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Getting around Perth

Public transport

Perth's integrated, efficient metropolitan public transport, Transperth (tel: 136 213, in Australia only; www.transperth.wa.gov.au), combines bus, train and ferry services.

It uses a zone system for fares and allows passengers to transfer between bus, train and ferry services on a single ticket. Ticket-holders have two hours to complete a journey of one to four zones, and three hours for a journey of five zones or more.

Tourists, however, will get the most of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses that operate along three different routes around central Perth, as they pass many of the major sights.

If travelling outside of the CAT routes, you should consider buying the cost-effective SmartRider card, which allows you to tag card readers on entering and leaving buses, and train stations. The SmartRider, which works on buses, trains and ferries, and costs A$10, is available at stations, InfoCentres and newsagents and must be topped up with credit before use.

The integrated transport network runs from Two Points in the north to Mandurah in the south, and from Fremantle in the West to Wundowie in the east. Ferries operate between the City’s Barrack Street jetty across the Swan River to Mends Street jetty in South Perth.

Taxis

Taxis can be booked by telephone, found at taxi ranks around the city or hailed on the street if the rooftop light is illuminated.

Reliable operators include Black & White Cabs (tel: +61 08 9230 0440) and Swan Taxis (tel: +61 13 13 30). Tipping is generally not required; correct change is always appreciated.

Driving

Traffic moves relatively quickly in central Perth, and thanks to well-planned major highways and grid-like road systems, driving here is a breeze. Be wary in very wet conditions though. Parking stations (marked by the standard blue P symbol) are scattered across the city.

Car hire

Most major car hire companies have offices in Perth, including Avis (tel: +61 8 9237 0022; www.avis.com.au) and Hertz (tel: +61 8 9321 7777; www.hertz.com.au).
The minimum age for hiring a car is usually 21 years, though individual firms may rent cars to drivers as young as 19. Insurance is often not included in the price of hire. Drivers visiting from other countries must carry their overseas licence at all times. If the licence is not written in English, they must also carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit while driving.

Bicycle hire

An ideal cycling city, Perth is relatively flat and has many planned cycle routes that are fun to navigate. Bicycle helmets are compulsory.

Good providers include About Bike Hire (tel: +61 8 9221 2665; www.aboutbikehire.com.au), at Point Fraser Reserve on Riverside Drive, and Gecko Bike Hire (tel: +61 8 9227 1400; www.geckobikehire.com.au) at 85 Sterling Street.

Public bike-sharing schemes have recently grown in popularity in Perth. Urbi (urbi.bike) first implemented stations in 2016. Avid cyclists can also use the app Spotcycle (www.spotcycle.net) to find bikeshare stations from numerous companies in their area.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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The Great Southern Hotel

This hotel is located in Northbridge, the main cultural and entertainment neighbourhood in Perth, and a short walk from the city centre. The mid-size, affordable hotel features 94 rooms, a no frills restaurant and late-night bar.

Royal Hotel

Located right in central Perth this quirky hotel offers comfortable accommodation with a reasonable price tag. Perhaps the best part of Royal Hotel Perth is its location steps from transportation stops and close to major shopping malls boutiques art galleries theatres cinemas and other local attractions.

West Beach Lagoon

Leisure travellers will get bang for their buck in the self-contained one-or two-bedroom apartment at West Beach Lagoon, located off Scarborough Beach on Perth's Sunset Coast. The resort offers a spa, waterslide, and beautiful scenery, with Perth's city centre only a car ride away.

Hotel Northbridge

Hotel Northbridge is a comfortable boutique Perth hotel in a renovated old Australian pub with wide verandas. The studio-style rooms have a large double corner spa in every room. Stylish and with great service and an award-winning restaurant, the hotel is a very convenient place to stay as it is located just minutes from Perth's city centre and the Northbridge cultural district.

Miss Maud Swedish Hotel

Miss Maud Swedish Hotel is a slice of Sweden in the middle of Perth. A boutique family hotel, it has a charm and character all of its own, and guests are made to feel welcome and appreciated. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and the ground floor restaurant serves a hearty Swedish smorgasbord, including free breakfast for hotel guests.

Rendezvous Observation City Hotel

Situated right on Scarborough Beach, Rendezvous Observation City Hotel offers panoramic ocean views of the Indian Ocean. There are 333 guest rooms (including six suites), two restaurants and four bars, a heated tropical lagoon pool and spa, a health club, steam room and tennis courts. Perth city centre is only 15 minutes away but you'll feel a million miles away.