The Perth region has been home to the indigenous Nyoongar people for at least the past 40,000 years.
British settlers established a free settler colony in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony. The settlement was given the name "Perth" after the city of [wiki=675a687d30541cccd4aef14cb2da5028]Perth[/wiki], [wiki=da5dd6f051ca74960ec199973cf8bf0f]Scotland[/wiki], the hometown of Sir George Murray, the British Colonial Secretary at that time. From 1850, an influx of convicts boosted the size of the colony and their labour helped shape the early architecture of the city. The discovery of gold in the 1890s triggered a boom which, with subsequent mineral discoveries, has been key to the city's economy. As capital of the state Western Australia, Perth joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
Once a small, isolated city, the mining boom in Western Australia following the end of World War 2 has led to a high rate of migration to Perth, which allowed its population to overtake that of [wiki=a02f9768660497d370831df932feeeaf]Adelaide[/wiki] in the 1980's. While the actual mining takes places in distant, more remote parts of the state, much of the mining-related services sector is based in Perth. Today, Perth remains Australia's fastest growing city, and in recent years has transformed from a relatively laid back city to a fairly vibrant one. Due to the fact that Perth's population growth was relatively recent, it lacks the dense Victorian core of the eastern cities, but makes up for it with its own charm, particularly seen in the numerous parks and other green spaces within close proximity of the CBD.
Despite its isolation and relatively small population, Perth is a surprisingly culturally diverse city. Due to the high rate of migration to Perth, slightly less than half of Perth's residents were born outside Australia. Its proximity to Southeast Asia and Africa has led to an influx of migrants from countries such as Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand, and this is reflected in the diversity of cuisine available in Perth. If you wish to experience a cosmopolitan culture without the hustle and bustle of larger cities then Perth is worth visiting.
The City has a temperate Mediterranean type climate. Summers are hot and dry whilst winters are generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures average 30°C/86°F between November and April. Maximum temperatures during the height of summer can reach and sometimes exceed the 40°C/104°F mark. Very hot days tend to have very low humidity making conditions more bearable.
In the Perth metropolitan area the summertime temperature rises rapidly during the morning, sometimes relieved in the afternoon when the "Fremantle Doctor" blows inland from the ocean to cool the city centre by up to 10°C. The doctor often runs out of puff before reaching suburbs further inland, leaving the foothills and beyond to swelter till after sunset.
Winter (Jun-Aug) temperatures are usually around 19°C. Minimum temperatures occasionally drop to near 0°C on clear nights. Though Perth goes through lengthy dry spells in Winter, when it does rain, it pours. Storms with strong winds occasionally hammer a Winter's night, but they generally cause no more destruction than a toppled tree or flattened fence.
Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) are ideal times in which to visit Perth. Spring (particularly October / November periods) is perhaps the very best to see the sights as after a decent winter's rainfall, the famous wildflowers around Kings Park and the Avon Valley bloom splendidly. The metropolitan areas as well as the bushlands have many flowering species which often flower en-masse, so it is wise to purchase over-the-counter hayfever or antihistamines from a local chemist before making a trip to see them with minimal discomfort. Beach-goers from colder climes might find the summer months too harsh, usually reaching about 35°C and sometimes up to 45°C during the midday, so it is perhaps best to visit during March-April or October-November as well as taking a hat, sun-screen lotion and sunglasses.
The local inhabitants tend to holiday during the height of summer or winter, either to escape the climate, or to celebrate it. In winter Perth inhabitants often travel north to [wiki=0a0b3cae1a09132de65c086ed4bf989b]Broome[/wiki] or [wiki=53b98f90a1c4b17176913e24570306bb]Bali[/wiki] for the warmth, or oppositely staying in small chalets in the southern country during the winter to enjoy the cool wet climate and seasonal foods.
Although Western Australia has many public holidays they are unlikely to cause much inconvenience to your travels. Shops are still open, public transport still runs and the sky is still blue. The exception may be New Years' Day (Jan 1), Australia Day (26 Jan), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), Labour Day (first Monday of March), Queen's Birthday (27 Sep) and Foundation Day (first Monday in June) and Christmas Day (25 Dec). Most larger shops and shopping centres, pubs and restaurants are closed on these days but smaller convenience stores and some fast food chains keep their doors open. That said however, more and more stores are beginning to open on public holidays. Sunday trading came into existence in late 2012 and most shops have quickly adapted to opening on Sundays.
