Getting Around

Driving in Perth is relatively easy; just remember to stay on the left-hand side of the road, and give way to traffic on your right. Friday afternoons are especially busy, as Perth natives head away from the city to country destinations, mostly in the South West. Country roads are generally well maintained and have little traffic. All major car-rental companies have branches at the international and domestic airport terminals.

The Perth central business district and suburban areas are well connected by Transperth buses. The main terminals are at the Esplanade Bus Port on Mounts Bay Road and at Wellington Street Bus Station. Buses run daily 6 am-11:30 pm, with reduced service on weekends and holidays. Rides within the city center are free. CAT (Central Area Transit) buses circle the city center, running approximately every 10 minutes weekdays 7-6 and Saturday 9-5. Routes and timetables are available from Transperth. (www.transperth.wa.go.au 13-62-13)

Transperth tickets are valid for two hours and can be used on Transperth trains and ferries. Transperth ferries make daily runs from 6:50 am to 7:15 pm between Barrack Street Jetty in Perth to Mends Street, across the Swan River in South Perth. Reduced service runs on weekends and holidays.

Transperth trains also provide a quick way to get around the city. From Perth, lines run east-west to Midland and Fremantle, north to Clarkson, southeast to Armadale, and south to Mandurah. Perth to Fremantle takes about 30 minutes, while Perth to Mandurah takes 50 minutes. Central-city train stations are in Wellington Street and Perth Underground at the corner of Williams and Murray streets. Tickets must be purchased at vending machines before boarding.

TransWA trains cover routes in Western Australia, including the Prospector to Kalgoorlie, the Australind to Bunbury, and the Avonlink to Northam. TransWA also has coach services to towns not serviced by passenger trains.

South West Coachlines. South West Coachlines has daily coach services from Perth Central Bus Station at the Esplanade Bus Port on Mounts Bay Road to South-West towns, including Dunsborough. Services may vary according to season. 08/9261-7600. www.southwestcoachlines.com.au.