Perth is one of the world’s most isolated major cities, but its infrastructure is modern and well-organized. This travel tips and FAQ guide covers practical information for visiting Perth: airport terminals and transfers, public transport costs and smartcards, visa requirements, tipping customs, safety, drinking water, and suggested hotels for your stay. Armed with these details, you’ll navigate Perth efficiently from the moment you land. For more detailed information, see our guides to Perth weather by month, things to do in Perth, and where to stay in Perth.
Perth Travel Tips: Getting There and Arriving
Perth Airport (PER)
Perth Airport (PER) is 15km east of the CBD and has 4 terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) handles all international flights plus domestic Virgin Australia services. Terminal 2 (T2) serves regional flights for Alliance Airlines and Rex. Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 4 (T4) are adjacent and handle Qantas domestic and Jetstar flights. A free terminal transfer bus runs every 20 minutes between T1/T2 and T3/T4, taking 15 minutes. Major airlines: Qantas operates from T3/T4, Virgin Australia from T1, Jetstar from T3/T4, and international carriers (Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand) from T1. Perth is a 5-hour flight from Singapore, 4 hours from Bali, 11 hours from Dubai, and 4 hours from Sydney.
Airport to CBD Transfers
The Airport Line train, opened in October 2022, runs from Airport Central Station (near T1/T2) to Perth Station in 18 minutes for AUD 5.20. Trains run every 12 to 15 minutes from 5am to midnight. From T3/T4, take the free terminal transfer bus to Airport Central Station. Taxi fare to the CBD is AUD 45 to 55 for a 20 to 30 minute trip. Uber and Ola are available from designated pickup zones at each terminal (AUD 35 to 45). The Airport Connect shuttle bus costs AUD 15 per person and stops at major CBD hotels, running every 30 to 60 minutes. Car rental desks are in all terminals; major agencies include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget.
Perth Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
Transperth operates Perth’s integrated bus, train, and ferry network. A SmartRider card costs AUD 10 (includes AUD 5 credit) and is available from Transperth InfoCentres at Perth Station and Perth Busport, or most newsagents. You tap on and off for each journey. Fares are distance-based: a 2-zone trip within the CBD and inner suburbs costs AUD 2.40 with SmartRider, while a 4-zone trip to Fremantle costs AUD 4.80. The daily fare cap is AUD 9.60 with SmartRider. Children under 5 travel free. The free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus network has 5 routes (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple) covering the CBD, Northbridge, East Perth, and West Perth from 6am to 7pm weekdays, with some services extending to 9pm on Fridays.
Uber, Ola, and DiDi rideshare services operate throughout Perth, with fares of AUD 8 to 15 for trips within the CBD. Taxis are available at ranks outside major hotels and the Perth Station forecourt. Car rental costs AUD 60 to 80 per day including basic insurance. Parking in the CBD costs AUD 4 to 8 per hour or AUD 25 to 45 per day in commercial lots. Street parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays in most areas.
Perth Travel Tips: Visa, Tipping, and Money
Australian visa requirements: most visitors need either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601, free through the Australian ETA app but AUD 20 via third-party sites) or an eVisitor visa (subclass 651, free for EU and several European countries). The ETA is valid for 12 months with stays up to 3 months per visit. Apply through the official Australian ETA smartphone app (iOS and Android), not through third-party websites that charge fees. Approval is usually instant. The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Tipping is not expected in Australia: hospitality staff earn award wages starting at AUD 22 per hour. You can round up a restaurant bill by AUD 5 to 10 for exceptional service (about 10%), but it’s genuinely optional. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, including market stalls, food trucks, and small cafes. Contactless payment (PayPass/PayWave) is near-universal. ATMs are plentiful in the CBD and Fremantle but may charge AUD 2 to 3 per withdrawal for non-network cards. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Perth and Western Australia.
Perth Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Perth is a safe city with low violent crime rates. The CBD, Northbridge, and Fremantle are well-lit and patrolled. Northbridge on Friday and Saturday nights can be rowdy around the James Street and Lake Street bar strip after midnight, but daytime and evening are fine. Avoid walking alone through isolated areas of Kings Park after dark. Sun protection is essential year-round: Perth has some of the highest UV levels in the world, reaching UV index 12+ in summer. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses every day between 10am and 3pm. Dehydration and sunstroke are real risks in summer: carry at least 1 litre of water per person during outdoor activities between November and March.
Snakes are present in Kings Park and the Perth Hills bushland in warmer months (October to April), but they avoid humans and bites are extremely rare. Stay on marked paths and don’t walk through long grass. Shark sightings occur at Perth beaches between September and April; the SharkSmart WA website and app provide real-time alerts. Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches where lifesavers are on duty. The Surf Life Saving WA helicopter patrols beaches on weekends and public holidays from October to April.
Perth Travel Tips: Weather and Packing
Summer (December to February): pack lightweight cotton and linen clothing, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. A light jacket is useful for air-conditioned restaurants and the cool evening sea breeze after sunset. Winter (June to August): pack jeans, long-sleeve shirts, a waterproof jacket, and a warm layer for evenings when temperatures drop to 8degC (46degF). Spring and autumn: layers are key, as daytime can reach 26degC but evenings cool quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round for exploring the CBD, Kings Park, and Fremantle.
Perth Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the tap water in Perth? Yes, tap water is safe and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. It has a slight chlorine taste in some areas, but bottled water is unnecessary.
Is Perth expensive compared to Sydney and Melbourne? Perth accommodation averages AUD 250 per night for a 4-star hotel, comparable to Sydney but cheaper for luxury properties. Restaurant meals average AUD 25 to 35 for a main course, AUD 10 to 12 for a pint of beer. Public transport is cheaper than Sydney’s Opal system for equivalent distances.
Do I need a car in Perth? Not if you stay in the CBD, Northbridge, or Fremantle. The train and CAT bus network covers most tourist destinations. You only need a car for day trips to the Swan Valley, Perth Hills, or exploring beyond the metropolitan area. Car rental is AUD 60 to 80 per day.
What’s the best way to get to Rottnest Island? Rottnest Express and SeaLink Rottnest Island ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD (90 minutes, AUD 99 return) and Fremantle B Shed (25 minutes, AUD 79 return). Book online 1 to 2 days in advance, especially in summer when ferries sell out.
Is there a beach dress code in Perth? Swimwear is for the beach and pool only. Cover up with shorts and a t-shirt when walking from the beach to cafes, shops, or public transport. Topless sunbathing is uncommon and may draw attention at family-oriented beaches.
Can I use my mobile phone in Australia? Yes, if your phone is unlocked. Prepaid SIM cards from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are available at the airport and city stores. A 28-day prepaid plan with 30 to 40GB data costs AUD 25 to 35. Telstra has the best coverage for regional WA if you’re planning road trips beyond Perth.
Suggested Hotels in Perth
COMO The Treasury
Perth’s premier luxury hotel set in restored 19th-century state buildings on Cathedral Avenue. 48 rooms with 4-metre ceilings, rooftop dining at Wildflower, and a 20-metre indoor pool. Best for luxury travelers and special occasions. Check rates and availability
QT Perth
Design-focused 4-star hotel on Murray Street with bold interiors, a rooftop bar, and Italian restaurant. Central CBD location, 184 rooms with local art. Best for couples and design-conscious travelers. Check rates and availability
Ibis Perth
Clean, compact budget hotel on Murray Street in the CBD, a 5-minute walk from the Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge. Best for budget travelers and solo visitors who just need a comfortable place to sleep. Check rates and availability