While the CBD straddles the Swan River, most of Perth's residents live in suburbs along the coast.
1-2 hr outside the city are many small townships and a big island
All scheduled international and domestic flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport . Though both international and domestic services operate under the same Perth Airport banner, the terminals are located either side of the runway, or about 9km (15 minutes) by road. The airport is working towards full consolidation on the eastern side of the runway by 2020 however in the mean time passengers may need to transfer to the other precinct if connecting from international to domestic flights and vice versa.
The domestic terminals are both connected as part of the same building, and it is just a short walk between them.
Once the only way to way to get into Perth, a limited number of passenger ships now dock at [wiki=f3375ca966ade643d3533d4f278c276a]Fremantle[/wiki]. A number of round the world cruise ships including the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria call into the Fremantle Passenger Terminal [http://www.fremantleports.com.au/Shipping/Cruising.asp] on their own schedule. Sailing into Perth from the Indian Ocean is expensive.
The Indian Pacific [url=http://www.gsr.com.au]]trans-continental railway runs from Perth to [[Sydney[/url]] via [wiki=c091547636e9b5d3e2bfde481be299f1]Kalgoorlie[/wiki], [wiki=a02f9768660497d370831df932feeeaf]Adelaide[/wiki] and [wiki=d79ed1dc3a91483e2ed57285db6a373e]Broken Hill[/wiki]. It is generally not cheap, but this journey, which takes four days and three nights, is one of the world's great train journeys. The train traverses the longest stretch of straight track of any railway in the world (478km) as it journeys across The Nullarbor.
The Indian Pacific leaves from and arrives at the East Perth terminal, which connects with Perth's suburban rail network as well as the regional bus depot. The city centre is just a 5 min train ride away from the terminal. If you are carrying baggage, it is probably best to jump into a taxi as many of the city's hotels and hostels are located up to a few kilometres away from either of the stations.
International visitors intent on train travel might want to consider purchasing a rail pass for unlimited travel on any of Great Southern Railways' services including the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth), The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs) and The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne). The rail pass entitles you to just a sitting seat on any train for 6 months for $700 ($100 less for students/backpackers). Taking your car with you is also possible between the capital cities and [wiki=b7dff8a7d560c5aaef01e27c4db57a2a]Alice Springs[/wiki], for an additional fee.
Regular train services (one or two per day, depending upon whether you are travelling during the week or on Saturday/Sunday) are available to and from the regional cites of [wiki=c091547636e9b5d3e2bfde481be299f1]Kalgoorlie[/wiki] (departing from East Perth) and [wiki=4ef72ed8e15a2d3194cf63c5d1adc8d7]Bunbury[/wiki] (departing from the central station). The [wiki=ed7865e9f58cd199c82bdc14983c9ffd#Get out]Get out[/wiki] section features more information regarding these regional services...
There is currently no regular scheduled coach service across the [wiki=da0dc327e196451d3d6e39bf91740223]Nullarbor Plain[/wiki] between Perth and [wiki=a02f9768660497d370831df932feeeaf]Adelaide[/wiki]. People wishing to travel by road may wish to consider one of the adventure oriented tours that include camping and sightseeing. The only one currently operating on a regular schedule is Nullabor Traveller [url=http://www.thetraveller.net.au]]Adelaide to Perth and Perth to Adelaide
Greyhound Australia [url=http://www.greyhound.com.au[/url]]offers a daily coach service the length of the state from [[Darwin[/url]] via [wiki=0a0b3cae1a09132de65c086ed4bf989b]Broome[/wiki]. At over 2 1/2 days this is not a trip to be taken lightly.
Driving a car from Perth and Adelaide is also an option and the road and accommodation infrastructure makes it achievable without too much stress. However, be warned that it is still a 2,700 km drive and is considered a 'once in a lifetime' activity for locals.
The main operator of regional bus services in south west Western Australia is the government run Transwa [url=http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/].]The Australind [url=http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=46[/url]]train departs Perth Train Station at 9:30AM and 5:55PM daily for [[Bunbury[/url]] in the south west with various coach connections, and The Prospector [url=http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=45]]departs from the Public Transport Centre (East Perth) at various time to the inland city of [[Kalgoorlie[/url]]. Coaches also depart from the Public Transport centre to various locations around the state.
