International Student Guide
International Student Guide
Perth 2013
Perth 2013
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University is not just about the lectures and tutorials, it is what you gain from the entire experience...
Murdoch was founded as a research university in 1973 and is the second oldest university in Western Australia. With a student population of over 19,000 students, including 3,000 international students from more than 90 different countries, Murdoch is a place where free thinkers from all over the world come together. With more than 200 courses to choose from, there’s bound to be one that interests you. We offer courses in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Accounting, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Chiropractic, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, IT, Law, Journalism, Public Relations, Nursing, Psychology, Veterinary Science, Development Studies, Public Policy and Management and much more!
www.murdoch.edu.au
Many of our courses include internship programs which help students walk into a job.
International Discoverers’ Scholarship The International Discoverers’ Scholarship Scheme is designed to make studying at Murdoch more affordable. Depending on the course selected, the scheme allows for a reduction in annual tuition fees by between AUD$500 – AUD$6,667. Partial scholarships are available to international students who commence in an eligible program at Murdoch in semester one or two in 2013 and is applied to the entire duration of the degree. The Student Centre Tel: 1300 687 3624 Fax: 9360 6491 Email: international@murdoch.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code 00125J MD7823_10/12
Murdoch University provides the ideal place to take the first step on the journey to lifelong career success. A Murdoch degree will provide you with the skills that are in high demand in Western Australia’s thriving workforce.
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ENJOY MORE. Insider Guides has partnered with ISIC Cards to save you money here in Australia. Whether it be eating out, fashion, travel or even nightlife, the Insider Guides ISIC Card allows you to enjoy your new home cheaply!
Grab your card today for only $20
Only available online @ www.insiderguides.com.au
Welcome We know moving to a new country to study is both exciting and frightening. We are here to help. Insider Guides - International Student Guide is designed to help new students discover what to love about Perth. To do this, we recruited local students, interviewed past international students and researched the city. The aim of the guide is to provide international students with the tools to discover their new home from the inside out. Throughout the next 116 pages, you will discover how the locals already enjoy Perth, now it’s your turn. We have also launched a free smartphone app called ‘Australia - Student Guide’. This is the best way to discover new places and experiences in Perth, with a constantly updated calendar of events picked just for you, the international student in Perth. The Insider Guides Team
Contents Your New City Academic History Fun Facts Getting Around The Australian Flag Indigenous Australia Aussie Cultural Diversity
9 9 10 18 19 20 22
Setting-up & First Steps Need to Knows The Right Accommodation For You Accommodation Decking Out Your New Pad Getting Connected Finding a Job Banking & Money Staying Healthy When Things Break
22 22 23 24 26 28 30 32 36 38 40
Shopping Need to Knows Shop Spots Your Local Shops Books, Music & Movies Clothing & Accessories Student Supplies Markets & Vintage Stores
42 43 44 46 48 50 56 58
Eat & Drink Need to Knows Eat & Drink Spots Aussie Cuisine
60 61 64 66
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Coffee Culture Cafés & Breakfasts Budget Eats Casual Restaurants Pubs & Student Hangouts Cocktail Bars Nightclubs Late Night Eats Recycling
68 70 71 72 74 76 77 78 79
Entertainment Need to Knows Live Sports Live Music Net Cafés, Gaming Arcades & Karaoke Cinemas Galleries Theatre & Live Arts Events Calendar
80 81 82 84
Adventure Need to Knows Cheap & Free Activities Group Activities Local Sites Wine Tasting Day Trips Weekend Trips Wildlife Beaches Experience Australia
98 99 100 102 104 106 107 108 109 110 112
86 89 90 92 94
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Useful Contacts When you’re setting yourself up and settling into a new country, you’re bound to have a few questions. These are some of the places you can go to get those answers. There are also emergency numbers and services to call if you get into trouble.
Police
Study in Australia
This is the non-urgent number for police assistance. Their website also has information on how to keep yourself safe.
This website provides basic information about studying in Australia, including information on the universities and listings of useful contacts.
131 444
www.police.wa.gov.au
Department of Immigration This is the department that handles Visa enquiries and issues. www.immi.gov.au
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The DFAT can help you to find your country’s embassy within Australia. www.dfat.gov.au
Australian Tax Office The Tax Office are the people to contact about getting a Tax File Number and find out more about payments made to you while you work here. www.ato.gov.au
Fairwork Ombudsman If you are being discriminated against at work or you think you are working in bad conditions and you can’t sort out the issue with your employer, you can contact the Fairwork Ombudsman for help.
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Perth Education City This website provides information on living and studying in Perth, more detailed information about where to study in Perth and provides answers to some of the questions you may have while here. 6253 7490
Has more detailed information about what your obligations and entitlements are when buying products and services. Also has some useful information about what to do if you think you have been cheated out of your money. www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Legal Aid A free legal service that can give you advice if you need to know what your legal rights are. 1300 650 579
www.pertheducationcity.com.au
www.legalaid.wa.gov.au
Tenants Advice Service
Transperth
If you can’t sort out a problem with your landlord, you can contact the Tenants Advice Service for help. 9221 0088 www.taswa.org
Australian Consumer Law Make sure you are getting a fair deal when shopping or purchasing services. Find out what your legal rights are on their website: www.consumerlaw.gov.au
Find out about trains, buses and ferries, including ticketing information, timetables and more. www.transperth.wa.gov.au
Road Transport Authority If you plan on driving around Perth, find out about the road rules and what you need to get yourself a licence. www.transport.wa.gov.au
Beyond Blue A free counselling service that you can ring if you are feeling depressed or anxious. Their website also has great tips for coping with stress. 1300 224 636
www.fairwork.gov.au
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Department of Commerce
www.beyondblue.org.au
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Overseas Student Ombudsman The OSO can help you sort out issues with your educational provider if you attend a private college. 1300 362 072 www.oso.gov.au
Sexual Health Helpline (Family Planning WA) To talk about sexual health symptoms and get advice, you can call this number to talk to trained medical staff. 9227 6178
Lifeline If you need to talk to someone about your mental health this resource is a crisis support hotline.
www.fpwa.org.au
Australian Human Rights Commission Discrimination against people on the basis of their race, descent, colour or ethnic/ national origin is against the law in Australia. If you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your race, you can make a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. If you want to make a complaint, head to: www.humanrights.gov.au /racial_discrimination
13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Emergency: Ambulance, Police,Fire
000
(112 from mobile phones) If you are in danger and need help, ring this number to get the police, an ambulance or a fire truck to you urgently. Remember to state which service you need and tell them where you are.
Australia Student Guide Smartphone App With a continually updated events calendar for your city and showcasing some of the most exciting and interesting places and experiences, enjoying Australia has never been easier.
www.insiderguides.com.au
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Your New City
Introduction Welcome to Perth, the laid-back city. Set around the beautiful Swan River, the city is home to less than two million people who are polite and friendly probably because they live in one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Founded in 1829, Perth is the largest city on the West coast of Australia, with the closest capital city being Adelaide, a staggering 2,104km away. Even though it is the most isolated capital city in the world, there’s plenty happening every night of the week, so it keeps up with its eastern counterparts.
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Sprawling suburbs that stretch all along the gorgeous coastline surround the CBD. The city itself is organised, with plenty of clear signage so it’s hard to get too lost. Everything is in close proximity too. You shouldn’t have to travel more than an hour to get to most of the cool places. As well as being an easy city to navigate, the city of Perth has recently introduced an initiative to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Many of the popular events are now turning carbon neutral, many businesses and households are embracing solar energy and there is a strong commitment to water conservation too.
Your New City
Perth also has that typical Australian climate - hot and dry during summer, and cool and wet during the winter months. For those who like the heat, Perth often experiences heat waves (over 40 degrees) so it’s perfect for spending time at one of its many beaches. With a wealth of sandy beaches to explore, Perth is also the perfect city for those who love nature and getting outdoors. It has some of the best parks and gardens located right in the heart of the city and a number of smaller towns and wildlife parks to visit. You’ll easily find everything you need in Perth, making it one of the best cities in Australia.
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Academic History Although Western Australia is still a relatively young state, having only been around for 183 years, it has a strong history of academic achievement. The University of Western Australia was established in 1911 and was one of Perth’s first universities. It was also free to attend, and promoted equal access across the social classes. In 1986 the Western Australian Institute of Technology was formally made a university now better known as Curtin University. It was named after John Curtin, one of Australia’s most respected Prime Ministers who led
the country through the end of World War II. Murdoch University is also named after an impressive Australian, Sir Walter Murdoch, who was a prominent Australian academic, who was well known for his wit and humour. Perth has also spawned a number of famous and highly esteemed people throughout its history. Two of UWA’s previous students went on to win a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1979. Robin Warren and Barry J Marshall rediscovered the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori and its cause in stomach ulcers.
Perth also attracts some very talented individuals. Dr Martin Mhando, who was born in Tanzania but has lived in Australia since the early 1990s, was nominated for an Oscar in the foreign language category in 2002 for his film Maangamizi. He’s now a senior lecturer in Media Studies at Murdoch University. One of Australia’s most well loved and critically acclaimed authors Tim Winton attended Curtin University, writing two of his novels whilst studying. Since then, he has gone on to receive numerous literary awards and accolades.
Fun Facts Perth has the highest population per capita of self-made millionaires in the world thanks to its massive mining industry.
Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world - it’s over 1,300 km to the next big city.
Kings Park in Perth is the biggest city park in the world. It’s even bigger than New York’s Central Park, standing at 4.06 square kilometres.
Broome, a coastal city in the north of the state, has the world’s oldest operational outdoor picture theatre - the Sun Outdoor Picture Theatre was built in 1916.
Getting Around Finding your way around Perth and the outer suburbs isn’t as difficult as it might seem - Perth has a great public transport system which heads out in every direction. Whether you live close to the city or your campus is in the suburbs, you don’t have to worry too much about getting around. Be wary though - public transport isn’t always the most reliable form of transport. If you need to be somewhere, make sure you leave plenty of time.
Transperth take care of all the public transport in Perth and some of the outer areas. There are a number of Transperth info centres where you can find everything you need - timetables, tickets as well as helpful staff who can answer your questions. Check the website for their locations around Perth. You can also call their Info Line on 13 62 13 or visit the website: www.transperth.wa.gov.au.
If you plan on traveling on Perth’s public transport system, there are a few things you should know. First, if you’re a tertiary student, you need to have a Tertiary SmartRider card. Even if you have your tertiary student card (from your institution) or another form of identification, it won’t be accepted and you could possibly be issued a fine.
Tickets In Perth, the public transport system has two types of ticketing - SmartRider and cash tickets. When you buy a ticket you don’t just buy a single ride - you buy up to three hours of travel with Transperth.
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SmartRider A SmartRider is a card issued to you with an amount of money stored on it. When you catch a bus, train or tram the amount for the fare is automatically deducted. You only need one card and you can use it any time. How does it work? All you have to do is touch the card onto a validator when you use any of the Transperth services. Just wait for the short beep or look for the yellow light which means it’s been a successful ‘tag on’. You probably won’t even need to take the card out of your wallet, just hold it against the machine. You also need to ‘tag off’ if you have travelled through more than one zone. How much is a SmartRider? A concession/tertiary student SmartRider card will cost you $5 upfront. From there you’ll need to charge money onto your card - a minimum of $10 must be added to your SmartRider. Depending on how often you use public transport will determine how often you need to recharge your card. Where do I get one? If you want to get the best deal, buy one through your institution. If you attend Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University or the University of Western Australia you can apply and get a card fairly easily. Check with your campus to see how you should go about getting a card.
Your New City
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Cash Ticket These are the one-off tickets you can buy and the cost will depend on the length of your journey. If you regularly use public transport, you’re much better off getting yourself a SmartRider ticket, as they ensure you receive the lowest and most accurate fare. How does it work? When travelling on a bus, you’ll need to purchase your ticket directly from the driver. Try to have the correct change on you as they don’t carry a lot. If you’re not sure which ticket you need, just ask the driver. If you’re travelling via train, you’ll need to purchase one from the TVM (Ticket Vending Machine) in the station. How much are tickets? To determine how much you need to pay, you’ll need to figure out which zone you’re travelling to. There are nine zones and the amount you have to pay increases with the number of zones you’re travelling through. For example, if you want to go from the city to Fremantle, that crosses two zones, so your fare will be $4.00 standard and $1.60 for concession.
