Perth is a city that is very easy to navigate and get around, however with our vast state, if you plan on heading out of the city you may require a hire car or perhaps allow someone to do the driving for you and take a day tour.
Perth’s public transport system, Transperth, brings places of interest within easy reach. You can make good use of buses, trains and ferries to explore Perth, Fremantle and the metropolitan area. Transperth ticket prices are determined by how far you travel and fares must be purchased prior to travel at the Ticket Vending Machines while bus fares can be paid as you board. Tickets are valid for up to two hours and can be used on the entire public transport system. A DayRider ticket can be purchased for daily unlimited travel with Transperth, or alternatively you can purchase a SmartRider card which you add credit and swipe at the card reader machines which are at every station and on the buses. Visit the Transperth InfoCentre at the Perth Train Station, Esplanade Bus Port, Perth Underground Station and the Roe Street Bus Station or phone 13 62 13. Transperth also have a very helpful website, transperth.wa.gov.au with information on timetables for trains, buses, ferries and CAT buses. You can also enter your destination and it will show you route options, whether by bus or train, plus there are numerous maps, fare information and language interpretation. See the map section for the train and CAT bus maps.
Day tours are a great way to see the city and beyond, taking the driving and parking hassle out of your day and they can pick you up from your hotel and teach you all about the destinations you are visiting; below you’ll find a selection of tour choices, whether by coach, double decker bus, ferry, boat, tram or Segway!
Perth offers a free bus service that operates around the Central Business District. CAT (Central Area Transit) buses arrive every five to ten minutes depending on the route, time of day and day of the week. Red, Green, Blue and Yellow CAT buses operate with the routes marked on the CAT map. Fremantle also offers a free blue and red CAT bus service, which operates seven days a week.
Taxis can be flagged down in the street or there are numerous taxi ranks around the city. Friday and Saturday nights can be very busy! Taxis can also be booked in advance by calling: Swan Taxis – 13 13 30 or Black & White Cabs 13 10 08. You can also download the Uber App, and request a driver at any time.
Ferries are a pleasant alternative to getting around where you can enjoy the views and calm waters along the beautiful Swan River. From Barrack Square, Transperth run a regular ferry across the river to South Perth (home of the Perth Zoo), or Captain Cook Cruises offer direct routes to Fremantle and the Swan Valley.
Car Hire
See below for several car hire companies who offer every type of vehicle from small cars, family wagons to campervans and four wheel drives. If you’re planning on travelling independently and hiring a car, Western Australia is teeming with awe-inspiring scenic drives that will take your breath away. Roads are wide and easy to drive, and WA observes the same driving rules as the rest of Australia. Vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road and wearing seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. Accidents do happen and you are much safer if you are belted up, plus you’ll receive a hefty fine if a police officer stops you! Make sure all passengers where seat belts too as the driver will also receive a fine if their passenger does not belt up. For more information, visit www.ors.wa.gov.au.