Coach services are available from Transwa or South West Coach Lines (enquire at their office in Esplanade Busport).
The Perth metropolitan area has a fairly reliable and inexpensive public transport system operated by Transperth [url=http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/].]Information about timetables, disruptions or service alterations can be found on their website, by calling 13 62 13 or at 'Transperth Infocentres' located in at the central train station and a couple of branches in the [[Perth/City|City[/url]]. The frequency of public transport decreases remarkably on weekends, and on weekdays in the evenings after 7 or 8pm. Always plan your journey before you travel.
Travelling to the tourist attractions within Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Scarborough is easy by public transport, but outside of that a car is significantly better.
Taxi experiences in Perth can range from hassle-free to problematic. Extended waits during peak periods (5AM-9AM Weekdays and Weekend Evenings) are common, but outside these times, taxis are plentiful. Booking a taxi is possible but only recommended if your journey is likely to be upwards of $25 or you are travelling to the airport. This is due to the convoluted way in which the dispatch services handle timed bookings. If your journey is likely to be short, it is better to simply call for a taxi once you are ready to leave, or hail a taxi if you are in a busy area.
Two major taxi companies are Swan Taxis (13 13 30), who dispatch Swan, TriColor, 13CABS, Yellow and Coastal taxis, and Black and White Taxis (131 008). There are numerous smaller companies that operate mainly out of the Central Business District. Fares are regulated by the state government and all dispatch companies charge the same rate. Flagfall is $3.90 during weekdays, increasing to $5.70 on weeknights and weekends. The kilometre rate is $1.59/km charged in $0.10 increments. Surcharges apply on designated holiday periods (New Years Eve and Christmas Day) and on weekend nights between midnight and 5AM. Tipping taxi drivers in Perth is not customary, but adding a small gratuity ($1 or $2) on top of the fare is common for exceptional service.
Catching a taxi from an entertainment precinct late on a Friday or Saturday night sees clubbers waiting at taxi stands up to 2 hours for a ride home. Drivers are known to avoid picking up drunken patrons from outside of pubs, clubs or from the entrance to Perth central station. There have been a recent spate of sexual assaults on female passengers so it is advisable to travel in groups. There are specially designated 'secure ranks' operating at these times where patrons can queue in (relative) safety. Another option is the late night Transperth trains and buses run specially for revellers after their night out.
Services at Perth Airport are reliable and taxis arrive continually 24hrs a day. A typical taxi ride from the Domestic Airport to the City is around $30 ($35 from the International). There is a $2 airport tax payable on top of the fare.
Taxi service Uber is gaining popularity in Perth and offers a cheaper (up to 50%) and generally more reliable taxi service than the major taxi companies, but are limited in their locations. Users can sign up online using a mobile app and book a taxi from within the Perth CBD area to various locations, including the airport (~$22).
Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has some of the best cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Australia. The Perth bicycle network features an ever growing, metro-wide system of bicycle/pedestrian paths. The system features;
* Principal Shared Paths (high standard shared paths that run adjacent to each railway lines and along major motorways).
* Local Bicycle Routes (a series of on-road routes as well as some suburban off-road sections that run through parks - these paths provide a connection to such destinations such as schools, shopping centres and other recreational facilities.
* Generic minor works (projects include general improvements to the cycling environment in local areas, such as on-road bike lanes and sealed shoulders).
* End of trip facilities (including; U-Rails, Cora bike racks and bike lockers and change-rooms).
Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and at Planners Map [http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/1924.asp]. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure provides a range of guides, maps and brochures for bike riders. If you have a scenic route in mind, these brochures can take you to the coast, Kings Park, Armadale and the Hills or around the Swan River.
A favourite amongst seasoned local cyclists is the ride along the North side of the Swan River between the City and Nedlands. Allow 60 min for a round trip along this route, as you might encounter a strong headwind.
Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains but not during peak hour, unless they are the type of bicycle that can be folded up.
Cycling at full pelt in the fully pedestrianised Hay and Murray St malls in the city centre is generally tolerated by the police.