Taxis Although they might be the way to travel in other countries, taxis are an expensive way of getting around in Perth. Most people use them late at night when there aren’t many other transport options or if they have no other choice. It’s a good idea to be wary of how much your trip will cost. Make sure you have enough cash and there can be extra fees if you’re heading to the airport, or if you make a mess in the cab. Independent taxis 132 211 Yellow cabs 131 924
Swan Taxis 13 13 30 Access Taxis 1300 360 940
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Buses The best way to get anywhere is via a bus. If you’re just planning on travelling around the city, you should definitely know about the Perth CATs (Central Area Transits). They’re free and run on a loop of different parts of the city. - Red CATs travel from Queens Gardens in East Perth to Outram Street in West Perth - The blue CATs travel from the Barrack Street Jetty to Northbridge - The yellow CATs run from east to west as well. How often do they come? Buses around Perth come fairly regularly in the city. Some of the most frequent routes run from 5am to midnight every 4 to 15 minutes, and every half an hour on the weekend. You’ll need a timetable to figure these out. If you can’t find your bus stop number listed on the timetable, account for a few minutes after the stop before yours and you should have an idea of when the bus will actually arrive. What does the number mean? Each bus has a number and goes a slightly different route. Most of the areas have a similar bus number that services the various routes (e.g.: the buses that travel through the south east, like Victoria Park, have numbers between 170 and 179) Visit one of the Transperth info centres in the city for more information.
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Trains The train system is a good way of getting to the outer suburbs quickly. Check if there’s a train station near you. Where will they take me? There are five train lines that all leave from the middle of Perth (Perth Station) and head out to Armadale, Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland and Mandurah. How often do they come? Trains run roughly every 15 minutes, and every half hour later in the evening.
Ferries As well as the train and bus services, Transperth also operates a ferry service to cross the Swan River. Where will they take me? You can catch one from Barrack Street in the middle of the city to the South Perth foreshore. The ferry is also a quick and easy way to get to the Perth Zoo. How often do they come? Ferries will depart every 15 minutes during peak time (7am-9am and 4.30pm-6.30pm) and twice an hour off peak.
Bikes Riding your bike is a great way to get around the city - it’s environmentally friendly, it’s reliable and there are plenty of places to securely keep it. Most universities will have bicycle bays where you can lock your bike safely. In Perth it’s also the law to wear a helmet when you’re riding a bike, so make sure you’ve got one! The Perth Department of Transport have a very comprehensive website promoting safe bicycle practices as well as helpful tips and maps for bike routes around the city. Visit www. transport.wa.au/activetransport to check it out. If you don’t own a bike, there are a few places around Perth where you can hire them for a few hours to see the city.
Cycle Centre 313 Hay St, East Perth You can easily hire a bike for a half day for just $20, and you’ll receive a helmet, water and various maps for free! You can explore plenty of Perth in that time, but if you want to hire for longer you can. www.cyclecentre.com.au
Go Online Find the best way to get from A to B in Perth with the Transperth online journey planner. www.transperth.wa.gov.au
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Your New City
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Never be Bored Again.
Australia Student Guide
Ever. Local students know how to enjoy Australian cities. Now it’s your turn.
Locals maintain the free Australia Student Guide app so you can discover the best nightlife, student specials, events, adventures, shops, experiences and more.
Northbridge Piazza
WA Visitor Centre
green stamp certified printer
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS eco bleaching process
ISO 14001 certified
enviroment managed system
CITY OF PERTH www.perth.wa.gov.au
9461 3333
WA VISITOR CENTRE www.wavisitorcentre.com
1300 361 351
TAXI SERVICES Black & White Taxis Swan Taxis
13 1008 13 1330
TRANSPERTH 13 6213 (Bus, Train and Ferry service informat www.transperth.wa.gov.au EMERGENCY (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 000 WA Police Assistance 13 14 44
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Eating 10. Regal on Roe 11. Greenhouse 12. Cheeky Sparrow 13. Annalakshmi 14. Jus Burger 15. Generous Squire
Nightlife 16. Helvetica 17. Hula Bula Bar 18. Ezra Pound 19. Connections 20. Mint 21. Ferrera Bar 22. Devilles Pad
The Australian Flag The Aussie Flag, like every country’s flag, holds a lot of cultural significance. The flag came into being after each of the states joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The flag’s design was selected as part of a competition in 1901 - five winners (including two teenagers) shared in the £200 prize.
The Commonwealth Star Also known as the ‘Star of Federation’. It has seven points to represent the six states and combined territories of Australia. The seventh point was only added in 1990. The Union Jack This is the symbol of Australia’s ties with Great Britain. As a member of the Commonwealth, it is one of only five other countries with the Union Jack on their flag. The Southern Cross These five stars represent the Southern Cross constellation - a significant navigational star in the southern hemisphere.
Each of the states and territories around Australia have their own flags as well, each containing the union jack, and a badge containing something unique. The flag of Western Australia contains a yellow disc, with the native Black Swan.
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Your New City
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Indigenous Australia Before European colonisation in 1788, Australia’s population was made up entirely of the Indigenous people of Australia – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. There were hundreds of communities around the country that spoke several different languages and held different beliefs while upholding various common traditions and practices.
It’s important to appreciate that the European or Western way of life that you now see in Australia is a relatively new concept (only a few hundred years old). The Indigenous population has inhabited Australia for over 60,000 years. Today, elements of Indigenous culture can be found in many areas of modern Australian life. Indigenous art, music, people, stories and history are an important part of our national identity. Land Ownership To the Indigenous people of Australia, the concept of land ownership that Western cultures have (i.e. buying and selling land) is very different from their
own. Their relationship with the land was, and remains, at the core of their spirituality. Land was not viewed as something that a person could “own”. As this society and land ownership system was not respected by the British, Australia was viewed as ‘terra nullius’ (“land belonging to no one”) and the land was colonised. Today, some important legal milestones have been reached in the area of Indigenous land rights, which indicate that cultural sensitivity and respect can dictate how Australia moves forward. Experiencing Indigenous Australian Culture If you’re interested in learning more about this
incredible rich and diverse culture, we highly recommend visiting your local museum to discover how Indigenous Australians used tools, shared stories over generations, created spectacular artwork and lived off the land. If you’re planning a trip, you might like to consider Uluru in the Northern Territory to learn about this remarkable natural wonder and its importance to the local Indigenous community. A local Anangu guide can give you a rich insight into this part of the world. You could even head to Alice Springs to check out Aboriginal art galleries, or even the Kimberleys in WA and discover some rock art.
Black: Represents the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Red: Represents the red earth and the red ochre, which symbolises a spiritual relationship with the land. Yellow: Represents the sun, the provider of life and the protector of people.
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Aussie Cultural Diversity It’s no secret that Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world: people from all over the world have migrated here, vibrantly shaping the Australia that we experience today.
Asian
British
Indian
Australia has a large Asian population, which started growing back in the 1850s with the Australian Gold Rush. In 1861, just after the height of the gold rush, Chinese immigrants made up 3.3% of the population. Since then, the number has continued to rise, with Australia now home to well over 200,000 Chinese residents. The second most commonly spoken language at home in Australia is Mandarin. Other Asian countries have also made a significant impact on the Australian lifestyle, with an increasing number of residents from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Australia was settled by the British, so our association with England and Great Britain goes back a long way. Captain Cook discovered the country back in 1788 and a variety of English, Irish and Scottish migrants made their way to Australia. Over 1 million residents currently living in Australia were born in the United Kingdom. British culture can be seen everywhere in Australia - our fondness for cricket, our flag, our language and our love for a quenching ale.
Indian migration to Australia is one of the more recent patterns of immigration. Over 153,000 Australian residents were born in India according to the most recent Census. However, it’s said some of the first settlers were Indian convicts transported by the British Colonial Government in India back in 1788! A large portion of Indian migrants also arrived in Australia during the Gold Rush. Since then, the Indian culture has been bolstered by a strong student intake each year.
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European While there were some European cultures that made their way to Australia in its early years, it wasn’t until after World War II that Europe started changing the face of Australia. With so many displaced people after the War, ethnicities from all over Europe made their way to the country. The influences of Italian and Greek cultures can be found almost everywhere, as well as German, Polish and Eastern European nationalities, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Australian cuisine. Australians have embraced all manner of European cuisine!
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Street Food Street food has really started to pick up popularity in the past years in Australia. Venders often appear spontaneously around the city centre during lunch hours or at markets.
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To keep track of when these food carts will be around we recommend following a few of them on Twitter:
/marcelitas_ /RHSpatula /TasteElAsador
Your New City
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Setting-up & First Steps Removalists
Introduction Before you can start exploring and enjoying everything this place has to offer, there are a few necessary things to sort out. These are basic things, like where you’re going to live. Will you be living in private accommodation, or perhaps with an Australian family?
Next on the list is getting connected. It’s pretty hard to study and keep in touch with your family back home if you don’t have any Internet access or a phone contact. There are plenty of different options when it comes to getting connected, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble setting yourself up.
Once you have sorted out your living situation, there’s the all-important furnishing of your home. Where can you find cheap furniture? What sort of things should you be buying anyway? We’ve got all those questions answered too.
Of course, if you’re going to be living in Australia for a while, you’re going to need a source of income - and nobody likes relying on Mum and Dad forever. Finding a job is a great way to experience more of the Australian culture and meet more of the locals,
not to mention improve your English and gain some quality experience. If you have never applied for a job before, look no further than here for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to secure that part time position. Setting up a bank account is also crucial. In this chapter, we tell you what to look out for when setting it up, as well as what you will need if you want to transfer or receive money from overseas.
The Average Australian Based on a recent survey, 6/10 British families want to move to Australia.
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Setting-up
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Need to Knows Second-hand One of the best tips for any new student is to try and live cheaply. You want to have enough money to spend exploring your new city, so if you can find bargains on the essentials, you’ll be off to a good start. A lot of second-hand shops are run by charities like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. There is sure to be some low priced pre-loved furniture you can give a new home to. Otherwise keep an eye on your university pin boards - other international students usually try to sell their bigger items before they head back home.
Garage Sales People often like to get rid of their old belongings by holding a garage sale. People will set up their things in their driveway and sell them. Sometimes you can pick up a real bargain. Garage sales are usually held on the weekend - most people will create handwritten signs pointing to the address and put them on main roads, so keep your eyes out.
Gumtree & The Trading Post These are great websites where people can sell just about anything - old furniture, tickets to concerts, even pets. The good thing about these websites is that you almost always need to meet the person selling you the goods – meaning you can check it out before you buy it and you don’t have to pay for delivery! It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you when you’re collecting your newly purchased item, just to be safe. www.gumtree.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au
Storage If you come to Australia and find you have a lot more stuff than you can store, you might need to look into storing it. There are plenty of places around that will store your stuff in a small garage for a period of time. It can get pretty pricey though, so make sure you do your research. Your institution will be able to help you here.
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Setting-up
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The Right Accommodation For You One of the first things you’ll need to think about after you have decided what you’re going to be studying in Australia is where you’ll live. There are a few options that you can choose from but make sure you do your research - check with your institution about their recommended accommodation, and take into account your needs and budget before you lock anything in.
Homestay Student Apartments Most universities offer student apartments where you might share with a few other students or have your own room. What will I get? You’ll get fully furnished rooms, which can range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom. How much will it cost? It depends on the apartment, but you’ll be paying between $200 and $500 a week. What are some of the advantages? There’s a real emphasis on community - some house over 400 students! Plus you don’t have to worry about furnishing your place. What are some of the disadvantages? It can be quite expensive and you have to pay for your Internet use separately. Who should I talk to? www.unilodge.com.au www.urbanest.com.au
A homestay is where you live with an Australian family in their home for the duration of your study. You may live with a family, a couple or another person. What will I get? Depending on the family you stay with, you may get different facilities, but you’ll certainly get your own furnished bedroom. How much will it cost? Living with a family will probably cost you between $250 and $300 a week. What are some of the advantages? You’ll get most of your meals provided, as well as Internet and you won’t have to worry about setting up utilities or phone lines. What are some of the disadvantages? Sharing with a family might be frustrating, you may live quite far from your institution and you won’t get a sense of living independently. Who should I talk to? Check out the Australian Homestay Network. They can help you link up with a family, as well as answering important questions like how much it costs. www.homestaynetwork.org.au
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Setting-up
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Renting & Share Houses Residential Colleges Colleges are a great accommodation option for international students as a lot of the basics are taken care of, and most colleges are only a short distance from the big universities. What will I get? At a residential college you’ll receive all your meals, as well as a weekly room clean. You’ll get yourself a fully furnished bedroom, plus access to Wi-Fi, library facilities and tutors. How much will it cost? It depends on the college you choose, but most colleges cost between $285 and $410 a week. What are some of the advantages? It’s a great way to meet lots of different people while utilities and Internet are often included in the price. What are some of the disadvantages? Sharing bathrooms can be frustrating, you’re often locked into a yearly contract and there’s such a strong social aspect you might find it hard to concentrate. Who should I talk to? Check your institution’s website first - they’ll point you in the direction of the right colleges. You can then check out their websites and find out all the important information.
