The 6 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Perth
You should do your research before traveling to any new destination. Discover the key facts about Perth that you’ll want to keep in mind.
If you decide to travel to Australia, you might have problems picking out your ideal destination. There are so many beautiful cities that it’s tough to single out one. More often than not, tourists choose the classics – Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne.
But what about Perth?
If you’re seriously looking at Perth, you’re on to something. It’s a beautiful city that has a lot to offer – whether you’re into beaches, nature, or social life.
So, what should you know about visiting and even living in Perth for a while?
1. Perth Climate Can Be Unpredictable
Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city. It works very well for those looking to laze around on beautiful beaches and sip cold drinks during those hot summer days. But there’s more to it.
Perth is also the 3rd windiest city in Australia.
All year round, Perth averages 8 hours of sun per day. At the same time, you might also encounter strong winds in the city. This is especially true in the afternoon, which is when the sea breeze often starts up in the summer.
The locals have nicknamed this phenomenon the Fremantle Doctor, and they’re obviously well-accustomed to it. But if you’re not, keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
2. It’s Very Spread Out (But Well-Connected)
Perth is near the top of the list in car ownership rates, and for a good reason. The metro area spans 130km north to south. A day in Perth as a tourist might not be very comfortable if you’re unfamiliar with the public transportation system.
Known as Transperth, Perth’s public transport includes buses, trains, and ferries. It’s highly integrated, easy to use, and reliable. If you’re not going to drive, you should make sure that your apartment has a bus or train station nearby.
Pro tip: Buy a SmartRider card. It’s a reusable and rechargeable travel card’s very handy for public transport transfers.
3. It’s Very Laid Back During the Weekdays
If you’re looking to unleash your party animal and party non-stop, Perth might not be the best destination around. But it’s another story if you’re simply looking to unwind, stroll the beautiful streets, and just overall enjoy yourself.
During the weekdays, the locals like to keep things quiet and simple. They have meals with their families, spend time at home, and have some relaxed fun overall. Although there are numerous Perth city activities that you can take part in, most only come alive on the weekend.
Of course, this refers to the nightlife. There are plenty of other things that you can do in Perth for the weekdays.
4. It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers
In relation to the above, Perth is unsurprisingly a great choice for those looking to bask in nature. The city has hundreds of native plants and animals. If you’re into flora and fauna, for example, Perth will not disappoint.
Adjacent to the city center, you can enjoy the beautiful Kings Park that spans over 990 acres. It’s where more than 3,000 species of wonderful flora take root.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is where the many play areas and dedicated children’s nature park come into focus. There are also free tours that you can take, such as Heritage Tours where you can learn more about Perth history.
As for the animals, there’s always the Perth Zoo. It’s only five minutes away from the city center and houses more than 1,300 animals and 170 species.
5. People Are Very Friendly
Generally speaking, Australians are highly friendly people. The examples are everywhere. In Australia, you’re greeted with courtesy and friendliness wherever you go.
One tourist shared her recent experience in Perth that really illustrates the people’s friendliness. She took an outdoor kickboxing class and she was very surprised by how encouraging random people were.
“Although I was not a regular and they did not know me, every time we were running laps between intervals, the Aussies were shouting “good on you” and other words of encouragement,” she said.
If you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel welcome, Perth will work out great.
6. You May Want to Save Up a Bit
As the most isolated capital city, there are advantages and disadvantages to living or vacationing in Perth. But if you’re doing the latter, know that things can cost slightly more than some of the more mainstream destinations like Sydney or Melbourne.
This is largely due to the area’s mining boom, which inflated the standard of living. So even though the locals are familiar with the prices, this may come as a surprise to tourists.
Now, this doesn’t mean that your trip is going to break the bank. There are still many things that you can do on a budget. But if you want to experience Perth to the fullest, you may want to allocate more money than what you’ve already budgeted.
Visit the Gem of Western Australia
Hopefully, these facts about Perth can help you create a more detailed picture of what to expect. There’s little doubt that Perth is an amazing destination, especially for those looking for a relaxed trip.
Remember to familiarize yourself with the public transport and find a well-connected accommodation. It’s no fun to have to walk for miles to get to a bus stop. Other than that, there aren’t many rules that you must follow. Put some extra money aside just in case and explore everything that this beautiful capital city has to offer.