Renting a car is the ideal means of transportation for traveling to outlying attractions. Perth's major freeways and highways are free from any tolls, as is not the case in Sydney and Melbourne and from either of these major arterial roads, it is possible to be surrounded by beautiful countryside within minutes.
Rent-a-car providers such as [url=http://classiccarhireperth.com.au]Classic Car Hire Perth[/url] [url=http://www.redspot.com.au]Redspot[/url], [url=http://www.avis.com.au]Avis[/url], [url=http://www.hertz.com.au]Hertz[/url] are located at the airport and there are quite a few scattered around the city and the suburbs.
For a special 4x4 and off the road traveling car rental in Perth [url=http://waexperts.com.au]WAExperts[/url] .
Also if you want to make a limousine wine tours, classic car hire, hummer tour in Perth city [url=http://www.highrollerlimo.com.au]High Roller Limo's[/url] [url=http://www.perthcitylimos.com.au]So Cal Limos[/url], [url=http://perthhummerlimo.com.au]Perth Hummer Limo[/url],etc would be your best choice.
The general speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated.
Note that traffic in Perth (as elsewhere in Australia) travels in the left-hand lane. It is advisable to travel on the left hand lane even in dual carriageways for tourist drivers. This might take a bit of getting used to if you drive on the right-hand side back home. Even for right-hand drivers some things are different here like the ability to overtake on the inside of a vehicle on a freeway.
Note that Police are rarely seen out on the roads but manned mobile speed cameras operated by public servants are very prevalent. Driving even 5km/hr above the placarded speed can incur a fine . Driving 40km/hr above the placarded speed means the car is impounded for 28 days even if it not your car (hire cars excepted).
There is a designated area in the zoo for kangaroos where they can wander on visitors' paths and the animals are used to people so you can see them very close.
To see semi-wild kangaroos visit the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park (a cemetery, but not European style) [http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/OurCemeteries/Pinnaroo.html] - it's a walking distance from Whitfords Transperth Train/Metro Station - just cross the highway, the highway exit and look for the entrance on the left. As there is plenty of space for them you may see them not only eating but also hopping.
[url=http://www.afl.com.au]Australian Rules Football[/url] - Perth, like Melbourne, is mad for its footy. Every weekend between (roughly) March and August, Subiaco Oval fills to near-capacity with supporters from either local teams; the [url=http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/]West Coast Eagles[/url] or [url=http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/]Fremantle Dockers[/url]. When both local teams play each other it is known as the Western Derby (or derby) and tickets to these games are usually difficult to come by due to their popularity.
* [url=http://www.a-league.com.au/]A-League Soccer[/url] - If you prefer association football (generally known by Australians as "soccer"), [url=http://www.perthglory.com.au/]Perth Glory Football Club[/url] compete in the A-League, Australia's top level of football. The season runs over summer from October to March, with the possibility of qualification to the finals series (playoffs) running into April. They have a sister club, Perth Glory W-League, that competes in the women's W-League. Both teams play at Perth Oval, also known as NIB Stadium due to a sponsorship deal. The stadium is a 10 min walk from Northbridge, or a 3 min walk from Claisebrook Train Station.
* [url=http://www.cricket.com.au/]Cricket[/url] - Home ground is the WACA. The WACA also hosts one of the summer Test matches against England in January.
** Sheffield Shield - Australia's domestic first-class cricket competition, the [url=http://www.waca.com.au/warriors/]Western Warriors[/url] represent WA.
** [url=http://www.bigbash.com.au/]Twenty20 Big Bash[/url] - Local team is the [url=http://www.perthscorchers.com.au/]Perth Scorchers[/url] as of 2011.
* [url=http://www.rugby.com.au/]Rugby Union[/url] - [url=http://www.westernforce.com.au/]Western Force[/url] play at NIB Stadium. Rugby union team in the Super 15 involving teams from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Season runs from February to late May.
* [url=http://www.nbl.com.au/]National Basketball League[/url] - [url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/]Perth Wildcats[/url] play at Perth Arena.
* [url=http://www.wnbl.com.au/]Women's National Basketball League[/url] - [url=http://www.wnbl.com.au/index.php?id=16]West Coast Waves[/url] play at The Sandpit (WA Basketball Centre)
* [url=http://web.theabl.com.au/index.jsp]Australian Baseball League[/url] - [url=http://web.theabl.com.au/index.jsp?sid=t4068]Perth Heat[/url] play at Barbagallo Ballpark.
