Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, with more than 1.6 million residents in the greater metropolitan area. It is well-known for being friendly, safe and relaxed, yet offers all the cosmopolitan attractions of a large international city. It is home to a large student population and its warm, sunny climate makes it an ideal place to study, work and unwind. For more information, visit www.westernaustralia.com.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Perth is comparable to most major Australia cities. Depending on your lifestyle and how close you are to the city centre, you can expect to spend around AU$14,000 — $20,000 a year on living expenses (not including tuition fees).

Getting around

The city of Perth is well serviced by a bus, train and ferry network. A free CAT bus service operates around the city and there is also a comprehensive network of cycle and dual-use paths. A great place to find detailed information about fares, timetables and getting around Perth is the Transport Info website www.transperth.wa.gov.au.

Climate

Perth has a temperate climate with warm to hot summers and cool, wet winters. Summer runs from December to February, and winter runs from June to August. Perth lays claim to being the sunniest major city in Australia with an average of eight hours of sunshine a day. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer the most comfortable weather conditions and are ideal times to visit. For up-to-date information on Perth’s weather, head to www.bom.gov.au.