 The beautiful city of Perth overlooks the vast and tranquil water of
the Swan River which flows down from the Darling Ranges. Perth is a modern city and
contacts with the historic port city of Fremantle which is located some 20 minutes drive
to the west.
Perth has been described in many ways by famous people. It was called the CITY OF LIGHTS by astronaut John Glenn and the MOST ISOLATED CITY IN THE
WORLD by the victorious
America's Cup skipper Dennis Connor. It also carries the name of the
FRIENDLY CITY by the many tourists from all around
the world who have already experienced the joys of unspoilt, result Perth.
The outdoors plays a big part in the Perth lifestyle - perhaps a day on the Swan River, a
picnic in the Darling Ranges, a visit to a vineyard or just a stroll around Perth
orFremantle.
A variety of city and suburban
shops will satisfy even the most avid tourist's desire to spend. Traditional Australian
gifs and garments, Aboriginal artefacts, colourful opals or Kalgoorlie gold, succulent
local seafood and tender red meats... as well as fresh vegetables and plentiful fruit. All
of these and much more will help all tourist to relax and enjoy themselves.
Currency and Money
Changing
Australian currency is decimal, with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equal one
dollar). Notes come in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5, while coins are $2,
$1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Because 1c and 2c pieces are now out of
circulation, shops round their bills up or down to the nearest 5c when charging for goods.
Currency exchange facilities are available at the Perth International Airport. City banks
will exchange currencies and are open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and to 5pm on
Friday. International class hotels will arrange exchange of major currencies for guests.
We can also recommend Nationwide Bureau de Change (open every day) located on 639 Hay
Street Mall for competitive exchange rates and no commission fees charged.
Perth's
average temperatures - (Centigrade) |
Summer : |
Max
|
Min
|
|
Winter :
|
Max
|
Min
|
December |
28 |
16 |
|
June |
19 |
10 |
January |
30 |
18 |
|
July |
18 |
9 |
February |
30 |
17 |
|
August |
18 |
9 |
Autumn : |
|
|
|
Spring :
|
|
|
March |
28 |
17 |
|
September
|
20 |
10 |
April |
25 |
14 |
|
October |
22 |
12 |
May |
20 |
12 |
|
November |
25 |
14 |
Electric Power
Domestic electricity supply throughout Australia is 230-250 volts. Standard three pin
plugs are fitted to domestic appliances. 110 volt appliances such as hairdryers and
contact lens sterilisers cannot be used without a transformer.
City Transport
Perth's public transport brings most place of interest within easy reach. Apart from the
regular sightseeing coach tours and taxis, visitors can make good use of the extensive
public transport system.
The Perth CBD and Suburban areas are well connected by Tranperth buses. Fremantle is
easily accessible by either bus, train or ferry.
Trains
The Transperth train system provides a quick and easy way to get around. You can travel
from Perth to Fremantle (or the other way) in around 30 minutes, stopping all stops. There
are so express services at peak hours. All service originate from Perth station starting
at 5.28am and finishing at 11.28pm. Suburan lines operate to Joondalup (Currambine line),
Midland, Armadale and Fremantle, and stations en route. Note that service are reduce on
the weekends and public holidays. Visit the Transperth Info Center at the Wellington
Street.
Ferries
Transperth Ferries operate daily (6.45am to 7.15pm) between Barrack Street Jetty, Perth
and Mends Street Jetty, South Perth (the Perth Zoo is a short stroll from Mends Street).
On Friday and Saturday night, ferries operate until 9.15pm. There are several private
ferry operators which offer a range of wervices. These include trips to Rottnest Island
from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, Northport at Rous Heads in North Fremantle, the East
Street Jetty in East Fremantle or the Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Buses
Free city "CAT" (Central Area Transport) buses circle the city running every 10
minutes, Monday to Friday 7.00am-6.00pm, and Saturday 8.30 to 1.00am. Sunday 10am-5pm from
marked stops.
Taxis
Taxis operate all hours and you can tell they are vacant by an illuminated sign on the
roof. All cabs have meters which display the fare. There are taxi ranks throughout Pert's
CBD, or they can be ordered by phone.
Motoring
Before driving in Western Australia, please be aware of these tips for safe driving.
 Drive on the left hand side of the road.
This applies to all states of Australia.
The speed limit in Perth, Fremantle and
surrounding areas is generally 60 kilometers per hour.
The maximum speed limit anywhere in the
state is 110/km/hr. Drivers must give way to traffic on the right except at T-junctions,
intersections with traffic lights, stop or give-way signs.
Your Rights at Law
All citizens, whether resident of visiting, have clearly defined rights under Australian
law.
Althrough you may be arrested with or without a warrant, in the event of arrest you are
entitled to the following :
Request that the police officer identify
himself.
Communicate or attempt to communicate
with a friend, relative or legal practitioner if you are detained in custody.
Be cautioned prior to being formally
questioned as an offerder
Be fully informed of all charges
preferred
Have your safety and welfare needs met
where detained, including the right to necessary medical attention.
Have your safety and welfare needs met
where detained, including the right to necessary medical attention.
Only be detained as long as is lawfully
necessary. |