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This is true independent living renting an apartment or a house either alone or with housemates. What will I get? Renting a place means you call the shots. You have to pay for everything though, including furniture, food, utilities as well as rent. How much will it cost? $100 - $400 a week - depending on how many you share with and where you live. That usually doesn’t include bills, and it definitely doesn’t cover any food costs. What are some of the advantages? Independent living is great and you can meet a whole bunch of new people, plus you have a lot more control of your living arrangement. What are some of the disadvantages? Paying for everything, including furniture and all utilities can be tough and it can get lonely if you’re living by yourself. Who should I talk to? Since renting is a private matter, your institution won’t have much to do with this. But it’s a good idea to check out the Future Unlimited website - they can give you all the information you’ll need about renting and how to find a place. www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
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Accommodation Finding a place to live can be a scary process. Most problems arise between international students and their landlords because the students have not paid enough attention to the contract they have entered into. Some landlords will try to take advantage of you! Know what your rights are. Here are a few tips that will help you stay out of trouble: Read the fine print Make sure you know if you have entered under a fixedterm or a periodic tenancy. If you sign an agreement, you should receive a copy straight away. Keep this in a safe place so you can refer to it if a problem arises, along with a copy of all other documentation including receipts for all payments. Every part of your agreement needs to be in writing. A verbal agreement is not good enough proof of your tenancy terms. Bond, house bond As a general rule, if you are renting for $350 a week or less, the bond cannot be more than four weeks rent. Be aware though, there are exceptions to this. Check what you can legally be charged at: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ ConsumerProtection
Rent in advance A landlord can ask for two weeks rent for periodic tenancy and one month’s rent for fixed term tenancy. Do your own inspections There are three inspections you need take seriously: Before you agree to rent, inspect the place. DO NOT agree to pay money to someone for a house you haven’t seen. You can tell a rental scam if you are not allowed to inspect a property, the documentation looks wrong, or they want you to send money overseas or to a PO Box. Before you move in, do a very careful inspection to check the condition of the house. Note as much as you can on any pre-existing problems when you first receive your inspection sheet. It’s best to take dated photos of any damages. Keep a copy of all this documentation for yourself. This will help if you have to dispute any repairs with the landlord at the end of your stay.
When you move out, make notes and take dated photos of everything again. It’s a good idea to have witnesses to all these inspections. Utilities Make sure you agree with your landlord about your electricity, gas, internet, water usage, etc. Agree on exactly how much you are responsible for and any usage limits in writing before you begin renting. End of days Pay attention to the details regarding the end of your tenancy agreement. If you leave without giving notice, you can get in real trouble! For more information or if you run into trouble with your landlord, call Consumer Protection. www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ ConsumerProtection
Accommodation Apps Find your new rental property on your phone with either the Domain or Realestate app. Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.
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Decking Out Your New Pad
Bathroom
Study
What will I need? • Towels • Bath mats • Toiletries
What will I need? • Desk & chair • Bookshelf
Can I buy them for cheap? Absolutely. Get the towels, shower curtains and such from discount department stores like Kmart, Big W and Target. For everything else, you can pick them up from good supermarkets.
• Computer
What if I want to spend more money? You can head to other department stores such as David Jones and Myer.
Can I buy them for cheap? Yes. Find furniture from www.gumtree. com.au. You may need a trailer or a large car to get it to your place though. Alternatively, head to garage sales in your area on Saturday mornings. You can find out where they are in your local weekend newspaper. What if I want to spend more money? If you want to buy new furniture, you can head to IKEA. Or if you’re thinking about spending a bit more, you can go to places like Harvey Norman. They also sell computers and electrical items there. Remember, you can bargain with the staff at Harvey Norman.
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Bedroom
Kitchen
What will I need?
What will I need?
• Bed • Linen • Storage
• Dining table & chairs
Can I buy them for cheap?
• Cutlery, crockery • Appliances
Pick up the bed base, tables and storage from www.gumtree.com.au, but don’t buy second-hand mattresses. You can get good deals on new mattresses at places like Forty Winks (www.fortywinks.com.au). You can get some nice linen from Target and Big W too.
Can I buy them for cheap?
What if I want to spend more money? If you want to buy high quality bedding, we recommend Sealy beds (www.sealy.com.au). For bits of furniture, head to The Good Guys and Harvey Norman. Just Google their locations in your city.
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You can deck out a kitchen for quite cheap these days. Insider Guides recommends Target, Big W and Kmart for small electronic stuff like kettles and toasters. Don’t bother buying it second-hand as you don’t get any warranties that way. What if I want to spend more money? If you want to buy high quality kitchenware, Myer and David Jones are good for this. They have a nice range of pots and pans too. For a good fridge, we recommend getting it new from The Good Guys, as you’ll want their extended warranty for it.
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Getting Connected So you have just landed in Australia and you’re wondering what to do next. You’ll probably want to talk to your family back home as soon as you can to let them know you have arrived safely and to hear a familiar voice. Getting connected is pretty easy in Australia if you know what to do.
Wi-Fi In Australia, there are plenty of places that offer free wireless. You can often find Wi-Fi hotspots in some airports, cafes, public libraries, McDonalds and your campus (although you may have to sign up to use these – check with your campus first). If you’re struggling to find a connection anywhere, there are a few Wi-Fi-Finder apps on smartphones too. Just head over to one of these spots, pull up a chair and connect to the web – too easy!
Mobile Broadband and 3G Obviously there will be times when you can’t use free wireless, so another option is to use a wireless dongle. A dongle is a small USB that you plug into your computer and are usually sold by phone companies like Virgin Mobile or Vodafone. These are prepaid (you can get some for $29 for 30 days all the way up to $79 for 100 days) and are excellent for short-term use. You can also connect your phone to your laptop and use your phone’s 3G connection (don’t use it too much! – most phone plans have a low data allowance).
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Home Internet A more long-term solution is to sign up to an Internet contract if you’re living in a house. There are a whole range of different plans and contracts out there, so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you. Try to find one that includes a wireless modem or router, otherwise you’ll have to buy one separately. Plans usually include a download limit, and the higher the cost per month, the more downloads you receive. You can often sign up for a year or more and the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it gets. We recommend getting Naked ADSL (uses your land line) as, let’s be honest, who uses land line phones these days anyway?
Internet Providers: Internode: www.internode.on.net Optus: www.optus.com.au Telstra: www.telstra.com.au
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Skype
Mobile Phones
If you prefer to hear as well as see your loved ones back home, Skype is certainly your best option. Combining video and sound, it’s basically a video call and, best of all it’s free if the person you’re calling has Skype too. So make sure your family signs up back home to keep things cheap. Just visit the Skype website, download the software and you’re done! Another voice-based option is Skype credit which also allows you to call foreign mobiles at great rates.
Living in Australia, almost everyone has a mobile phone and chances are you had one back home too. Unfortunately, that one might not work here, as it may be locked to your provider back home. There are ways around this, but most short-term travellers will often purchase a cheap mobile phone on a pre-paid deal, meaning you pay for what you use and aren’t locked into any sort of monthly contract. You can buy these pre-paid SIM cards (and rechargeable credit) from almost anywhere – supermarkets, service stations and mobile phone outlets.
www.skype.com
Alternatively, if you’re here for a while, you can sign up to a plan, which can often provide greater value (and better phones), but comes with a fixed-term contract (usually 24 months).
Viber & Whats App
Phone Cards If your parents aren’t very computer savvy, perhaps a phone call might be easier. To keep your costs down, make sure you buy a phone card – it’s about 80% cheaper than calls from a home phone. www.aussiephonecards.com.au
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If you have got a smartphone, there are a few apps out there that can help you save your dollars while still communicating with the people you want. Viber is a great app which uses all your existing contacts. It lets you make calls and send messages - all for free. It uses your 3G connection to connect with other Viber users, so it’s a great alternative to other methods. Best of all, it works with any network and any operating system (Android, Windows and iOS).
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Finding a Job While you’re staying in Australia, chances are you’re going to need to support yourself financially. We’ve highlighted some of the important steps involved when looking for a job.
Decide Why should I get a job? Working has a number of benefits apart from just money. Getting a job in Australia means you’ll get to meet new people, as well as improve your English. You’ll also gain valuable experience. How much can I work? International students studying full time in Australia for more than 3 months automatically receive a work visa when you apply for your Australian student visa. This means you can work for up to 40 hours a week during the semester and an unlimited amount during term breaks. What sort of job should I get? Most students find work in retail or hospitality industries because of the flexible hours they offer. This includes working at a supermarket or waiting tables at a local restaurant. The good thing is that a lot of these jobs don’t require much experience before you start.
Hunt How do I find a job? First things first, get your resume polished and start door knocking on businesses you want to work at. Expect to get rejected by 90% of them, but this is a great way to get your name in front of the managers and staff as it shows that you’re keen. Where can I go to find work? If you don’t have any luck in person, try these websites. www.seek.com.au www.careerone.com.au www.indeed.com.au
Where else can I go to find work? If you can’t find anything online, you could always try looking at your institution. Many universities and colleges also have online job boards that are worth taking a look at.
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Prepare Do I need a Tax File Number? Yes you do. A Tax File Number means you won’t get taxed at a higher rate. You just have to fill out a form online and have your passport handy. Visit www.ato.gov.au to apply for one. What else should I know? Many Australians are very approachable people; so don’t be too nervous about asking lots of questions. Most will be happy to help you out. Just remember to be polite, punctual and willing to learn. What happens if I get in trouble? While most businesses in Australia try to keep their employees happy, some might try to underpay or overwork you. If you think something’s not right, you can always call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au. They can advise you on what to do next.
Apply How do I apply for a job? If you have found the job on the Internet, chances are you’ll be able to apply directly through the website. Do I need to include a resume? If you have found a job in person, most places will ask you to send them a resume. A resume is basically a record of your previous work experience. Keep your resume short and include a reference - a previous employer or someone who has seen you work or study. Try asking a friendly tutor. I’ve been offered an interview, now what? Congratulations! If you have managed to get an interview, you’re almost there. It’s always a good idea to prepare for an interview - get a friend to ask you some questions about your skills and your experience, and practice answering them.
The Average Australian The average weekly income in Australia is $1396.70 for a male and $1150.20 for a female.
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Welcome and best of luck this semester from your ANZ Student Banking Specialists. Whether you call Australia home, or you’ve come here to study, we can help you address your banking needs.
anz.com ® A-Z Review is a registered trademark of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 85379E 10.2011 W251263
At ANZ, we understand student life because we ask. When you have an A-Z Review® your needs come first. That’s how our Student Banking Specialists will then be able to recommend a banking solution to suit your lifestyle and goals from a broad range of everyday banking, savings, credit card, investment and insurance products and services. If you require assistance in a language other than English, we also have multilingual staff conveniently located at the following city branches. Come in and say hello. Wellington st
Murray st Perth Central
Barrack st
Williams st
Murray st
Hay st
Sherwood ct
Howard st
St Georges tce
The Esplanade
• 77 St Georges Terrace • 237 Murray Street
Banking & Money If you’re going to be living in Australia for a period of time, you’re going to need to have somewhere to safely keep your money. This is where having an Australian bank account is a good idea.
Setting Up a Bank Account There are plenty of different banks available in Australia and there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. What should I bring? Head into the bank and explain that you’d like to open an account. Make sure you bring enough ID with you. Most banks will need to see your passport, visa, or driver’s license (if you have one) as well as proof of address - you can bring a household bill. What do I get? You’ll get a bankcard - this is what you’ll use when you want to pay for something by EFTPOS or withdraw money from your account.
ATMs What are they? Automatic Teller Machines are a fast, easy and convenient way to take money out of your bank account. All you need to do is insert your bankcard, type in your PIN number and select the amount you’d like to withdraw. Your card will pop out, along with your money and a receipt. Some ATMs also offer different language features, so you can choose your native language to help you out. What are the fees? Most banks won’t charge you for using their ATM but if you use another bank’s ATM, you will be charged $2. They call this a ‘disloyalty fee’. It’s also a good idea to avoid the smaller machines found in pubs, clubs and service stations - these will also charge you a fee.