Perth is well known for its indie music scene at established venues such as Amplifier Bar, Rosemount, Fly By Night, The Rocket Room and Mojos. The Big Day Out festival is held in early February every year. Visit YourGigs [url=http://yourgigs.com.au]]for upcoming gigs or Perth Indie Bands [url=http://jinnan.buzka.com/Perth_Indie_Bands[/url]]for a selection of good Perth bands.
*If dance music is your thing, many top DJ and electronic music artists will make the trip out to Perth between October and March. Visit [http://www.teknoscape.com.au/[/url] for upcoming dates.
Shopping hours in the Perth metropolitan area for medium size shops to large supermarket/department stores are:
* 8am-9pm Monday to Friday
* 8am-5pm Saturday
* 11am-5pm Sunday
Small supermarkets such as IGA as well as other small shops can have more flexible shopping hours (some Petrol stations and small corner stores are open 24 hours).
A 10% Goods and Services Tax is included in listed prices. Harbour Town (Yellow CAT from any stop) is where manufacturers have their factory outlets; some good deals are to be had there.
After Christmas (and around July as well for many stores) is the best time to come to Perth for bargain shopping. Some Perth stores are open Boxing Day as well as the 27th December. Customers have been known to form a line across the street to even enter stores such as 'Guess' and Myer store entry and escalator movement is monitored by security guards to prevent floor crowding.
There is an extensive array of restaurants in Northbridge. You will find a great selection of Southern European and Asian restaurants. Northbridge gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights as Perth goes into party mode. Neighbouring Mount Lawley and Highgate also has some good options. Victoria Park has a stretch of restaurants along Albany Hwy which is a fairly steady location with the locals and has a few high quality restaurants, although is lower key and more casual.
[wiki=3fb0830d8a7d905d30c9e2a30a173b5d]Fremantle[/wiki] is a good eating option. Famous for its cappuccino strip lined with cafes next door to one another popular with the yuppie crowd. On weekends, a local tradition is to visit the Fisherman's Wharf on warm, sunny weekend evenings for fish and chips. There are a couple of options to choose from close to the beach. Just follow your nose or the seagulls. Further exploring in Fremantle, or "Freo" as it is locally known, can reveal lots of trendy, alternative restaurants that cater for the "careful" eaters. If you care about knowing what it is you are eating, (vegan, preservative free, fair trade, organic), try exploring the Freo markets area, or just ask around, they are often not in the "touristy areas". Little Creatures is a decent brewery.
If you are looking for a decent fish and chip or seafood dinner, it is typically far more expensive by the coast (where the tourists are), excellent seafood at a better price can be sourced in the central and eastern suburbs.
Subiaco is located just a couple of kilometres from the city center. It is a trendy but fun suburb which features some great food and entertainment, although it can be quite expensive.
Claremont is a suburb on the Fremantle railway line where you will find some good restaurants as well (including authentic Italian), although, again, it can quite expensive and there is a limited range.
The Swan Valley, especially along West Swan Road contains various wineries, food producers and restaurants with stunning views over the vineyards. Particularly good are The Black Swan Cafe, Duckstein Brewery, Elmar's and The Mallard Duck Cafe.
Kalamunda and other Eastern hills suburbs offer hidden gems of cafes, small shops and food producers in beautiful countryside with stunning city views. Traditionally Perth locals used to go for picnics and produce festivals in these areas back in the 19th and early 20th century, however as the practice waned with fashions leading towards the coast, it is an excellent place to visit away from the touristy areas for a relaxing or peaceful trip to the bush with fine views and decent food not too far from the city. People often do DIY food tours to local orchards, vineyards, cheesemakers, bakeries and other cottage industries, arts and cafes as its not really organised. Its usually best to visit during Spring or soon after the rains when the forest is at its best.
Guildford has many antique stores (although like all Australian antique markets are visited by many hundreds of tourists as well as locals, so real bargains can be rare), but you can get decent cafe morning teas and lunches in some fine old architecture. This area has some of Perths oldest residential houses and grand building museums & cafes. The old theatre now houses a large Asian textile and artworks store worth a visit and a quirky taxidermy museum a few doors down. Alfreds Kitchen is a tiny but legendary burger bar to the locals, who amass in large crowds that opens at night.
