mL) | 3.00 A$ |
| Milk (1 litre) | 1.74 A$ |
| Loaf of bread | 3.00 A$ |
| Eggs | 4.00 A$ |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | 4.00 A$ |
| Monthly pass | 140.00 A$ |
| Petrol (1 litre) | 1.50 A$ |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | 2,000.00 A$ |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | 3,500.00 A$ |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | 35.00 A$ |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | 550.00 A$ |
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Moneyconverter.com is an excellent resource for converting any local currency to that of your home country. This is a great tool for budgeting and stretching your “hard-earned” cash.
Accommodation
Perth offers a range of accommodation options. The particular type of accommodation that you choose is really a matter of personal preference and budget. Once you have decided what kind of accommodation you are seeking, then it is simply a matter of finding something that suits.
You will have to make some decisions about whether you are seeking short or longer-term options. For short-term accommodation, backpacker hostels and the less expensive hotels are always an excellent option.
Across some different price brackets, options in Perth include:
Budget
Banjos Backpackers
The Emperor’s Crown Backpackers
Ocean Beach Backpackers
Mid-range
Perth Ambassador Hotel
City Stay Apartments
Comfort Hotel Perth City
High-end
Duxton Hotel Perth
Hyatt Regency Perth
Crown Metropol Perth
Shopping
Perth offers some excellent shopping experiences. From the mainstream shops found in the Hay Street and Murray Street malls to the high-end boutiques on King Street, there is something for everyone. If you’re after a bargain, then head off to the outlet shops Harbour Town – just on the outskirts of the city – about 10 minutes walk from the city centre.
Like with most Australian cities, don’t forget to be on the lookout for that unique little treasure that lies just off the beaten track; in a laneway or tucked in an unexpected nook – Perth is full of nooks and crannies.
You can head further from the city and find great shopping in places like Subiaco and Claremont. The Fremantle Markets are open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and offer a treasure trove of local arts, crafts and food stuffs – as well as boasting an outstanding fruit and veg market.
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For cheap, high quality fruit and veg hit the Fremantle market on Sunday afternoon. Everything must go before the market closes and you can get some amazing deals.
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Time your shopping to coincide with either the post-Christmas sales or the end of financial year sales in June. Many Australian retailers offer significant discounts at these two times of year.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police, Fire and Ambulance 000
Insurance and Healthcare
A number of countries have signed reciprocal health care agreements with Australia. Check out www.humanservices.gov.au to find out if your home country is one. Regardless of whether you qualify or not, you should still consider taking out some form of additional cover – especially if you are on a working holiday and intend to be in Australia for 12 – 24 months.
Taking out private health cover while in Australia is well worth the investment. Any visitor to Australia can take out Overseas Visitors Health Cover. This type of cover will essentially bring you up to par with the basic coverage that all Australian residents have as part of their Medicare entitlements. Overseas health cover should ensure that you are covered for hospital admissions as well as a portion of any doctor’s fees.
Many Australian doctors will offer a bulk billing service meaning that they only pass on to the patient the costs that are not reimbursed to them by the Australian Government. If you can find a doctor that “bulk bills” you will achieve excellent savings in regards to your basic medical costs.
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Some insurance policies will have waiting periods and exclusions. Make sure you fully understand the limitations of your cover before signing up.
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As with any travel experience, before heading off to Australia for holiday or work, you should confirm the specific health-care services that will be available to you and also consider taking out your own, personal travel insurance.