Online banking All of the major Australian banks allow you to transfer funds, pay bills and manage your accounts online. Be sure to ask for your internet banking options at your local branch.
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Money Transfer What do I need to do to receive money from overseas?
What do I need to do to send money overseas?
It’s your birthday and your parents want to send some cash to you in Australia as a gift from back home. You’re going to need to let them know a few things first.
You want to send a bit of money to your parents back home. There are a few things you’ll need from them before you can do an international money transfer.
Make sure you let them know your: Australian bank account name
Make sure you know their: Bank account name and account number The overseas bank ‘sort’ code
Australian bank account number and BSB
International Bank Account Number (IBAN) (Europe only)
Address of the bank your account is with
SWIFT code of the overseas bank
Australian bank SWIFT Code
Debit Cards An increasingly popular option among Australian locals is Visa or Mastercard debit cards. You can apply for these through your bank. It works just like a credit card and allows you to use credit services (i.e. online services), but it uses the money in your account. Be sure to check the fees and interest on any card before you decide to get one.
Notes and Coins It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when travelling and a good way to do that is by converting your home currency into Australian Dollars (AUD). If you have some currency from back home and want to change it, head into your local post office. They’ll exchange it based on the current rates.
Travellers Cheques If you have brought some with you they can be easily exchanged for cash at your bank, or through Amex and Thomas Cook. Just make sure you bring your passport when you want to cash them in.
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Staying Healthy Your health can seem unimportant when you’re studying, but it needs to be a priority. Our Editor talked to Dr. Maggie Phillips about some important issues for international students.
Sexual Health Diet Students are more at risk of stomach upsets because of the high-party, high-stress lifestyle. Eating fast food can seem easy, but cooking meals that are low in fat and high in fibre is the best option. The better you eat, the better your body can use the energy for study. Don’t rely on high-caffeine ‘energy’ drinks. Have three solid meals a day and you will have plenty of energy. Take the time to prepare healthy meals at home.
Climate Australia is a dry country so you may need to adjust if you’re used to humidity. Showering too often will wash away the oils your skin needs for dry conditions. If you’re getting itchy, switch to moisturising soaps or use Sorbolene (moisturiser).
Sunlight Vitamin D deficiency is common and you may easily end up deficient if you are not spending much time in the sun. The easiest way to combat this is to spend more time in the sun - only 15 minutes a day is needed so take your books and sit outside while you study. Otherwise, you may need vitamin supplements.
You can get contraceptive medications and devices very easily and cheaply in Australia. Condoms are available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Emergency contraceptives are available from pharmacies if you need them. Take them within 24 hours for the most effective result. Pregnancy terminations are not easy to get in Australia. It can take weeks to organise, and late terminations can be difficult to arrange and expensive. www.stdservices.on.net
Mental Health Remember to take time out for yourself. If things seem too hard, talk to friends and family. Universities and colleges often have counselling services or you can use free services such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline. Make sure you talk to someone as soon as you feel like things are getting too hard to handle.
Clinic Hours Very few medical clinics are open seven days or have 24-hour services (and those that do can be expensive). If you need a medical certificate or you have a minor illness like a cold, wait until the doctor’s offices are open. You can also ring Healthdirect Australia to get advice on treating non-life-threatening illnesses: 1800 022 222
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OSHC doesn’t cover you for everything: Ambulance Cover Some OSHC policies have gaps or limitations in ambulance cover. This means you may not be covered if you require an ambulance but you may not need to go to hospital. These bills can be hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check these ‘nonemergency’ situations with your provider! Hospitals If you need to go to a public hospital in a non-emergency situation or for an elective procedure, then call your OSHC provider and check that you will be covered. Remember to ask your OSHC provider where their nearest agreement hospital is. You should then give that hospital a call to confirm that you will be accepted as a patient with OSHC. Remember, your OSHC may not cover you for private hospitals. Complaints If you face a situation where you feel like you’re being ripped off or unfairly treated in regards to your OSHC, you can call the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO). It’s a free service designed to help you out of trouble! 1800 640 695
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CLOSER
TO YOUR CAREER At ACAE our courses are practical and employment focused. Our students not only get high quality training at the college, we also set them up with a work placement during their course that gives them real-world experience. You can study: •
Business
•
Management
•
Accounting
•
Tourism
•
Hotel Management
•
Events Management
•
Commercial Cookery
•
Patisserie
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY ACAE.EDU.AU
641 Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000 T (08) 9322 3202 | F (08) 9321 3698 E info@acae.edu.au | acae.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code: 01303K
When Things Break Living away from home can be a lot of fun, but what happens when something goes wrong?
The taps are leaking If your taps are leaking, you can try tightening or replacing the seal or washer. The team at the hardware store can give you some good advice. If it’s more serious, your agent or landlord needs to know first as they should be paying for this. They will either organise a plumber to come over, or they may tell you to organise a plumber and they will pay you back. We recommend Jims Plumbing www.jimsplumbing.net.au.
Your TV stopped working Assuming you bought the TV new and it’s under warranty, you’ll need to call the manufacturers or take it back to the store where you bought it. They might send out a technician. If it’s not under warranty, you can either pay a repair man to fix it (which can cost a lot), or throw it out. If you want to throw it out, don’t dump it on the street!! Call your council and ask where you can dispose of it.
You have spilled some red wine… 1. Pour salt/bi-carb Soda on it, wait until the powder turns red then remove it. Repeat until it stops going red. 2. Grab some paper towel and pat it around the edges to stop it spreading. Don’t rub or wipe. 3. Call a professional carpet cleaner if you need to (about $80).
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Oven’s not working 1. Check the gas supply. If you have gas bottles, are they empty? 2. Call your agent or landlord and ask for a repairman to check it out.
Broken windows If you have accidentally broken a window, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Your landlord won’t pay for this, as it was your fault. Have a look online for a glazier - these guys can replace windows quickly and easily. Be ready to spend a bit of money though, they’re not cheap. Make sure you let your landlord know as well - they might be able to organise it with you.
Your furniture has become unusable Your couch may have been comfortable once upon a time, but now it’s horrible to sit on, and some of the springs are poking through. Getting rid of a couch can be as easy as making a phone call.
Broken fridge 1. Remove all of the perishables and put them into an Eski or an ice filled sink / tub.
Check your local council’s website for their policy on ‘hard rubbish’ - most will be more than happy to come and collect your old couch for a small fee or for free (some councils do this free once or twice a year). Again, don’t just leave it out on the footpath.
2. Check the power point and electrical box to ensure it’s getting power. Make sure the doors are shutting properly and that the motor is running, if not, it is best to call a professional. 3. If it’s not worth fixing it, call your council to determine the best option to dispose of it. Don’t put it on the street or you’ll get a fine!
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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MOVIES
Clothing • Accessories
16B S A L E
OPEN
Shopping
PUSH
M U S I C
L E S S O N S
Introduction Perth may not be widely considered a shopping capital of Australia, but it’ll certainly serve your needs. The city has a massive shopping precinct around the malls on Hay Street and Murray Street where you’ll find chain stores, speciality shops and some great little places to grab souvenirs for your family and friends back home. Those who love designer clothing can satisfy all their needs on the very unique King Street, where
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Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other world-class brands can be found. But for those looking for a bargain, you’ll find all sorts of amazing cheap deals at Harbour Town’s outlet stores. Heading out of the city into Northbridge and Mount Lawley you can find the work of local designers and artists. Or head out of the city the other way to Claremont and you can find some of the highest quality goods at Claremont Quarter.
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Driving further, you can get to Fremantle (‘Freo’) where the seaside shopping and famous markets have some of the quirkiest and coolest products, including clothes, shoes, furniture and even bikes. For those with a fondness for all things vintage, Perth has a number of great secondhand and retro stores dotted throughout the city and the suburbs and also boasts an impressive market culture, with weekly craft markets, regular vintage fashion bazaars as well as fresh produce.
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No Parking Anytime
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Need to Knows Opening Times In Australia, most stores open by 9am and close by 5pm. Major supermarkets are usually open until 9pm during the week. On Sundays, most shops will open later at 11am. Usually Thursdays or Fridays will see longer trading hours, known as ‘late night shopping’ and most shops have extended hours around Christmas.
Sales Everybody loves to pick up a bargain and Australia has two big sales throughout the year – the end of financial year (July 1) and Boxing Day, after Christmas (December 26). Most shops will also have sales racks or ‘bargain bins’ year-round, where you can pick up a cheap deal.
EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is where you can use your bankcard to pay for your purchase. You’ll need to swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN. Most places have a $10 minimum purchase amount and some will also offer ‘cash out’ – an easy way to withdraw money from your bank account whilst shopping.
Online Shopping Sometimes after a long search, you can’t find what you want in a store, or you’re simply looking for a cheaper option. Why not try shopping online? As long as you have a debit or credit card, you can purchase anything and everything, and it can be a way to get a great bargain. Just be careful of shipping and postage – it can be very expensive.
Did You Know? Queensland covers 22% of the total Australian continent an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres.
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Shop Spots The City
Fremantle
Perth plays host to some of Australia’s best outlets when it comes to shopping. Murray Street Mall is one of the few pedestrian malls in Perth - wall-to-wall shops and places to eat, all without the hassle of traffic. You’ll be able to find all the main fashion outlets easily here. This is also where you can find the bigger department stores in Myer, Target and David Jones. Keep your eyes out for the regular buskers who perform throughout the day. Arcades like Carillon City, Piccadilly Plaza and Trinity run from Murray Street Mall through to Hay Street Mall the second mall in Perth. You can wander through both and discover a whole range of speciality shops.
The casual, laid-back beachside suburb of Fremantle has plenty of great spots to find a bargain. Head down through Adelaide and Markets Streets to find a whole selection of boutique clothing outlets. The best way to find the coolest spots though is to explore by yourself. A lot of the smaller pedestrian malls hide amazing vintage and secondhand stores like Remedy and the local Salvation Army charity shops where you can pick up a unique bargain. For those who like a good market, Fremantle is also home to the E-Shed Markets. This is the place where the weird, wacky and wonderful sit side by side with traditional fresh produce.
Claremont
Leederville
Claremont is Perth’s classy shopping area - so make sure you save your dollars before you head up this way. With plenty of upmarket boutiques and designer labels for fashion and homewares, you’re certainly going to need a bigger budget for this area. Check out Claremont Quarter, the centre for shopping. It hosts some of the hottest fashion stores in the country, like Alannah Hill, Calvin Klein, Sass & Bide and Oxford. It’s only a 20-minute drive from the centre of Perth and there’s a stack of public transport that can get you out that way too.
If you prefer to find something a little alternative, Leederville is probably where you’ll find it. It’s a funky little suburb where you’ll find plenty of secondhand M U S I C traders, vinyl shops and awesome little grungy fashion stores. This is the perfect place to come and find something a little different, and chances are you won’t have to spend a whole lot.
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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MOVIES
L E S S O N S
S
Clothing • Accessories
16B
16
S A L E
OPEN
PUSH
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Your Local Shops
BUTCHER
NEWSAGENT
NEWS
Butcher
Newsagent
What is sold here? Butchers sell high quality meats, including cold cuts for sandwiches, prepared mini-roasts, cutlets, sausages, steaks, marinades and some condiments.
What is sold here? Newsagents sell newspapers, stationary, magazines, cards, bus tickets and more.
Why are they awesome? Butchers often have a better range of meats than the supermarkets and provide better quality cuts. You also get to talk to the actual butcher who cut up your meat and who can tell you about where the meat was sourced and interesting ways to cook it. Where can they be found? They can be found in most shopping centres and groups of shops. They are also common in fresh food markets. If you are looking for Halal or Kosher meats, check with your local butcher and they can point you in the right direction.
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Shopping
Why are they awesome? Newsagents often have a wide array of newspapers, including international publications. They also have a massive range of cards for any celebration. Some also sell tickets to events and lottery (lotto) tickets. Where can they be found? Newsagents are always found in small shopping centres. Often they’re near supermarkets.
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GREENGROCER
BAKERY
Greengrocer
Bakery
What is sold here? You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, yoghurts and juice here.
What is sold here? Bakeries sell loaves of bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, pies, sausage rolls and more.