A large Western Rock Lobster (known locally by its former name of crayfish) industry. Most of the crayfish is exported to Asia and USA for vast sums of money. However, crayfish prices in Perth can be relatively cheap, especially during summer in a good season. A chance to give it a try without breaking the bank.
Chilli Mussels are a popular local speciality, consisting of mussels cooked in tomato and chilli jus, available in various restaurants.
Truffles are grown around Mundaring and Manjimup.
The ubiquitous fast food chains serve the usual oily stuff.
If you're interested in a gourmet road trip, nearby Margaret River (about a two hours drive away) is extremely popular for wine tasting, delicious chocolate and fresh, locally made food and produce. The Spring in the Valley Food & Wine Festival in the Swan Valley is increasingly popular, but at the cost of getting a place cheaply and it being overcrowded. Its best to visit the Swan Valley outside of the festival to get the best value, or during the festival if you like the crowds. Most of these places have websites that you can confirm times and dates and are open throughout the year.
Perth has an abundance of Gloria Jeans, Miss Mauds and Dome stores mainly in the city centre and suburban shopping areas. Clusters of independent European style cafes line the trendy streets of suburbs around the city centre. The most well known place for a decent espresso is the Cafe Strip in Fremantle closely followed by the districts of Subiaco, Leederville and South Perth. Although Perth culture has a high quality taste for coffee and demands very high standards in product, Perth has the most expensive coffee prices in the country with a normal sized coffee coming close to $4.
Perth has bars scattered throughout the city but most bars are in the CBD, Northbridge, Subiaco, Leederville, Victoria Park, Mount Lawley & Fremantle areas. Bars usually become busy after 5pm with the afterwork crowd, but most locals tend to go to bars on Friday & Saturday nights. The CBD bars in particular get very busy on Friday nights with many of the popular bars forming long entry lines. Most bars open from around 11AM and close midnight, although most bars in Northbridge and around the city centre stay open until 1 or 2am, and many bars in other areas have special extended liquor trading hours to either 1, 2 or 3AM. There has been an increase in small bars and bistro dining in niche areas of the CBD, however these are typically expensive even though good quality, so shop around for a good value evening. Smoking is prohibited inside all pubs and bars.
Club nights and both international and local gigs are held at a variety of venues across the city centre, Northbridge, Subiaco and Leederville, with some clubs scattered further out. Club nights are popular or Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with few venues opening past midnight on other days and none on Sundays (due to licensing laws). Check out local street press magazines such as Xpress for gig guides and further info for a comprehensive gig guide
Almost all clubs in Western Australia have very strict ID policies and scanners, so in most venues it is impossible to enter without appropriate ID (either a passport or an Australian issued Proof of Age card or Driver's License).
These are usually open until quite late. It is considered polite to park your car outside and walk through if you are intending to browse and take your time. Many Australians enjoy to drink in the comfort of their own home or backyard as much as they enjoy drinking in their favourite pub.
* [wiki=f3375ca966ade643d3533d4f278c276a]Fremantle[/wiki] and Subiaco have many pubs and clubs. (see [wiki=f3375ca966ade643d3533d4f278c276a]Fremantle[/wiki] listings)
Most of Perth's hotels are concentrated in the [wiki=a6144d530bbc72e49e939122f6556224]city centre[/wiki], the neighbouring suburb of [wiki=18831b172788ab197af03bbd95e6c3db]East Perth[/wiki], as well as the seaside suburb of [wiki=f3375ca966ade643d3533d4f278c276a]Fremantle[/wiki]. Though slightly further, the coastal town of [wiki=c09ca32de8c1a5e83b1f054805a8c84e]Mandurah[/wiki], which is easily accessible by Perth's suburban railway system, is a popular weekend getaway for Perth's residents, and has several hotels and beach resorts to cater to that crowd.
Perth is very popular with backpackers and there are a large number of backpackers' hostels located in the city, particularly in the Northbridge area. Be warned there are a few hostels in Perth that are in terrible condition make sure to see your room or check the ratings online.
Caravan parks are a cost effective and often good value family way to stay in Perth. Caravan parks are usually some distance from the city, but some have bus stops right out the front door. Caravan parks are generally clean and offer a variety of accommodation types.