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Getting Ready to Attend

VISAS

Australia Visa and Passport Requirements

All US citizens are required to obtain an Australian VISA.

Please check passport and Visa requirements to enter Australia from your country. For more information on Visas from a specific country go to

https://australia.visahq.com/

Or check with the Australian government site: https://www.border.gov.au/

Be aware that not all airports remain open all night; travelers should check with the airline.

FAST FACTS
 

  • Western Australia, Australia's largest state is 2,525,500 sq km, about the same size as Western Europe.

  • The population is around 2 million. About 15 million live in the capital city, Perth.

  • Perth enjoys a true Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, December - February and mild cool winters, June - August.

  • Perth has incredibly blue skies and more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city - around 8 hours a day.

  • Be sun smart - the Western Australian sun is very strong. To avoid sunburn, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially between 10am and 3pm.

  • Perth is in the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, and with more than forty-percent of the worlds? population within our region, Perth and Western Australia are easy to access via air, land and sea.
     

GETTING HERE
 

  • Perth is Australia's western gateway and a major hub for international air services from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Europe.

  • Domestic airlines operate daily services to Perth from the Eastern States. There are also regional services from Perth to many destinations within the state.

  • Remember your first port of entry is Australia and you still have to travel to Perth you will have to claim your luggage and then take it to the domestic terminal. Please leave enough time between flights!
     

GETTING AROUND

 

  • Perth Airport is 20 km east of the city. Taxi's are available from both the domestic and international terminals and it is a 20-30 minute journey.

  • Perth Airport is conveniently located just twelve kilometres from the Perth CBD and offers a range of services and facilities for travelers including: car rental, foreign exchange, wireless internet, shopping, restaurants and bathroom amenities. For further information on Perth Airport visit their website.

  • Perth and Fremantle are serviced by an efficient public transport system as well as a free shuttle bus, the Central Area Transit - CAT. Fremantle is 20 km from Perth city or 20 minutes by car.

  • Perth's beaches are some of the best in Australia and are just 15-20 minutes by car from the city.

  • Whether you’re walking, cycling, driving or using public transport, the city provides safe and accessible ways to move in, out and around the city.

  • There are three train stations in the city centre’s main shopping and tourism precinct – The Esplanade, Perth Underground and Perth Station. For access to outer parts of the City, you will need to use City West, McIver and Claisebrook.

  • A free transit zone (FTZ) also operates within the City of Perth boundaries. You can travel on any bus with the City of Perth for free. FTZ signposts are displayed on the route limits. For travel outside the FTZ, purchase a ticket from the driver or purchase a SmartRider from Perth Station or selected outlets. Once you are in the city, hop on and off the free CAT buses which operate daily. The CAT buses have four routes covering all parts of the city. CAT bus stops have distinctive stands and real-time passenger information that tell you when the next bus is due.

 


Designated taxi ranks are located around the central city for safe and convenient travel. Supervised taxi ranks operate on Friday and Saturday night on William Street in the CBD and Milligan Street in Northbridge. Taxis can also be ordered by


Perth’s major taxi companies include:


Swan Taxis – 13 13 30

Black & White Taxis – 13 10 08

Yellow Cabs – 13 19 24

Tricolour – 13 22 27

LCAB – 13 52 22

UBER – www.uber.com

A taxi service is available for passengers with disabilities. This service operates 24 hours a day and it is recommended to book 24 hours in advance to avoid delays. The service can be booked on 08 9333 3377.


DRIVING

 

  • Visitors to Western Australia may drive on a valid overseas driver's license for the same class of vehicle.

  • Vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all passengers.

 

If you need a letter of invitation please contact Dr. Iris Drower, IASE President at : iris.drower@asu.edu.

Currency

The Australian currency unit is the Australian Dollar (AUD). The dollar is a decimal currency system, made up of cents (100 cents equal one dollar). The currency comes in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 notes, and , coins $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢. The notes are made of a flexible, durable plastic, and each denomination is a different colour. The one hundred dollar note is green in colour, the fifty dollar note is yellow in colour, the twenty dollar note is red in colour, the ten dollar note is blue, and the five dollar note is a light purple.



The Australian coins sizes are not proportional to their value. The smallest coin in both size and value is the five cent coin. The largest coin in size is the fifty cent coin which has twelve sides. The two dollar coin is a gold coin and smaller in diameter to the one dollar coin. The one dollar coin is also a gold colour, but not as thick as the two dollar coin. The other denominations of coins are the twenty cent and the ten cent pieces. Australia no longer users the 1 cent and 2 cent coins, so all prices advertised are rounded to the nearest five cents at the cashier.



Currency exchange facilities are can be found throughout Perth and the metropolitan area, including the Perth International Airport. The majority of banks in the city center will also exchange currencies and accept traveller's cheques. Some of the larger hotels and resorts also offer currency exchange. The rates will vary from place to place. To get the best rate when exchanging your money, visit one of the city banks or currency exchange centers.



Exchange facilities can be found throughout Perth and the metropolitan area, including the Perth International Airport. The majority of banks in the city center will also exchange currencies and accept travelers cheques. Some of the larger hotels and resorts also offer currency exchange. The rates will vary from place to place. To get the best rate when exchanging your money, visit one of the city banks or currency exchange centers.



Credit cards can be used for a wide range of goods and services throughout WA, due to their wide acceptance. The most commonly accepted and used credit cards in Australia are Visa, Bankcard, American Express, MasterCard, and Diners Club.



The large international hotels, resorts, restaurants and cafes accept most credit cards. To save embarrassment it is advisable to check if your card is accepted before you go to pay the bill. Some of the larger department stores, duty free stores, and boutique stores display a sign at the entrance to the store showing what cards are accepted.

Weather

The winter months in Perth are from June to August and are mild, with an average temperature of 18 degrees C during the day, and 9 degrees C at night. The wettest month of the year is July, and the average yearly rainfall is around 880mm. The rain seems to come down hard and quickly, and will be followed in many instances with sunny periods. It rarely gets cold enough for snow to fall or frost to form.

For all you travel needs contact Grahame. You can reach him at:tours@wainstyletours.com

Feel free to contact Grahame for day tours, outings, and airport pick ups. See more information on tour options at: sightseeing tour options.

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

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