Why are they awesome? Greengrocers may be a bit more expensive than supermarkets, but they’re awesome because the food always tastes that little bit fresher. Also, the staff know about where the food came from and what’s in season. In Australia, it is perfectly acceptable to pick up fruit and vegetables to feel and smell them before you buy it. Just don’t eat it before you pay for it! Where can they be found? Greengrocers are often found in small shopping centres near supermarkets.
www.insiderguides.com.au
Why are they awesome? Bakeries have saved many students from lunchtime hunger. The family run bakeries often make their own hot food too! The bread is often fresh and delicious, although some do sell yesterday’s bread. Where can they be found? Like greengrocers, butchers and newsagencies, bakeries are often found in small groups of shops. However, Insider Guides thinks the best bakeries are always a little bit out of town in the country. Ask a local where the best bakery is in your city. A good bakery is always worth the trip!
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Books, Music & Movies So you’re in a new country and there’s bound to be a range of different books, films and song titles coming up in conversation you have never heard of. We encourage you to peruse the shelves of some of these outfits to get a taste for what’s trending in Aussie pop culture.
The Bodhi Tree 1/416-418 Oxford St, Mount Hawthorn It’s a bookstore, a cafe and a place for writers to learn their craft, and there’s live classical music! All coffee and gifts are fair-trade too, so you can feel good about what you’re drinking and purchasing. There’s also free Wi-Fi and a lounge area that’s perfect for a bit of extra study on the weekend. 9444 9884
New Edition Bookshop 82 High St, Fremantle New Edition has a range of books that suits the pop culture realm, but they also stock all the fiction books you need. Be sure to check out Fi & Co out the back as well - the clothing store is pretty cool and has a great selection. 9335 2383
www.newedition.com.au
www.bodhitree.net.au
The Lane Bookshop
Bill Campbell’s Second Hand Books
52c Old Theatre Lane, Claremont Not only does this store have a large range of all your favourite genres, it hosts a number of book clubs and reading groups. The philosophy of the owners is to return the enjoyment and creative atmosphere to book hunting in order to create something different to what large book retailers have to offer.
48 High St, Fremantle Secondhand book shopping is all about the journey scouring the shelves for that hidden gem, or stumbling on something you never even knew you wanted. Bill Campbell’s is the perfect place to embark on such a journey. Shelves are filled with a huge (and we mean huge) range of books on every subject imaginable, plus plenty of fiction to keep you happy. Best of all, most of the books are dirt-cheap. 9336 3060
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9384 4423
www.lanebook.com.au
Urban Records 117 Oxford St, Leederville The definition of quality over quantity, the folk behind Urban Records are undoubtedly passionate about all kinds of popular and alterna-
Shopping
tive music. They also stock a range of clothing, accessories and other gifts. 9201 2500
Plastic Passion 43 Eighth Ave, Maylands Even if you love vinyl, you’ll be the first to admit that it’s not a cheap hobby. Records are pretty expensive. But at Plastic Passion, they don’t have to be. In fact, most of the records housed in this tiny place are easily affordable for those on a student budget. You can find a whole range of classic records here as well as some new releases. Definitely worth a look. 9272 1158
www.plasticpassion.com.au
Replay Records Corner of Royal St and Albany Hwy, Kenwick If you consider yourself a record connoisseur, Replay Records will be one store you won’t ever want to leave. While it might not look like much, this place has a huge range of stock. CDs, cassettes, music merchandise and of course, records - there’s so much stuff here, you’ll easily spend over an hour browsing. 9459 0745
www.insiderguides.com.au
Quality Comics 872 Hay St, Perth Right in the centre of the city you’ll find one of the most comprehensive comic collections in WA. Quality Comics have a huge range of comics from the big guns like DC and Marvel, but also some of the more unique artists. They also stock a wide range of animated films and series you might struggle to find elsewhere. You can also follow them on Facebook - they post regular updates about their new stock. /qualitycomics
The Co-op Bookshop The Guild Village, Hackett Dr, Crawley Campus The Co-op Bookshop sells textbooks and more at discounted prices to members. They have a store on the University of WA Crawley Campus, or you can order
www.insiderguides.com.au
books online. This might be another good place to try and score that textbook on the cheap. 6488 2069
www.coop-bookshop.com.au
JB Hi-Fi Basement, 713 Hay St Mall, Perth This is your one stop shop if you need anything music, movie or game related. New release albums are priced reasonably here and you can find some rare cds for under $30. The best part though is they have great sale items which change frequently - it’s pretty easy to get a good album for $10 or less. Also check out their huge range of games and DVDs for some awesome prices.
78 Records 914 Hay Street, Perth 78s stocks a complete and comprehensive range catering from the pop you hear on the radio to the stuff that is recorded in a back alley in Fremantle. They often have performers in store and there are instrument shops next door, making this a really great place to visit for both the performer and enthusiast. 9322 6384
www.78records.com.au
9485 1277
www.jbhifi.com.au
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Clothing & Accessories You’re certainly going to need some new threads during your stay in Perth, and there are whole ranges of different fashion avenues, suiting every budget and most of them can be found within the city walls, but be sure to head out to some of the surrounding suburbs as they also have a lot to offer the avid shopper.
Valleygirl 618 Hay St, Perth Designed for those looking for affordable style, you can find that summer dress for as little as $30 or get tops from $10. You get what you pay for here. 9218 8661
www.valleygirl.com.au
Forever New William Shopping Centre, 140 William St, Perth Forever New stocks gorgeous women’s clothing. They are all about femininity, mostly stocking pastel or soft toned outfits with floral, lace designs. They also have a range of shoes, hats and bags to complete your look. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable. www.forevernew.com.au
Kookai 48 King St, Perth Kookai can be a bit on the expensive side, but their well-designed, well-made women’s clothing is worth it. The average student need not despair on prices either - they have good sales and their VIP nights can present much needed bargains.
Temt 637 Hay St, Perth
General Pants Co. 195 Murray St, Perth
Following the latest trends need not cost the earth. Temt is a women’s fashion store making up-to-date clothing that is affordable and will last for more than a few wears. They have sleek designs to suit everyone with a large range of colours and cuts. While you’re there, you can get jewellery and accessories to match your outfit.
Boasting some of the best Aussie brands, including Sass & Bide and One Teaspoon, students can also find a range of premium international brands. Their website also hosts an online gallery, The Bubble, which all aspiring artists in any field can join. General Pants Co. also often stock music festival tickets too.
www.temt.com.au
www.generalpants.com.au
Sportsgirl
Dangerfield
709-711 Hay St Mall, Perth Sportsgirl has been one of Australia’s biggest players in the fashion industry since the 1960s. With items straight off the catwalk, girls who shop at Sportsgirl are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. Showcasing the hottest and funkiest clothes from their constantly changing stock in conjunction with the pumping new tunes, this is one for the girls who are ready make a bold addition to their wardrobe. 9481 8282
www.sportsgirl.com.au
Shop 4, 246 Murray St, Perth For everyone that has a little bit of an alternative side, this place is worth having a look at. Being one of Australia’s most loved funky urban clothing companies, the store is filled with pants, jackets, tees and accessories that cater to people with mainstream tastes and those who are looking to stand out in the crowd. If you’re looking for interesting tee-shirt designs particularly this is your one stop shop. 9322 1877
www.dangerfield.com.au
9322 9585
www.kookai.com.au
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are you planning to continue studying or working in australia? IELTS is accepted for study, professional registration and migration in Australia. Be better prepared IDP Education is a proud owner of IELTS and provides free test advice and preparation materials at IELTSessentials.com/insider. From here you can: - check the IELTS requirements of your chosen institution or profession - find an IELTS test centre near you - download a free IELTSessentials pack - register for a free IELTS Masterclass and more... Did you know?
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Un1son Apparel
Hype Shoes
Billie and Rose
140a Oxford St, Leederville
Lower Ground, 195 Murray Street Mall, Perth
2-3/672 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley
If you’ve been trying to find that perfect addition to your streetwear style, chances are Un1son have it ready and waiting for you. Whether it’s a pair of new Nike sneakers, stylish headphones, new sunnies or even just a t-shirt, this place will have you covered.
Shoe fan? If you are this is a place worth walking into. Stocking the latest in trendy street and casual footwear, this shop has one of the largest selections of the latest hip street brands under one roof. To list a few favourites, they stock Nike, Onitsuka, Adidas, Lacoste, Converse, Vans and Creative Recreation. These are all available in the most up-todate styles and sold for competitive prices.
Billie and Rose is one of the most loved designer shops around Perth. They stock a range of designers with edgy styles and classic designs. Match your men’s and women’s wear with a range of shoes and accessories from their store.
9443 6622
Periscope Clothing 274 William St, Perth For something a little unique and different, Periscope has you covered. While you can probably expect to pay more than your usual chain store, this is clothing for the individual. The store itself is simple, really showing off the clothes themselves. Even if you might not be able to afford everything, it’s worth visiting, just to see.
www.hypedc.com
Captain of the Ship 6/189 William St, Northbridge
Hatch
Tucked between the array of clubs and restaurants, the personality of the owners is obvious as you walk in. Stocking some of Perth’s best streetwear, their support of local artists and musicians makes a visit an important one for new students.
Shop 55 Carillion City, Hay St, Perth
www.facebook.com/captainoftheshipclothing
If you consider yourself a rather stylish person, you’ll definitely want to look at Hatch. Featuring a whole range of unique and upcoming Australian designers, there are labels aplenty. Just make sure you save your pennies before visiting.
Mi Life
www.periscopeclothing.com.au
www.hatch.com.au
Shop 3, Atwell Arcade, Contonment St, Fremantle Mi-Life stocks mostly shoes, but also some clothing and accessories. It’s all streetwear and brands that have classically come to represent it: Nike, Adidas, Vans, etc. Check out the awesome graffiti on their sidewall too.
