Ultimate Guide to Perth for Backpackers |
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City: Population 1.7 Million
Introduction
Launch point for the other half of Australia, beautiful Perth is one of the most isolated cities on earth. Ringed by white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Perth was once a quiet town. However tourism and industry has ensured it is now a thriving metropolis which works well as a hub for backpackers who want a smaller city offering but also want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife at the same time. It is also known for its fantastic food and in particular Fremantle, the port town situated southwest of the city centre is a place you simply cannot miss.
Quick Links to Perth Backpacker Information
Orientation
Backpackers will find the heart of Perth’s CBD lies in St. George’s Terrace with the main hub for hostels and nightlife in Northbridge which is as name suggests - north of the bridge in the CBD. King’s Park on the west side of the CBD is lush and green and a favourite for a summer BBQ (including permanent BBQs available for use). The city itself is quite compact offering everything a backpacker could want on foot but the beaches and suburbs are quite spread out. Fremantle for example, is about 25 klm and 30 minutes away by train from the city and is still well within the suburbs.
Maps
Maps are available at the Western Australia Visitor Centre at 469 Wellington St if your hostel has run out. Apart from maps you will find the people there really helpful with all kind of information.
Weather
If you are looking for somewhere with constant sunshine and heat then Perth is your best bet with its Mediterranean-style climate. December to February are particularly hot and you wouldn’t be surprised to find a two week stint of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Sometimes it does rain in the scorching heat causing high levels of humidity. In Winter, the temperature never really drops very low so you will find a a year round climate you could really get used to.
Internet access
In Perth most hostels have a few machines but internet cafes can be found in William St. For those with their own device and want free wifi head to a McDonald’s restaurant in the city. Many of the chain cafes also have paid wifi.
Where to stay
Only the best Perth hostels by location as voted by you. (We left all the 3 star and below places off our list and there are lots of them!)
Witches Hat Backpackers - City - 4 stars
Spinners Backpackers - City - 4.5 stars
Hotel Bambu - City - 4 stars
Western Beach Lodge - Scarborough Beach - 5 stars
Public Transport
When arriving in Perth by air (which is probably how you’ll arrive unless you’re on an epic cross-Australia road trip) you can catch the City Shuttle Connect which brings you into the city or to Fremantle (the more people the cheaper it is - so bring your mates).
Transperth is the really well run public transport system in Perth and includes trains and buses. The travel card is called the Smart Rider or you can get a day pass (Day Rider) or pay cash fares. The main train station for local, long distance and underground trains is called Perth Station and is located next to the Wellington Street Bus Station on the northern fringe of the CBD. The City Busport next to the Esplanade services Perth’s southern suburbs including Fremantle.
Perth also has a free ‘central area transit” zone called the CAT bus service - something every city in a perfect world should have. There are different coloured zones that bring you to different places around the city - a great thing to do in the first couple of days just to get your bearings.
Best Eats & Drinks
The Sunday Sesh is a major event in Perth which takes place, yes you guessed it, every Sunday. The favourite haunt for this particular day for most backpackers is Fremantle as it is right beside the beach. Wednesday nights in Perth are also hopping as its student night and you will many deals in bars spread across the city.
- Rosie O’Gradys - the self proclaimed ‘best Irish bar in Perth’ actually lives up to the name. Sundays and Tuesdays are the special deal nights here with $6.80 pint and $7 dinners. Situated in Northbridge..
- Brass Monkey - once again a Northbridge haunt, this place is a little bit more swank and filled with a few local Perthians if you want to mix. Thursday nights are karaoke night with burgers and a pint for $15.
- Mustangs - the true backpacker bar in Perth, it offers a smashing deal on Wednesdays where you can get a BBQ meal and a drink for $5. Be warned though, it does fill up fast.
- Little Creatures - located in Fremantle. This is definitely somewhere a little more uppy but it does awesome food and they brew their own great beer so it is a must-go in our opinion even just to experience the ‘beautiful people’ vibe.
