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There was a time when travel articles about Western Australia would often begin by referring to the vast size of the State and its perceived isolation.
Australia's resource-rich western third, almost four times the size of Texas, was heralded as the place where sheep stations were bigger than Ireland and the borders stretched thousands of kilometres from the Timor Sea under the Equator to the Southern Ocean above the Roaring Forties.
The physical boundaries of Western Australia have not shrunk but what has changed is the wider image of the State and its capital city, Perth. Sophistication has replaced size. Style has triumphed, although not at the expense of substance.
The rough edges have been polished off to reveal a destination that shines like a newly-minted gold coin. The measure of success is not how many millions of hectares make up Western Australia, but rather how smoothly the State has blended into a cosmopolitan society of the 21st century without having to shed its much-envied clean and green environment.
The world has come to Western Australia, thanks in no small part to extensive international air links, new low-fare domestic air services, and bigger, more efficient aircraft speeding travellers to a part of the globe that rates highly for safety and security.
Western Australia's dependable Mediterranean climate, its brochure-perfect beaches and extensive parklands have long underpinned the State's appeal. Today, though, the focus is equally on Perth's extensive shopping outlets, the calibre of its restaurants and fivestar hotels, the appeal of major international events and the quality of produce from the highly-acclaimed wine growing regions.
For upmarket shopping, it’s hard to by-pass trendy King Street, while the city centre retail stores and eclectic arcade outlets provide variety and value. Only slightly further afield, near-city Subiaco and Claremont have developed as very individual upmarket shopping and dining areas.
Adjacent to Perth's major retail precinct, separated only by the main railway station concourse, is the Perth Cultural Centre, which includes the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, the Western Australian Museum and the Alexander Library.
From here it's a short walk to the city's lively dining and nightlife area, Northbridge, where the attractions are a mirror image of the multicultural make-up of Perth society. Irish bars, English-style pubs, Asian, Italian, Greek and Lebanese restaurants offer unlimited choices.
Perth is a modern, relaxed, beautiful city. Settled on the banks of the blue Swan River, the city of Perth offers a clean, safe environment. More than 1.4 million people call this city home, three quarters of the State’s entire population. Perth has played host to sporting events of global importance, plus conferences of international standing. Our meeting facilities are world-class, and you’ll fi nd the citizens relaxed and happy to be helpful.
The first Europeans to discover this coast were the Dutch in 1616. The first European settlement was established by the English in 1826 at Albany on the south coast. Shortly after, Captain James Stirling founded the Swan River Colony, which is now called Perth.
The Western Australian climate ranges from tropical in the far north to temperate in the south. Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm to hot dry summers, with a cooling sea breeze, from December to April. The winters are mild and bring most of the city’s rainfall, from June to August. The summer temperature averages 29°C during the day and 17°C at night. The average winter temperature is 18°C during the day, dropping to 9°C at night. As Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth enjoys an average of eight hours sunshine a day.
To refl ect the lifestyle, dress is usually relaxed and casual. Jackets and ties are not normally required in restaurants and bars, or when visiting friends. The Burswood International Resort Casino and some clubs have dress standards, no jeans, thongs or sneakers. Business suits are acceptable for work, dining out and special social functions. Lightweight clothing is recommended in summer, with hat and sunglasses for protection. In winter, jacket, sweater and umbrella are suggested.
English is spoken by all. Multi-lingual interpreters are available at international entry points, major hotels and department stores.
A valid passport with a visa is required for all non citizens of Australia. Delegates seeking to attend a conference in Australia should, in most cases, apply for a short-stay business visitor visa. Residents from a number of countries, including most of Europe, Japan and the United States, can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through participating airlines and travel agents when booking their airline ticket. Alternatively, they can visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website at www.immi.gov.au/eta to apply for an ETA. Visas can be applied for at any Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.
Australia has a decimal system of dollars and cents. Exchange facilities are available at Perth International Airport or city banks. International class hotels will also exchange major currencies for guests. The most frequently accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Mastercard and Australian Bankcard.
The only certificate required is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for visitors who have been in a yellow fever area in the six days prior to entering Australia. Australian health standards are very high. Perth has many world-class hospitals with modern facilities. Doctors and specialists are available through private consultation. Traveller medical insurance is strongly recommended as Australia’s Medicare system does not cover visitors, except where reciprocal agreements exist for immediately medically necessary treatment under their public health scheme (New Zealand, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Malta, Italy, Ireland and The Netherlands). Further information can be obtained by emailing Medicare at medicare.enq@hic.gov.au or call 132 011.
Visitors over 18 years may bring in up to 250g of tobacco products and 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages, and articles to the value of AU$900, duty free. Electricity Mains supply is 240V-AC with a 10% tolerance. Frequency is 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from many countries, including Asia, so visitors may need an adaptor socket. Higher standard hotels and motels provide universal 110V outlets for electric shavers.
Perth offers virtually every style of cuisine in an excellent range of restaurants. It is wise to make a reservation. Minimum legal drinking age is 18, although children are allowed in licensed areas in the company of an adult. Many licensed establishments allow you to take your own wine and are known as BYO (Bring Your Own) restaurants. Smoking is prohibited inside restaurants but is allowed in al-fresco dining areas, subject to the establishment’s policy
There is no tradition of tipping in Australia: it is therefore not expected and service is given with a smile. However, where the service has been particularly good, you may tip if you wish.