9371 7776
www.billieandrose.com.au
Rummage 282 William St, Northbridge Rummage sells the designer accessories of local Emily Gibson, as well as stocking other designer pieces. The result is a shop full of bright and funky pieces that will do up any outfit. Just be wary of the potential price tag. 0406 167 898 www.rummagedesigns.com.au
Pigeonhole Bon Marche, 80 Barrack St, Perth Pigeonhole’s clothing stores stock a range of new and vintage clothing and accessories, all carefully selected. The Pigeonhole brand extends to cameras and their accessories, stationery, jewellery and gifts. 9221 9837 www.pigeonhole.com.au
6460 2633
www.milife.com.au
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www.insiderguides.com.au
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B&M Store 49a High St, Fremantle Everything in this store is chic and cool. Accessories, stationery and home decorations are among just some of the things you’ll find here. It all has a very European feel. They also have a dedicated section for things made of felt including bags and laptop cases. Deck yourself out with a unique style. 9467 6347
www.bandmstore.com.au
Cotton On Harbour Town, 840 Wellington St, West Perth Cotton On has cheap but fashionable clothing all made from cotton, as you may have cottoned on to. They have a large range of loud T-shirts, tops, skirts and pants. Their accessories, particularly scarves and jewellery, are a real bargain. 9226 1899
www.cottonon.com
Rivers Harbour Town, 840 Wellington St, West Perth Rivers sell low-priced men’s and women’s clothing in a range of classic styles. At Insider Guides, we take advantage of this store particularly for purchasing socks and jocks by the case. 9481 2944
www.rivers.com.au
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Women’s Shoe Sizes US
Europe
5 5.5 US 6 5 6.5 5.5 7 US 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 12 8.5 10 13 9 10.5 14 9.5 12 vt 10 13 10.5 14 S 12 vt 2.5 13 3 14 S 3.5 vt 2.5 4
UK
35 35.5 Europe 36 35 37 35.5 37.5 Europe 36 38 35 37 38.5 35.5 37.5 39 36 38 40 37 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 44 39 42 45 40 43 46.5 41 44 48.5 42 45 43 46.5 Europe 44 48.5 35 45 35.5 46.5 Europe 36 48.5 35 36.5
2.5 3 UK 3.5 2.5 4 3 4.5 UK 3.5 5 2.5 4 5.5 3 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 9.5 6 7.5 10.5 6.5 8 11.5 7 9.5 13 7.5 10.5 8 11.5 UK 9.5 13 2 10.5 2.3 11.5 UK 3 13 2 3.5
Europe 36 37.5
UK 3 4.5
Men’s Shoe Sizes 3 4.5 S 3.5 5 2.5 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 5 6 4 5 6.5 4.5 5.5 7.5 5 6 8 5 6.5 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 6.5 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 14.5 12 13.5 15.5 12.5 14 16.5 13 14.5 13.5 15.5 v 14 16.5 2 14.5 4 15.5 v6 16.5 2 8
35.5 37
35 36.5 37.5 35.5 37 38 36 37.5 38.5 36.5 37.5 39 37 38 40 37.5 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 43.5 39 42 44 40 43 44.5 41 43.5 45 42 44 45.5 43 44.5 46 43.5 45 46.5 44 45.5 47 44.5 46 47.5 45 46.5 48.5 45.5 47 49 46 47.5 50 46.5 48.5 51 47 49 47.5 50 US (L) 48.5 51 X-Small 49 Small 50 US (L) Small 51 X-Small Medium
Dress Sizes 4 10 v6 12 2 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 16 22 18 24 20 22 24
Small Medium US (L) Small Large X-Small Medium Large Small Medium X-Large/1X Small Large 1X/2X Medium Large 2X Medium X-Large/1X 3X Large 1X/2X 3X Large 2X X-Large/1X 3X 1X/2X 3X 2X 3X 3X
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2.3 4
2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 UK 13.5 16 4 14 6 15 UK 8 16 4 10 6 12
UK 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 26 16 22 18 24 20 26 22 24 26
Australia
3.5 4 Australia 4.5 3.5 5 4 5.5 Australia 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 10.5 7 8.5 11.5 7.5 9 12.5 8 10.5 14 8.5 11.5 9 12.5 Australia 10.5 14 2 11.5 2.3 12.5 Australia 3 14 2 3.5 2.3 4
Australia 3 4.5 2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 Europe 13.5 16 32 14 34 15 Europe 36 16 32 38 34 40
Europe 36 42 32 38 44 34 40 46 36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 46 52 48 54 50 52 54
Mexico
Mexico --Mexico 4.5 5--5.5 4.5 65 6.5 5.5 74.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 9 5.5 7 10 6 7.5 11 6.5 9 12.5 7 10 7.5 11 Mexico 912.5 10 11 Mexico 12.5 ---
Mexico --
Japan 21 21.5
21 22.5 24 21.5 23 24.5 22 23.5 25 22.5 24 25.5 23 24.5 26 23.5 25 27 24 25.5 28 24.5 26 29 25 27 30 25.5 28 31 26 29 27 30 Japan 28 31 20 29 21 30 Japan 22 31 20 22.5
35.5 36 37 35.5 37.5 36 38 37 39 35.5 37.5 39.5 36 38 40 37 39 41 37.5 39.5 41.5 38 40 42 39 41 43 39.5 41.5 44.5 40 42 46 41 43 47 41.5 44.5 49 42 46 43 47 China 44.5 49 33 46 34 47 China 35 49 33 36
Japan 22 23.5
China 35 38
Japan 22 21 22.5 21.5 23
Japan 22 23.5
21 23
31 32.5 30 31.5 33 30.5 32 34 31 32.5 35 31.5 33 32 34 Australia 32.5 35 6 33 8 34 Australia 10 35 6 12
33 36 38 34 37 39 35 38 39.5 36 38 41 37 39 38 39.5 42 38 41 43 39 43.5 39.5 42 44 41 43 44.5 43.5 45 42 44 46 43 44.5 43.5 45 47 44 46 47.5 44.5 48 45 47 46 47.5 48 -47 -47.5 -48 -Japan 5-7Japan 9511
Italy 40 46
Australia 10 16
Japan 9 15
38 44
36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 56 46 52 58 48 54 50 56 52 58 54 56 58
20 22.5 23.5 21 23 24 22 23.5 24.5 22.5 23.5 25.5 23 24 26 23.5 24.5 26.5 23.5 25.5 27 24 26 27.5 24.5 26.5 28 25.5 27 28.5 26 27.5 29 26.5 28 27 28.5 30 27.5 29 30.5 28 31 28.5 30 31.5 29 30.5 32
34 37
---4.5 5-6-4.5 6.5 57 67.5 4.5 6.5 8 5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14.5 11.5 13 15.5 12 13.5 12.5 14.5 Italy 13 15.5 36 13.5 38 14.5 Italy 40 15.5 36 42
8 14
6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 22 14 20 24 16 22 26 18 22 20 24 22 26 22 24 26
7 13
5 11 17 7 13 19 9 15 21 11 17 23 13 19 25 15 21 27 17 23 19 25 21 27 23 25 27
www.insiderguides.com.au
Student Supplies Stationery Pens, pencils and highlighters - just a few of things you’ll need before you study. For the really cool stationery, head to these three stores in your city: Smiggle: www.smiggle.com.au Kikki K: www.kikkik.com.au Typo: www.typo.com.au
For the cheaper standard stuff, head to these places in your city: Kmart: www.kmart.com.au Target: www.target.com.au
Calculators & Laptops
Textbooks
Dick Smith Electronics: www.dicksmith.com.au
Book Depository: www.bookdepository.co.uk (free shipping!!)
Officeworks: www.officeworks.com.au
Amazon: www.amazon.com
For laptops, Macs have awesome warranties and are very reliable, but PCs can be better for programs like Excel and Word. Whatever you want to get, we recommend you buy these from a place that has excellent warranties and good customer service:
Backpacks
There are two places the locals go to get a decent calculator in this city:
Myer: www.myer.com.au David Jones: www.davidjones.com.au Harvery Norman: www.harverynorman.com.au
Try and find your textbook online:
Our advice; buy them online and you’ll get an awesome backpack for a good price: ASOS: www.asos.com.au The Iconic: www.theiconic.com.au
Caffeine
Perhaps the most important companion for a student; a constant supply of caffeine! If you’re an energy drink fan we recommend heading to the discount stores and discounted department stores to buy in bulk:
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Shopping
The Reject Shop: www.rejectshop.com.au Big W: www.bigw.com.au Target: www.target.com.au
www.insiderguides.com.au
Canning College Your quality pathway to University Canning College College g n i n n Ca ng providi n i s e s i l ys specia pathwa y r t n e ity univers ens, n (citiz a i l a r t s nd to Au dents a i s e r t n e and perman idents) s e r y r a . tempor tudents s l a n o i t interna
University
Profession Career
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Programs offered merce Diploma of Management: UWA Stream ➜ year 2 entry into B.Com at The University of Western Australia merce Diploma of Management: Curtin Stream ➜ year 2 entry into B.Com at Curtin University WA Universities’ Foundation Program ➜ guaranteed places in Western Australian universities a program Certificate lV (Commerce) ➜ guaranteed place in a Canning Diplom Year 12 / WACE ➜ university or TAFE entry streams Year 11 ➜ WAUFP, Year 12 or Certificate lV Bridging Programs – academic and English upgrading
FURTHER INFORMATION Canning College (or authorised representative) T: 93515665 E: iso@canningcollege.wa.edu.au www.canningcollege.wa.edu.au
Your quality pathway to University
CPC: 00463B
Markets & Vintage Stores Vintage stores are a fantastic way to find that unique item to finish your look and usually on the cheap. Markets are also a great way to find the freshest produce at the best prices, and everyone knows it’s important to eat those fruit and veg.
E-shed Markets Victoria Quay, Fremantle Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm, E-shed offers students a cool, relaxed and inspiring shopping experience. There are heaps of stalls to explore selling arts and crafts as well as fresh produce. The food is fantastic and being on the waterfront means you can sit and enjoy in style. You can also hire a bike and explore Fremantle properly after the markets have closed for the day. www.eshedmarkets.com.au
Perth City Farm Markets 1 City Farm Pl, East Perth Every Saturday, the people of Perth come out to visit the Perth City Farm - particularly the Farmers Market. While it doesn’t sell farming equipment or farmers it does sell some of Perth’s freshest and finest fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers and homemade foods. Farmers come here and sell produce direct to the public, so you get great quality goodies for cheap!
Twilight Hawkers Markets Forrest Place, Perth During the warmer months, Perth comes alive with the Twilight Hawkers Markets. Expect a whole variety of international cuisines, all clamouring for your attention. Think Indonesian satays, Spanish paella, Turkish gozlemes, Moroccan tagines and plenty more. It’s a great way to spend the summer evenings. The market is outside under the stars and there’s always plenty of live entertainment.
Scraps 411 William St, Northbridge Stocking a large range of designer clothing, these guys are also big art fans, so they often have a selection of art and various art-related items in store. You’ll certainly be able to find something to brighten up your room. 9328 2600
www.twilighthawkersmarkets. com.au
www.scrapstore.com.au
William Topp
Off the Wall
452 William St, Perth You’ll never be lost for cool additions to your house with the wooden and ceramic oddities on offer here. There’s also jewellery and other unique art pieces. 9228 8733
www.williamtopp.com
4 Market St, Fremantle Loads of cool vintage clothing and accessories, homewares, furniture and knick-knacks, but these guys love their bikes the most. These guys are lovers of secondhand goods and if you follow their Facebook page they often post other great places to find a preloved bargain. 9336 4435
www.perthcityfarm.com.au
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www.insiderguides.com.au
Get more from your degree Experience is Everything Introducing a new option for higher education in Australia. ASM offers you a high quality bachelor degree with a unique organised internship opportunity. Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management Associate Degree and Higer Ed Diplomas are also available. Intakes in February and August. Enrolments now open. Email info@asm.edu.au or 08 9211 3222.
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Eat & Drink
PUSH
Introduction Australia is a multicultural nation, and nowhere is this more obvious than in our food culture. Perth is a food-lover’s paradise, boasting a wide range of fresh produce, excellent wines and a huge number of restaurants. Deciding where to eat out in Perth can be a tough choice – Chinese or Italian? Mexican or Korean? Japanese or Indian? Almost every international taste is catered for so students should have no trouble finding their favourite foods from back home. You’ll quickly find that the central restaurant districts are Northbridge
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and Vic Park. Northbridge has many inexpensive and authentic cuisine options throughout and is also home to Perth’s Chinatown on Roe Street, where there are plenty of great options to suit the student budget. Serving both food and alcohol, pubs are a great place to bridge the gap between eating out and staying out. Perth’s nightlife is vibrant and you’ll easily be able to find every kind of entertainment imaginable and some of Perth’s biggest nightclubs.
where you can relax quietly over a cocktail, funky and grungy late-night cafes, shops and beer gardens and even beachside pubs and live music venues. But nightlife in Australia is not just about drinking, contrary to what some local students might say. The increase in late night eateries and dessert bars around Perth and the outer suburbs means you can now head out after 10pm and find a quiet place to unwind.
Each of Perth’s nightlife areas has their own special atmosphere. Scattered around Perth, you will find trendy bars and clubs
Eat & Drink
www.insiderguides.com.au
Need to Knows Cover Charge Most clubs will charge you a fee to get in after 10pm – expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on where you go. If you contact a bar via Facebook you can often get on the door list allowing for an express entry and avoiding the fee.
Dress Code When going out in Australia, there are a few rules guys in particular should pay attention to. Make sure you wear neat casual clothing – clubs won’t let you in with thongs, singlets or ripped jeans. Some clubs also have a policy about tattoos, so you may need to cover them. Ladies are often treated a bit more leniently, but try and look classy if you know this could be a problem.
Happy Hours and Ladies’ Nights One thing Australian clubs do well is happy hours, ladies’ nights and drink specials. Happy hours are usually a couple of hours early in the evening where drinks are cheaper (think two for one vodkas). Ladies’ nights refer to girls getting discounted drinks.
Specials Board Everyone likes a cheap meal, and most restaurants and cafes have a specials board where they can show off their bargains of the day. These dishes will usually be one offs, and won’t appear on the menu. It’s a good idea to check these, as you might find your new favourite. If you have any questions simply ask the staff.
Over-18 Only In Australia, the legal age for drinking and going out is 18. That means you’ll be asked for ID whenever you buy alcohol or go to a venue that serves alcohol. Even if you’re not planning on drinking, you’ll still need to take your Proof of Age card, passport or drivers licence to a club. Sometimes foreign ID isn’t accepted so be safe and bring your passport (a photocopy won’t cut it).
www.insiderguides.com.au
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BYO (Bring Your Own) While most restaurants serve a selection of wines and alcoholic beverages, you may like to bring your own (BYO). Expect to pay a small fee for this, known as ‘corkage’, which will vary depending on where you go. Do not attempt to do this with beer or hard liquor, stick to wine.
