getting around perth + fremantle
TRAINS
The Transperth train system is a quick and easy way to get around. The Perth Railway Station is located on Wellington Street and connects to stations for the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. Travel from Perth to Fremantle, Midland or Joondalup takes around half an hour; to Armadale takes around 40 minutes; and to Mandurah takes less than an hour. Services are reduced but regular on weekends and public holidays.
You must have a valid ticket to travel. Tickets can be purchased from machines on train station platforms. A SmartRider card is a cash-free way to use public transport in Perth, providing cheaper fares on buses and trains. Information on SmartRiders, bus and train routes and timetables can be obtained from major bus and train stations, or contact Transperth on 13 62 13 for information. Use the Transperth journey planner to find the best route; visit transperth.wa.gov.au
BUSES
Perth’s city and suburbs are well connected by buses. The main terminals are the Roe Street Bus Station and the Esplanade Busport (see Perth city fold out map for locations). Many popular destinations can be accessed via the CircleRoute buses including shopping centres, all universities and major hospitals. Tickets can be used on Transperth ferries and trains.
FREE TRANSIT ZONES
The free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service operates in central Perth, taking you to many Perth attractions. You can join these routes at any of the distinctive CAT bus stops. A complete loop of any of these routes will take 40–50 minutes. See the Perth city fold out map for detailed routes with all stops marked or call Transperth on 13 62 13 for more information. CAT buses operate reduced services on weekends and public holidays and do not operate at all on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The Blue CAT buses travel in a north-south loop from the river through the city. Some of the stops on this route include: London Court, Art Gallery of WA, Northbridge, Barrack Square and City Busport.
The Red CAT buses travel in an east-west loop through the CBD and West Perth via the bus and train stations. Some of the stops include: Perth Mint, Murray Street Mall, Perth Underground Station, Parliament House, Havelock Street West Perth and King Street.
The Yellow CAT buses travel in an east-west loop between East Perth and West Perth via the bus and train stations. Some of the stops include: Claisebrook Train Station, Victoria Gardens, Harbour Town and Wellington Street.
The Green CAT buses are a new weekday service; hop on to go right to the entrance of Kings Park or through West Perth to Leederville.
The Fremantle CAT operates 7 days a week in two loops; the Fremantle Red CAT services the area north of Fremantle Station and the Fremantle Blue CAT services the area south of Fremantle Station. Both loop services stop outside Fremantle Station on Phillimore St to allow passengers to transfer to Transperth bus and train services.
The Joondalup CAT route is a high frequency weekday service that operates around Joondalup CBD and the ECU educational precinct.
FERRIES
Transperth ferries operate throughout the day between Barrack Street Jetty, Perth and Mends Street Jetty, South Perth. The Perth Zoo and the South Perth cafe strip are within a short stroll of the Mends Street Jetty. Private operators run cruises on the beautiful Swan River, with destinations including the Swan Valley, Fremantle and Rottnest Island. The main departure points are Barrack St Jetty, Perth; Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
TAXIS
Taxi ranks can be found throughout the Perth central business district and Fremantle, or you can telephone the major operators direct (see below). Cab fare costs include a flagfall charge of $3.80 weekdays or $5.60 in peak times, plus distance charge of $1.55 per kilometre. Surcharges may apply.
VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES
Transperth staff are available to assist wheelchair users to access trains. All CAT and CircleRoute buses are accessible, as are any buses displaying the blue wheelchair symbol. For further information, call Transperth on 13 62 13. Taxi services catering for wheelchairs can be booked, phone 13 62 94.
HIRE CARS
WA has a range of rental vehicles at competitive rates. You will need a valid Australian or international drivers license (in English). If you receive a parking or speeding fine in a hired car be sure to tell the hire car company as they may charge additional administration fees for recovering the cost of fines incurred on their vehicles. Visit www.nobirds.com.au
DRIVING LAWS
In Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road. Seat belts must, by law, be worn by all persons travelling in a motor vehicle. Posted speed limits must be adhered to. The speed limit in Perth city and suburbs is 50km/hr unless otherwise signed; major arterial roads are generally 60km/hr and the upper limit in country areas is 110km/hr. Speed cameras are used throughout the state. 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 WA is .05.
PETROL
Many of the larger service stations in Perth are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and most stock unleaded fuel, gas and diesel. Major roads will have fairly frequent late trading stops. If you are travelling to the country it is advisable to check how far you are likely to drive between stations, as they can be up to 500km apart.
ROAD SIGNS
In Australia distances on road signs are indicated in kilometres. Roads through areas of significant historic or scenic interest are indicated by white on brown Tourist Drive markers throughout WA.
PARKING
There is street parking throughout Perth city, but if you will be in the city for more than an hour it is easiest to use one of the many outdoor or multistorey car parks. These car parks clearly display fees as well as closing times – check to ensure that your car will not be locked inside if you are staying out late. Most carpark ticket machines take a combination of notes and coins as well as credit cards. Reciprocal disability parking rights exist for interstate and overseas visitors for up to three months; for more information contact National Disability Services on 9242 5544.
CYCLING
Perth is one of the best capital cities in the world for cycling, with relatively few hills and great weather. The extensive Perth bicycle network offers great opportunities for bike riding all over the city, and dedicated cycleways and shared paths throughout Kings Park, Fremantle and the northern suburbs offer fantastic views of the Swan River and stunning Sunset Coast beaches. Whether you’re commuting or sightseeing, biking is a great way to get around Perth while enjoying our great weather. Perth bicycle paths are designated with signs with directional pointers and distances to various attractions.
You can take your bike onto Transperth trains for no charge (although restrictions apply during peak times) and explore the greater Perth area without totally exhausting yourself. A fantastic day out is a ride around the Swan River, with a meal in Fremantle, or Armadale or Guildford, then catch the train back to the city. For more information visit Bicycling Western Australia at www.bwa.org.au.
BAYSWATER CAR RENTAL
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Bayswater Car Rental are confident they can save you money on your car hire with rates that are consistently cheaper than the airport car rental companies' rates. No hidden fees or charges, visit their website to get details of current rates and specials.
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JETTA EXPRESS
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Jetta Express can send your excess baggage overseas cheaply and more conveniently. Luggage can be sent prior to or after departure. Jetta are Australia's leading national excess baggage service with many experience. They will pick up from your door and deliver to your destination airport. All baggage is totally secure; payment by cash, credit card or EFTPOS.
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