Perth
Australia
The world's most isolated major city, and one of its sunniest
Overview
Perth sits alone on the Indian Ocean, closer to Jakarta than to Sydney, which gives it a self contained character and some of the cleanest beaches of any major city. The Swan River runs through it, Kings Park is one of the largest inner city parks on earth, and the sun shines for around 3200 hours a year. The economy runs on mining and resources, which keeps salaries high and the labour market strong. Isolation means expensive flights east, but it also means uncrowded beaches, clear skies and a distinctly unhurried version of Australian life.
Why Expats Love It
Beaches, sunshine, high mining sector salaries and a relaxed pace with almost no congestion.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Cottesloe and Scarborough Beaches
Long white sand and Indian Ocean sunsets ten minutes from the suburbs.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
A 400 hectare park over the river with a spectacular spring wildflower season.
Fremantle
A preserved port town of colonial limestone, a convict prison, markets and a strong pub scene.
Rottnest Island
Quokkas, cycling and turquoise bays a half hour ferry offshore.
Swan Valley
Australia's oldest wine region, twenty five minutes from the city centre.
Margaret River
World class surf breaks, caves and wineries three hours south.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Wave Rock
A 2.7 billion year old granite wave formation four hours inland at Hyden.
Penguin Island
A colony of little penguins and sea lions reachable by a short ferry south of the city.
Yanchep National Park
Koalas, limestone caves and Noongar cultural tours an hour north.
Mundaring Weir and the Bibbulmun Track
Jarrah forest walking on a thousand kilometre trail starting in the hills.
Pinnacles Desert
Thousands of limestone spires in yellow sand, best at dawn, two and a half hours north.
Fremantle Round House
The oldest surviving public building in Western Australia, with a whalers' tunnel to the beach.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$1400/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$2200/mo
Restaurant Meal
$20
Monthly Groceries
$470/mo
Monthly Transportation
$105/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$130/mo
Climate
Mediterranean with hot dry summers, mild wet winters and a reliable afternoon sea breeze
Best Time to Visit
September to November for wildflowers, or March to May for warm calm weather
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
eVisitor and ETA cover short visits for many nationalities. Working holiday visas, employer sponsored skilled visas and Western Australia state nomination are the main long stay routes.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Crime is low and beaches are patrolled. Extreme UV, summer bushfires and the long distances between towns are the real considerations.
Healthcare
Medicare covers residents and reciprocal countries. Fiona Stanley and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals are the main tertiary centres.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
West Australians are laid back and often talk about the eastern states as a separate country. Fly in fly out mining rosters shape many households and social calendars.
Lifestyle
Sunrise swims at Cottesloe, coffee in Fremantle, sundowners on the beach. Weekends mean Rottnest Island, the Margaret River wine region or the Pinnacles Desert.
Language
English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Timezone
AWST (UTC+8, no daylight saving)