Reservations On weekends and particularly in popular restaurants, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation. Call the restaurant the day before, let them know how many people will be eating on your table and what time you’d like to arrive. That way, you’ll know there’s a table waiting for you when you get there.
Themed Nights Some Australian clubs hold themed nights, where dressing up is encouraged. Popular themes include school uniform nights, retro nights and heroes and villains. The best way to keep up with these nights is to ‘like’ the venue on Facebook.
Tipping Tipping isn’t automatically expected in any Australian stores or restaurants. Some places will have ‘tip jars’ on the counter where you can give a few dollars if you experience particularly helpful service.
Pub Crawls A university experience isn’t complete without a pubcrawl. Each faculty will have at least one during the year, so keep your eyes out for posters. Buy a t-shirt from your uni (it acts as your ticket) and follow your peers to five different pubs and clubs. The t-shirt will usually get you a cheap drink deal at the venues. It’s a great way to get to know the people in your course too.
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Little Creatures Did you know one of the best beers in Australia is actually brewed here in WA? The Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle is favourite local sight, however it’s the restaurant which keeps locals coming back. Chill out with a pale ale, order a pizza and pull up a chair on the balcony overlooking the water! This is one of the best spots in WA to spend a lazy few hours in the sun.
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Eat & Drink Spots Perth CBD
Northbridge
Fremantle
Food The Perth CBD has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a decent meal. There’s almost everything - top notch European dining to cheap and tasty meals in the malls. For more affordable options in the CBD head to the William St, end of Hay St and Murray Street Mall. Visiting Milligan St or St Georges Tce will take your options to the next level, with such iconic eating as C Restaurant and the Belgian Beer Cafe. Head down to the river to find a relaxing dining experience in summer by the piers.
Food Northbridge is the home of inexpensive, Asian-inspired tasty dining - this area may well be where you find that special place that reminds you of eating back home. Roe St is the Chinatown area of Perth, but you’ll also find some European influences such as Mez and Oliver’s, which can be more upmarket and pricey. Check out Jus Burgers for potentially one of the best fast-food meals you’ll ever eat.
Food Fremantle’s atmosphere is casual and relaxed when it comes to eating out. Because of the awesome pubs around here, like the Norfolk and the Sail and Anchor, Freo is one of the top spots to try pub dining. South Terrace is locally nicknamed ‘the cappuccino strip’ because there are so many cafes along here. A classic Fremantle dining experience worth a mention is devouring a burger and a pint of beer at Little Creatures.
Nightlife Perth CBD is a place that has all tastes of nightlife entertainment covered. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a crazy party, you’ll find it here. The venues are mostly located to the west of the shopping precinct, towards King St, but you never know where you’ll find the next intimate bar or pub in this city. Hidden down the laneways and arcades in the city centre, you’ll find relaxing venues like Wolf Lane on Wolf Lane or the Generous Squire on Shafto Lane, which specialises in the delectable James Squire beer. Wander east of the malls to find one of Perth’s most eccentric bars, the Hula Bula Bar. If you’re looking to rock out to some live music, be sure to go to Amplifier and Capitol on Murray St.
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Nightlife Northbridge is Perth’s party centre with bars, pubs and clubs packed into the streets around William, James, Aberdeen and Parker Streets. Every night of the week is pumping. There are also plenty of other amazing places where you can see live music, have a quiet one with mates or even get a bit crazy with karaoke and entertainment. Many of the restaurants stay open late here and you can grab a snack between partying, whether you feel like kebabs, burgers or a pizza. There are also plenty of public transport options around here and many of the venues are open until early morning, so it’s really the perfect place to have a big night out on the town.
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Nightlife At night Freo’s South Terrace really gets going and is a prime spot for lovers of live music. Many of the pubs have shows from some of the best local and international acts touring. You also have to stop by Mojo’s and Newport for some rocking nights out, or if your tastes are more exotic, try the Fremantle Arts Centre. Those looking for a quiet one can discover the newer wine and cocktail bars around the area.
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Other spots Because Perth is so crammed with dining options, you’ll probably find some of your favourites are hidden away in areas that aren’t so well known.
$7.99
Try Victoria Park for all your cheap and budget style meals. If you’ve got money to spend and a refined palate, try Nedlands where you’ll find some fine dining options with Australian and French influences, or Subiaco where you can expect to find anything from Japanese to Greek cuisine.
Café • P
10 minutes north east of the CBD is Mount Lawley, which is an area that is completely packed with pubs, restaurants and little cafés.
COFFEE! $2.99
10 minutes the north west of the city is Leederville, where the secondhand shops and vintage cafes stay open late, making it the perfect place for a late night coffee catch up.
PUSH
If all you want is a sea view, head along the coast to Cotteslow and Hillarys Boat Harbour, where you can pull up a stall and enjoy some fish and chips while watching the sun go down. Have a date? Take him or her to one of the classy restaurants that line the beautiful Swan River! Catch a ferry to these restaurants from Barrack St in the city.
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Aussie Cuisine Aussie BBQ Everybody knows Aussies love cooking outdoors – that’s because it’s easy, social and the best tasting. What will I eat? • Sausages (also known as ‘snags’) • Burgers (‘patties’) • Chops • Steaks You can also find salads, bread and plenty of tomato sauce (ketchup). How much will it cost? Head to your local shops and pick up everything you need for under $20. • Pack of 8 beef sausages $5 • Loaf of bread $2.50 • Bottle of tomato sauce $3 • 250g coleslaw $4.50 Where can I go? You’ll be able to find a hot plate at most parks and popular beaches – and some people will have a barbecue at home. When would I eat this? You can fry some bacon and eggs for breakfast, throw a few sausages on for lunch, or put together a gourmet dinner of barbecued vegetables and marinated steaks.
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Pies, Pasties and Sausage Rolls Australians love a good lunchtime pastry, especially after a long road trip. The best can be found at bakeries outside the city. What will I eat? Typical bakeries will serve a few basics and vary the ingredients: • Pastie – vegetable and meat filled pastry. • Pie – usually filled with Chicken or Beef with sauces and spices. • Sausage roll – long meat filled pastry. Great with tomato sauce! Bakeries also sell cold drinks, sandwiches, rolls and cakes. How much will it cost? Bakeries are a relatively cheap way to eat, with most pastries costing anywhere between $3 and $5. Where can I go? There are a few commercial chains of bakeries, but for the best quality we recommend you look for your local independent bakery. If you head out of town on a road trip, keep your eyes out for a country bakery. When would I eat this? Bakeries make for the perfect quick lunch. You can buy a tasty savoury snack, a sweet cake for afterwards and a drink. Most bakeries will close by about 4pm, so make sure you get in early.
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Pub Food A pub is like a casual restaurant and a bar combined – it’s a place to eat and drink. Often the servings are generous and the types of meals are similar from pub to pub. What will I eat? • Chicken & beef schnitzels • Fish and chips • Burgers • Roast dinners • Steaks At some pubs there’ll also be a salad bar where you can serve yourself various salads and vegetables. How much will it cost? Prices will vary at each pub, but you should be able to get a decent meal for around $15-$20. Where can I go? There will be one very close to you. The best thing about pubs is that there are so many scattered around the country. In almost every outback town there’s a pub (even if the population barely reaches a hundred). When would I eat this? Pubs are excellent for a casual lunch (with many having cheaper lunch specials) or a nice dinner. A lot of the pubs in Australia now have modern outdoor eating areas known as ‘beer gardens’.
Take Away Like the rest of the world, Australia has its fair share of commercial take away outlets. But there are plenty of other ‘fast food’ alternatives you should try. What will I eat? • Fish and chips • Yiros (Kebab) & Burgers • Curries • Pasta How much will it cost? Depending on what you choose, the price will vary. But for the most part you should be able to get something pretty substantial for under $15. Where can I go? Take away joints are located everywhere. The best place to have some traditional fish and chips is down by the beach. Grab some (it’ll be wrapped up in paper to keep the heat in), find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy the view. When would I eat this? Take away makes for a great cheap, quick dinner – plus it means you don’t have to make it yourself.
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Coffee Culture Thanks to European immigration after World War II, Australians now have a taste for coffee. It’s almost a necessity for existence here and the cafe culture reflects this well. Almost every restaurant, petrol station, pub and lunch bar will serve coffee. Little cafes with outdoor seating are found everywhere in the city centre and wherever there are shops or lots of people to be found, there’ll be a cafe hidden somewhere. Coffee is taken seriously here and no visit to the city is complete without tasting some of the finest brews. How much will it cost? Depending on where you go, you should be able to find a decent coffee for around $3-$4. Most cafes also sell some sort of cake, pastry or savoury snack which can cost anywhere from $3 to $10. When would I drink this? Coffee in Australia is recommended to be drunk any time! Start with a quick one for breakfast, meet a friend in the afternoon for an iced coffee, then have a hot chocolate after a long day studying.
Cafe Latte
Flat White
Cappuccino
Coffee Shot Milk Foam Steamed Milk
Espresso
Macchiato
Long Black
Chocolate Syrup or Powder Hot Water
Hot Chocolate
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Black Tea
White Tea (cold milk)
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www.studybrisbane.com
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Cafés & Breakfasts Waking up early and heading out to meet your friends for breakfast is the perfect way to start your weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes that serve up some delicious early morning dishes. Typically, breakfast is served until 11am, but some places around Perth serve ‘all day’ breakfasts. This works well for those who like to sleep in.
Cabin Fever Elixir Coffee Specialists 45a/145 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands These coffee specialists are experienced in the Perth cafe scene, having owned and managed local cafes for years. Now they have taken coffee making to the next level, living their dream to create their own blends and even roast the beans themselves. 9389 9333
www.elixircoffeespecialists.com
Tiger, Tiger Shop 4, 329 Murray St, Perth The owner and manager are both serious coffee makers. On Wednesdays they serve single origin roasts, which means you can get a change from your normal coffee and try one of their selections. Tiger, Tiger also serve wholesome value for money meals all day, but the breakfast menu has become particularly popular. Try the baked egg with mondo chorizo. 9322 8055 www.tigertigercoffeebar.com
12-14 Bon Marche Arcade, Barrack St, Perth Cabin Fever is another retail front from the creators of Pigeonhole’s extensive brand range. Cabin Fever serves cheap snack foods like toasties and cupcakes along with tea in china cups. Their collection of teacups is worth a visit alone. 6142 6961
www.pigeonhole.com.au
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City Farm Cafe 1 City Farm Place, Perth The City Farm Cafe makes fresh food from organic produce. This is a great place for breakfast and lunch. They specialise in sandwiches, salads and baked goods at low prices. The organic coffee and freshly baked muffins are a fantastic combination if you are stopping in for a quick snack. 9325 7230
www.perthcityfarm.org.au
130 Oxford St, Leederville Amongst the scene on Oxford Street, the cafe at 130 is an established hangout. Late opening times and a relaxed atmosphere mean that this is the place for catching up on the latest with your friends. The coffee is also really good, which always helps. 9444 4091
La Galette De France 125b Broadway, Nedlands This French-inspired patisserie makes all the baked goodies you’d expect, plus they make great coffee. They do breakfast and lunch with crepes, croissants and baguettes. Large cakes and quiches are also available to buy.
How would you like your eggs? There are several ways to have your eggs served,. If you have a preference be sure to let the waiter know.
Fried Pan fried, often with oil.
Poached Boiled in water, with no oil or salt.
Scrambled Beaten and cooked in a pan, usually mixed with some herbs and cheese.
9386 5097
www.lagalettedefrance.com.au
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Budget Eats If you’re feeling a little hungry at lunchtime, or you’re just looking for a cheap place to eat, these are the sorts of places you should look into. Most of the meals are under $10 and all are close to the city universities perfect for a mid-study break!
