Perth, WA - My Student Guide

City Info

City of Perth, WA

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the fourth largest city in Australia. Founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829 and gained city status in 1856

Location

Perth is located in Western Australia, between the Indian Ocean and a low costal escarpment known as the Darling Range.

Perth, WA CBD

The CBD has plenty of cultural instutions such as the State Library, the Art gallery and the Western Australian Museum.

Seasons

Winter
Jun to Aug
8°C - 18°C

Spring
Sep to Nov
11°C - 23°C

Summer
Dec to Feb
17°C - 23°C

Autumn
Mar to May
10°C - 25°C

Time

Western Standard Time (GMT +8 hours) all year around

No Smoking

Smoking is not allowed at beaches, sporting stadium near childrens playgrounds, restaurants, bars,clubs and at the workplace. Smoking is prohibited in all Public transport including train platforms etc.

Post Office

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Some Open Saturday: 09:00 am – 12 noon

Population

2 mllion people

Money

Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Coins
5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest 5¢)

Education providers

CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 3 Public Universities, 1 Private University, 4 University English Centres

Electricity

240/250volts/50Hz

Weather

Mediterranean Climate

Shopping

Mon – Wed: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD): 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Banks

Mon – Thu: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some bank branches open Saturday morning: 9:30 am – 12 noon

Explore

EXPLORE FREMANTLE

Fremantle is a port city in Western Australia that’s part of the Perth metropolitan area. It’s known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture and remnants from Australia’s days as a British penal colony. Fremantle Prison, which housed convicts from the 1850s to 1991, now features re-created cellblocks. The Round House, a landmark 1831 building, also briefly functioned as a jail.

Local handicrafts draw shoppers to the Fremantle Markets, while the Fremantle Arts Centre hosts art shows and concerts. By the oceanfront, the strikingly modern Western Australia Maritime Museum showcases historic seafaring vessels, including an America’s Cup yacht. The nearby Shipwreck Galleries contain nautical relics dating to the 1600s. Victoria Quay and Fishing Boat Harbour are popular places to watch the goings-on of the port, as well as jumping-off points for whale-watching tours to Rottnest Island. The Cappuccino Strip is a bustling thoroughfare lined with pubs and cafes.

Main attractions include:

Fremantle Arts Centre

Round House

Army Museum of Western Australia

Fremantle Prison

Two Feet & a Heartbeat

Bathers Beach

Weekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.

(Courtesy of Wikipedia & Google)

EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE IN FREMANTLE

www.visitfremantle.com.au

www.kidsafensw.org/

www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Transport

Perth Airport

http://www.perthairport.com.au
http://www.perthairport.com.au/to-and-from-the-airport
C 15 Kms approx. to CBD
30 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)

Getting around

It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Perth and nearby Freemantle including the bus, train, ferry and taxi. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is get a Smartrider Card which you can use on trains and buses see www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/ticket-types. You can also purchase a ticket when boarding the bus or a train ticket from railway station. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.

Useful tips

Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. Do check with the service provider is you are entitled for a discount and apply accordingly. If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
Always make sure that you have your Smartrider Card topped up.

Forms of transport

For the bus, train and ferry the fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Metropolitan fares apply to all areas within Perth, and are defined within Zones. Always keep a bus/train/ferry time table in your wallet see www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Timetables. Or go to www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Journey-Planner/Mobile-Services/Official-Transperth-App to download the app. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.

WALKING

is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.

RIDE A BIKE

To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.

BUSES

Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! Always touch on at the beginning of the trip and then off at the end of trip before you leave the bus.

TRAINS & FERRY

Each line has a distinctive colour in the map and on the screens at the station to help you find your way easily.

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE

Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with The Department of Transport at
http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/licensing/LBU_DL_B_DriveSafePart1.pdf

DRIVING

We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. Check the road rules in this link http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/rules-of-the-road.asp. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.

TAXIS

A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.

Hospitals

IMPORTANT NOTE:

International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.

Seeking Medical Assistance

Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.