Getting around

AIRPORTS

Perth's international and domestic airports are located 16km and 11km respectively east of the city. Shuttle buses, hire cars and taxis operate between the airports, and Perth and Fremantle.

DRIVING

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road before driving. In Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road. The speed limit in Perth city and suburbs is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise signed (major arterial roads are generally 60kph zones). The upper limit in country areas is 110kph, although lower limits are designated by roadside speed limit signs. Road-side cameras are widely used to police speed limits. International road signs are in use in most parts of the state. If you do not immediately understand the meaning of the sign, you should proceed with caution. A Stop sign means just that - stop completely before the white line and give way to traffic to the right and left prior to proceeding. You need not stop at a Give Way sign but you must give way to traffic both ways.

Don't drink and drive. Western Australia has drink driving laws which limit the amount of alcohol a person can consume before driving a vehicle. These laws are rigidly enforced by an efficient police force equipped with modern, sophisticated radar devices and mobile alcohol detection facilities. The blood alcohol limit in Western Australia is .05. Further information on road rules can be obtained from the Department of Transport.

WA has a great range of rental vehicles at competitive rates. For more details, please talk to the operators listed on this page. You should ensure that you are familiar with Australian road rules before driving and be sure to observe parking signs. You will need a valid Australian or international drivers' licence (in English); a standard licence will allow you to drive any vehicle which carries up to 12 people, as well as scooters with up to 50cc engines.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The Transperth train system is a quick and easy way to get around Perth. Perth’s central city train station is located on Wellington Street opposite Forrest Place and connects to the Underground station for the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. These platforms can also be accessed from the Murray Street Mall, and the Esplanade station takes you right to the Swan River. Travel from Perth to Fremantle, Midland or Joondalup, stopping all stations, takes around half an hour; to Armadale takes around 40 minutes; and you can get all the way to Mandurah in less than an hour. For information on bus routes, timetables, ferry services and the free transit zones in Perth and Fremantle phone 13 62 13.

TransWA has daily train services to Bunbury - The Australind, Kalgoorlie - The Prospector and Northam - The Avonlink. They service many other destinations in Western Australia by coach. For timetable information and bookings, call 1300 662 205. The Indian Pacific train service across the Nullarbor Plain is one of the great train journeys of the world. It departs from East Perth Terminal in West Parade. Further details can be obtained by calling 13 21 47.

ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Public transport in Perth is increasingly able to cater for passengers with disabilities. Transperth staff are available to assist wheelchair users to access metro trains. All buses on the CAT routes and Circle routes are accessible, as are any buses displaying the blue wheelchair symbol. For information about access on specific suburban routes, call Transperth on 13 62 13.

A special taxi service catering for wheelchairs can be booked on 9333 3377. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is recommended, but not required, that you book 24 hours in advance. If you are driving a car, reciprocal disability parking rights exist for interstate and overseas visitors for up to 3 months. All City of Perth Council car parks have accessible bays.

While access requirements vary according to the individual, the City of Perth is actively operating to ensure better accessibility for visitors with a wide range of disabilities. Most major public buildings in the city including the GPO are considered accessible; most streets incorporate kerb ramps and tactile indicators and audible crossing signals are in place at most major intersections in the city centre. The City of Perth’s Access City Maps, containing detailed maps of the city with information on all facilities and access points, are available from Council House, 27 St Georges Tce, Perth, or call 9461 3333.

Information on hiring equipment is available from the Australian Red Cross, call 9334 6222. The Citiplace Community Centre located on the upper level of the Perth City Train Station also hires wheelchairs, and provides accessible public toilet facilities. The centre is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm.

For more information contact National Disability Services (WA Division) on 9242 5544.