Perth is located in the southwest of Western Australia. The city center lies on the Swan River, with suburbs extending north along the river for several kilometers.
To the east are rolling hills covered by vineyards and orchards; to the west lie the Darling Scarp and Indian Ocean coastline.
It is home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including Kings Park, Fremantle Markets, The Swan River, Barrack Square, and many more.
But it also has an abundance of natural beauty, with parks like Mount Eliza Reserve, Leederville Beach, and Cockburn Sound providing stunning views across the water.
If you want something different, there are plenty of unique experiences in this vibrant city that will make your trip unforgettable.
From shopping at one of the world-class markets or exploring the history of Western civilization at the National Museum of Scotland to enjoying live music at one of the best bars in town, there is so much to see and do here.
So whether you want to explore the sights, relax by the beach or enjoy a night out on the tiles, we’ve got everything covered! How do you Visit Perth? Below are ideas on the Best Way to Visit Perth.
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Best Way to Visit Perth
Traveling to Perth does not have to be a challenge. With convenient flights from all over the globe and direct international bus services connecting major cities throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, traveling to Perth is easy.
Getting to Perth by Air
Perth is easily accessible by air. There are two international airports, namely, Kingsford Smith Airport and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital International Terminal.
The airport has flights from all over Australia as well as many other countries, including New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, United States of America, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, etc.
It also serves as a hub for Cathay Pacific Airlines, which operates direct services between Sydney and Perth. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes drive away from the central business district or CB.
Flights arrive in either Domestic or International Terminals. Domestic flights connect Perth to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Newcastle, and Darwin.
International flights link Perth to Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo.
Getting Around Perth
Perth is accessible by air, land, and sea. Perth has excellent public transportation systems. These include buses, trams, light rail, ferries, and taxis. The best option depends on your needs and budget.
Airport Shuttle
Perth Airport has recently launched a private air transport company called Peakhour Express who offers door-to-door transfers to hotels throughout Western Australia.
They run 24-hour buses to most locations in WA; however, if your hotel does not fall under this list, please contact them directly.
Bus Services
Buses are another popular form of transportation in Perth. Buses connect people to various destinations across the state. Most routes follow set timetables with fixed stops.
Some buses stop at designated points, while others will pick passengers off the street. Bus stops are marked, and most lines connect directly into the city’s underground railway station.
Buses frequently run throughout the day and night. Some popular routes include:
City Link – Runs east-west linking key locations like Westfield Carousel shopping mall, Crown Casino, Aquatic World Waterpark, Royal Showgrounds, and Leederville Station.
Mandurah Line – Serves Mandurah, Kwinana, Midvale, Rockingham, and Fremantle.
Peak Hour Express Provides an express route that connects with CityLink at Kings Park Station. It operates Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday 8 am to 1 pm.
Routemaster: Operates north-south linking the airport, Elizabeth Quay, Hay St Mall, Barrack Square, Treasury Gardens, Chinatown, Guildford, Victoria Parade, Highgate Hill, Mount Lawley, Coode St, Canning Bridge Road, Armadale Train Station, Joondalup Train Station, Murdoch University, Claremont Racecourse, Subiaco Oval, Belmont Raceway, Bentley Reserve, Curtin University, Swanbourne Campus, Nollamara Beach, Nedlands Town Centre, Edgewater Shopping Village, and many more.
Transperth Busway – Connecting the northern beaches and southern suburbs via a dedicated bus lane along William Street and Roe Highway.
Ferry Services
There are three main ferry ports located in the city’s heart; these are Rottnest Island, Cockburn Sound, and Fremantle Port. Ferries depart regularly for both Rottnest Island and Fremantle Port.
Walk and Cycle
Walking around Perth is easy due to its flat terrain. There are numerous walking trails through parks and reserves which provide great views of the surrounding areas.
Cycling is an excellent means of getting around the city. It’s environmentally friendly and fun! You don’t even need special equipment apart from good shoes and clothing protecting against wind and rain.
Bicycle lanes are available in most places, and cycling is encouraged by law. If you want to rent bikes try one of the many bike shops scattered around town. These allow cyclists to travel quickly without having to worry about traffic congestion.
Car Hire
Hiring a car allows visitors to explore further out than by foot or bicycle. However, driving in Perth requires some planning because parking spaces are limited and expensive. Parking garages usually charge up to $30/day. Driving permits must be obtained before leaving home.
Train
Trains are a fast and efficient method of traveling long distances. Trains frequently leave from 5:45 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday, and 7:15 am – 8:55 pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $4-$10, depending on how far you wish to go.
Taxis
Cabs can be hailed anywhere there are cars parked outside. Cabs are metered, and rates depend upon demand. Cab drivers use their meter, so you should always agree on a price before entering the cab. Fare ranges from $6-$12, depending on the destination.
Where to Stay
The most popular accommodation option in Perth is probably budget motels. There are hundreds dotted along the main arterial routes leading out of the city. You’ll find them everywhere from shopping centers to petrol stations.
For something slightly nicer, try boutique-style hostel rooms which can be found in some of the larger hotels.
Hotels range from small family-owned establishments to large international chains. Hotels often come with their restaurants, bars, and pools. They may even include laundry facilities and car hire services. Check online before booking,
Conclusion
Traveling to Perth is relatively simple, but you may find yourself lost sometimes. But once you get used to the city’s layout, you’ll enjoy exploring all the hidden gems Perth offers. The city itself is quite small and compact, making it easier for tourists to navigate. So whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, shopping, or just relaxation, Perth is sure to satisfy your needs.
