Getting Here and Around
The main gateway to Western Australia is Perth's busy airport. It has three separate terminals—the original domestic terminal (about 11 km [7 miles] from Perth's central business district), and a secondary domestic terminal near the international hub (about 16 km [10 miles] away). A free shuttle bus connects the terminals 24 hours a day.
Taxis are at the airport around the clock. Trips to the city cost about A$40 and take around a half hour. Perth Airport Connect (08/9277–4666) operates frequent coach services from the terminals to Perth city hotels, and the East Perth train station (no need to book ahead). The cost to downtown Perth is A$15 from the domestic terminal; you must transfer there from the international terminal to take it.
Fewer people arrive by road or rail from the east. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain from the eastern states is one of the great rail journeys of the world. Great Southern Railways' Indian Pacific makes runs from Sydney and Adelaide, arriving at the East Perth Terminal. Greyhound Australia has long-distance coaches to Perth from eastern states capitals.
Driving in Perth is relatively easy; just remember to stay on the left-hand side of the road, give way to traffic on your right, and avoid peak periods. All major car-rental companies have branches at the international and domestic airport terminals, while motor home and caravan hubs lie near airports.
Perth and its environs are well connected by Transperth buses. The main terminals are at the Esplanade Bus Port on Mounts Bay Road and the Roe Street Bus Station. Buses run daily 6 am–11:30 pm, with reduced service on weekends and holidays. Rides within the city center are free. CAT (Central Area Transit) buses circle the city center, running frequently on weekdays 7–6 and Saturday 9–5. Routes and timetables are available from Transperth (13–6213 www.transperth.wa.gov.au).
Transperth tickets are valid for two hours and can be used on Transperth trains and ferries. The ferries make daily runs from 6:50 am to 7:15 pm between Barrack Street Jetty in Perth to Mends Street, across the Swan River in South Perth. Reduced services run on weekends and holidays.
Transperth trains also provide a quick way to get around the city. Most attractions are accessed via the Fremantle line, which traces the coast via Perth’s most affluent suburbs. Other lines run east to Midland, north to Butler, southeast to Armadale/Thornlie, and south to Mandurah. Central-city trains depart from Wellington Street and Perth Underground at the corner of William and Murray streets. Tickets must be purchased at vending machines before boarding.
South West Coachlines. Daily services depart Perth Central Bus Station at the Esplanade Bus Port on Mounts Bay Road—as well as from Perth domestic and international airports—to South West towns, including Dunsborough, Busselton, Manjimup, and as far as Augusta. Services may vary according to season. Western Australia. 08/9261–7600; www.southwestcoachlines.com.au.
Taxi Information
Black & White. 13–1222; blackandwhitecabs.com.au/perth.
Swan Taxis. 13–1330; www.swantaxis.com.au.
