A Guide to Living in Perth

Perth is the perfect choice if you’re looking to study internationally but prefer an outdoor lifestyle.

Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital, with stunning, sandy beaches and a huge number of city parks, it’s an excellent destination for those who love the outdoors.

Perth is one of the world’s most liveable cities, for many good reasons. The city offers world-class education, a relaxed lifestyle and sunny climate. Add to it a vibrant economy and plenty of outdoor activities and you’ve found yourself a great place to live and study.

Things to do

Chill out in Kings Park

Kings Park is Australia’s largest inner-city garden. The massive, 400-hectare park is right at the centre of Perth, but once you’re in it, you’d never know. It’s an oasis filled with plenty of hidden gems as well as some well-known attractions, such as the Lotterywest Federation Walkway above the trees, the DNA Tower climb and the State War Memorial.

Get into wine

Swan Valley is Western Australia’s most popular region for wine and fresh produce and it's only a 25-minute drive from Perth. Go on a wine tour and visit some of the area’s best wineries whilst enjoying some stunning views.

Cycle around Rottnest Island

If Australia’s unique wildlife, beautiful beaches and mesmerizing views is what you’re interested in, make sure you check out Rottnest Island. Hop on the ferry from Fremantle, hire a bike and spend the day exploring the local wildlife or go for a swim.

Average weekly costs

• Rent: $200-435
• Food: $100-150
• Electricity/gas: $10-40
• Transport: $20-50
• Internet/phone: $20-40
• Other: $50+
• Total: $400-765

Transport

Trains

Perth has six train lines heading out from the city: four from the Perth train station, and two from Perth Underground, which is connected to the main station.

Buses

For shorter trips around the Perth metro area, buses are your best choice. Services  generally leave every 15 minutes, but make sure you check your timetable carefully – they’re less frequent outside of business hours, and the wait can blow out to up to two hours on Sundays.

Perth also has an excellent network of free CAT buses, which run in loops around the city, East Perth, West Perth and Leederville. The buses go every 8 minutes between 7am and 7:30pm, and every 15 minutes for an hour or two either side of that period.

Ferries

There’s a round trip across the river every half an hour on weekdays (less frequently on weekends) from the Barrack Street jetty on the city side to the Mends Street jetty in South Perth. If you’ve got some time to spare, give the bus a miss and enjoy the view from the river.

Taxis

There are a few taxi ranks located around Perth where you can line up to get a taxi. Otherwise you can always try hailing one from the side of the road.

Uber

Uber is becoming more popular in Perth and increased regulation are being considered. This may result in higher costs but Uber will remain competitive with taxis.

Perth’s suburbs

City Centre

Perth’s city centre has gone through a huge transformation over the last couple of years. You can feel the change with new restaurants, cafes and bars popping up almost daily. In addition to that, the city centre is also home to some of Perth’s most important monuments, giving you a better understanding of the city’s rich history.

South Perth and Bentley

South Perth offers beautiful city views from its foreshore and is the perfect spot to relax, far away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The area features massive stretches of parkland with plenty of running and walking tracks. Go for a wander along the water’s edge and stop for a barbeque or picnic at any time of the year.

Northbridge, Leederville and Mt Lawley

These areas are an exciting mix of hipster bars, cool nightclubs, international food stores and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops. Northbridge becomes even more alive during January and February when it hosts the Fringe World, the third largest Fringe festival in the world.

Crawley, Claremont and Subiaco

Coffee, shopping and drinks—you can find it all in the Western Suburbs. Step inside Perth’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and experience highend shopping on a student’s budget. There are parklands and playgrounds to be found throughout Claremont. Grab your sunglasses, pack a picnic, and relax at local favourites Claremont Park, or Mrs Herbert Park on the river. A couple of suburbs over is Subiaco, which is one of Perth’s nightlife hubs.

Perth’s Top 5s

Galleries

• Aboriginal Art Gallery
• Art Gallery of Western Australia
• Kidogo Gallery
• Linton and Kay Gallery
• Glen Cowans Gallery

 

Bakeries

• Small Print Bakery
• The Pearl of Highgate
• Wild Bakery
• Exquise Patisserie
• Chu Bakery

 

Markets

• Fremantle Markets
• Perth Makers Markets
• E Shed Markets
• Perth Upmarkets
• Wanneroo Markets

 

Music venues

• Ellington Jazz Club
• Rosemount Hotel
• Norfolk Hotel
• Fly By Night Musicians Club
• Jack Rabbit Slims

 

Museums

• WA Maritime Museum
• Nostalgia Box
• WA Museum
• Perth Mint
• WA Shipwrecks Museum