Annalakshmi on Swan Jetty 4, Barrack St, Perth Annalakshmi serves a buffet of authentic Indian/ Sri Lankan/Malaysian vegetarian food and you pay what you think the meal is worth (minimum $10). All the money goes to charity to help people in India. If you are looking for a place to develop your cooking skills this establishment also offers cooking courses. 9221 3003
www.annalakshmi.com.au
Jus Burger 189 William St, Northbridge Jus Burgers pride themselves on being fresh and having everything cooked on the spot. They also get themselves involved in initiatives to be carbon neutral and to help support Western Australian business. Best of all, they make really delicious burgers. Indulge in a full meal because they all come with homemade coleslaw and chutney. Keep your eye out because there are a number of Jus Burgers popping up around the place. 9227 0668
Good Fortune Duck House 344 William St, Northbridge This is one of the most popular places in Northbridge so be prepared for a possible line up. Serving an extensive range of traditional Chinese food, the menu includes seafood, beef and poultry. Try one of the roast combinations and wash it down with a homemade glass of iced tea. 9228 3293
www.goodfortuneduckhouse. com.au
Gypsy Tapas House Cnr Queen and High St, Fremantle The Gypsy Tapas House has a range of tapas available from which you can choose multiple to share. All are under $10, so this can be a very affordable night out. They also have live music every night. Keep in mind that Tapas dishes are quite small so if you come in with a group of friends be sure to ask the waiter if you are ordering enough. 9336 7135
www.gypsytapashouse.com.au
Jessie’s Curry Kitchen and Cafe 869 Beaufort St, Inglewood The inspirations for this restaurant are mixed, the owners are friendly and the decor is a mishmash of everything. The result is a homemade feel - the good kind. The meals are cheap and ordering the set menu will save you even more. 9271 8528
Tra Vinh 149a Brisbane St, Northbridge If you’re looking for a quick and well-priced meal, Tra Vinh serves up some of the most delicious Vietnamese food in the quickest way possible. Their servings are generous, so you’ll be left satisfied without having to order too much. The broken rice is their most popular dish, so be sure to try it. 9228 2788
www.jusburgers.com.au
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Casual Restaurants Sometimes you might feel like heading for a more restaurant style experience, but you don’t want to part with your precious cash. There are many cheap restaurants around Perth that serve quality food and have a nice atmosphere - not to mention a diverse range of cuisine to choose from.
Satsuki Shop 1, 50 Subiaco Square, Subiaco
Greenhouse 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth The Greenhouse serves a range of foods, from pizzas and pastas through to delicious fish and lamb dishes. The food is all made from the freshest produce and some rare ingredients, like quinoa, saffron and quince. Even the bread is made in-house. Best of all, the bar is upstairs and overlooks the street - perfect for a warm summer evening. 9481 8333
www.greenhouseperth.com
Regal on Roe 20 Roe St, Northbridge This is high quality Cantonese food done the traditional way. The menu caters for everyone from dishes to satisfy those who love their dumplings to the more adventurous recipes for people who want to try something a little odd - like chicken feet. The dim sum is a must-try. An extensive range of foreign beers and a good wine list completes the experience. 9228 2198
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Sushi and raw wagyu beef are the most popular menu items, so if you love your traditional Japanese, you will love Satsuki. It’s the perfect place to share a plate of assorted sushi with a group of friends over a warm glass of Sake. 9381 9868 www.satsuki.com.au
La Lola Pizzeria Trattoria 25a Hampden Rd, Nedlands If you love traditional Italian cuisine, you’ll have to stop past La Lola. They serve homemade pasta with delicious sauces made from seasonal produce. There is generally a line up, so you may want to wait until warmer weather to try this one, but it is well worth the wait. 9386 5554 www.lalola.com.au
Himalayan Nepalese Restaurant 419 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park Himalayan food is a cultural mix of Indian, Chinese and Tibetan, making eating at
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this place a really unique and worthwhile experience. There are gluten-free options on the menu, as well as vegetarian choices. Definitely try the momos - a traditional dumpling. 6161 8645
.himalayanrestaurant.com.au
KaIlis Seafood Restaurant 101 Oxford St, Leederville This seafood restaurant is very busy and well liked in Perth. It’s not cheap, but the food is fresh and this is a good opportunity to sample the wonderful seafood that Australia is famous for. For those who love oysters, they are exceptional. 9443 6300
www.kailisbrosleederville.com. au
Five 560 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley Five is designed for people to relax with friends and eat in a comfortable setting. Comfy couches, pool tables and a menu for sharing all help you unwind. They love their beers, so if you’re keen to sample the local brew, taste some of the ones on offer here. 0407 469 732
www.insiderguides.com.au
Beer & Wine Aussies are known for their love of beer, and in some part of the country their love of wine as well. What can I drink? There are plenty of different beers and wine in Australia, so we recommend you try a few until you find one you like. How much will it cost? Most beers in Australia are relatively cheap, depending on which size you get. The same can be said for wines. At restaurants, a glass is usually between $6 and $9 and bottle will usually be about $30. When would I drink this? Beer and wine is usually drunk at night – either with a meal or with friends. You can also have a glass or two at lunchtime, but any time before midday isn’t encouraged.
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Pubs & Student Hangouts Pubs are a central part of Australian culture and they used to be known as ‘public houses’. In Perth, you’ll find a pub on most streets. In recent years, most of the pubs around Perth have upgraded their looks and their kitchens, now serving some fantastic food as well as offering a wider range of beverages. Pubs aren’t just a place to have a drink and a feed either. Most pubs can also serve as a live music venue, pool hall and even host trivia nights.
Generous Squire
The Brass Monkey
Sail and Anchor
397 Murray St, Shafto Lane, Perth
Cnr James & Williams St, Northbridge
64 South Terrace, Fremantle
James Squire is said to be the Australian convict who first successfully cultivated hops and brewed his own ale on our shores. Since this day, the beer range has become a national treasure. The Generous Squire is a testament to these beers in the form of a bustling pub and eatery. Offering the full range of Squire brews, this place is a must see for beer enthusiasts.
Head up to Northbridge and you’ll find one of the best pubs in Perth. The Brass Monkey not only has plenty of great little spots you can sit and relax, but they have a pretty comprehensive menu and wine list. This is one cool place, with a number of different bars including the cool outside courtyard and Grapeskin Lounge & Restaurant - a cosy and contemporary bar serving some pretty fancy food.
This bar and microbrewery is one of the oldest places in Perth and is still a great place for a drink. There is a diverse selection of beers on offer, both on tap and bottled. With the tap selections rotating, you’ll never be at a loss for something new to try.
6311 7071
www.thegeneroussquire.com.au
Devilles Pad 3 Aberdeen St, Perth Devilles is a Hell-themed bar. It’s outlandish, but very cool with magicians and dancers for entertainment. Thursday night is karaoke night and there are plenty of dinner specials throughout the week. They prefer a slightly older crowd, so if you’re under 25 make sure you dress neatly to get in. 9225 6669 www.devillespad.com
9431 1666 www.sailandanchor.com.au
9227 9596 www.thebrassmonkey.com.au
The Windsor Hotel 112 Mills Point Road, South Perth One of the best things about this pub is its location. Found right on the edge of the Swan River, this is the perfect place to relax on a Sunday afternoon with a meal and a few cold ciders. They serve a very decent lunch and dinner as well as some tasty bar snacks later in the evening. The Windsor is also one of the oldest pubs in Perth, built in 1895. 9474 2229
www.thewindsorsouthperth. com.au
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The Flying Scotsman 639 Beaufort St, Perth Despite the name, ‘The Scotsman’ truly embodies typical Australian pub culture. They have great deals including the Sunday $10 pizza and beer special. There is also a vintage market held in their Velvet Lounge on the first Saturday of every month. 9328 6200
The Norfolk Hotel 47 South Terrace (cnr Norfolk St), Fremantle If you’re down in Fremantle for the afternoon, make sure you visit the Norfolk. It’s an iconic pub that serves up some delicious food, as well as having a pretty extensive beverage list. You can easily while away the hours in their outside dining area. 9335 5405
www.norfolkhotel.com.au
The Shed
Murdoch Tavern
69-71 Aberdeen St, Fremantle
Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch
The folk in Fremantle know how to party, and The Shed is easily one of the best places to wind down after a long week. The venue is huge with a massive beer garden, restaurant, sports bar and a live music area too. This is one spot particularly popular with students, so you should feel right at home.
The Murdoch Tavern is located at the northern end of Bush Court. There is something to entertain everyone with live music, pool and a beer garden. Drinks specials are available during the day to help you through those long lectures too.
9228 2200 www.the-shed.com.au
The Tav at UWA University of Western Australia, 35 Hackett Drive, Crawley The Tav really knows what students want from a bar; live music from quality bands, lots of entertainment, funky events like karaoke and film nights, and wellpriced drinks. What more could you ask for? 6488 2318
9360 6594
www.the-guild.com.au/tavern
The Tavern at Curtin University Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley There’s all the usual features of a uni bar - pool tables, loads of room and the allimportant drinks. Yet there are also some really well organised events and the regular Wicked celebrations to make it extra special. 9266 7491
www.guild.uwa.edu.au
But how much alcohol am I actually drinking? The blood alcohol limit for driving is .05 here in Australia (0.00 if you are on your provisional or learners licence), so you will need to be below this if you plan on driving. The best way to monitor your drinking is to be aware of how many standard drinks you are consuming. Below is a rough guide as every drink is different. All bottles and cans that contain alcohol will show how many standard drinks they contain on the back label. For guys, it is usually ok to have no more than two standard drinks within the first hour and then one every hour after that. For girls it’s the same, but only one drink in the first hour.
1.4
Stubby
Middy
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Schooner
Wine (100ml)
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Sparkling (150ml)
Spirits (30ml)
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Cocktail Bars If you feel like getting a little dressed up and acting sophisticated for a night, heading out to one of Perth’s cocktail bars is the way to go. Be prepared to spend some cash - most cocktails cost around $14-$19, so keep your eyes out for happy hours or specials. Buying shared drinks such as Sangria or ordering a bottle of wine can be an effective way of cutting costs.
Helvetica Behind 101 St Georges Tce, Perth Helvetica oozes sophistication with its dim-lit seating areas and rustic interior. Hidden in an alleyway in the heart of Perth’s CBD, Helvetica stocks an extensive range of whiskeys from across the globe. If you plan on frequenting this location be sure to take advantage of their bottle store option so you don’t have to drink the whole bottle in one sitting. 9321 4422
www.helveticabar.com.au
The Garden 742 Newcastle St, Leederville As you walk through the giant alloy curtains you can see that The Garden provides the perfect outdoor setting for a meal and a drink, especially a beer, due to the extensive range on offer. Don’t be surprised to find your condiments in jam jars and your chips wrapped up in newspaper. 9202 8282
Hula Bula Bar
Ezra Pound
12 Victoria Ave, Perth Hula Bula is a tiki themed bar that makes a huge selection of tasty rum based cocktails, but there is so much more. The theme is taken to the limit, with carved statues, crazy mirrors and 60s surf music remixed to match. They prefer over 21s, but a younger crowd can get in if they’re well behaved and well dressed.
189 Williams St, Northbridge In Ezra Pound everything is decked out to reflect the underground experience of 1930s prohibition, from the cash register to the seats. As you drink cocktails out of jam jars and your longneck in a paper bag, you really notice a pleasant vibe surrounding this classic but somehow urban environment. This is one of Insider Guide’s favourites.
9225 4457 www.hulabulabar.com
Luxe Bar 446 Beaufort St, Highgate Luxe has a team of dedicated cocktail specialists and it is a pleasure to watch them mix finely crafted cocktails. Everything about Luxe is set for a relaxed night with friends, so dress well and get in early. Check out their outdoor space, bamBOO. Running a season of musical events in summer, this has a funky and chilled atmosphere. 9228 9680 www.luxebar.com
0415 757 666 www.epbar.com.au
Mrs Brown 241 Queen Victoria St, Fremantle A wine bar that might be a little more expensive but more welcoming than most places, Mrs Brown’s brings comfort to an evening. The menus are books, you can play board games and next door at Flipside you can grab your meal. Those who love beer and spirits are also well catered for. 9336 1887
www.mrsbrownbar.com.au
www.thegarden.net.au
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Nightclubs For those who love to party and dance the night away, Perth’s nightclub scene is definitely for you. With a range of different clubs, there’s sure to be at least one that tickles your fancy and keeps you out past your bedtime.
Hip-e Club
Metropolis
663 Newcastle St, Leederville The Hip-E is a retro-themed club. This means letting loose to the best tracks from when you were a kid and from when your parents were teenagers. The kombi van situated in the middle of the dance floor is probably the main attraction - but so is their extensive range of beverages.
58 South Terrace, Fremantle A live music and clubbing venue, Metropolis is set up for enjoying the best night out without becoming overcrowded. It is divided up into four sections: fire (in front of the main stage), earth (a separate chill out cocktail area), water (above fire with more space) and air (a separate stage with outdoor area).
9227 8899
9336 1880
www.hipeclub.com.au
metropolisfremantle.com.au
Eurobar
Metro City
110 Aberdeen St, Northbridge The Euro is an illustrious place for dancing the night away. Thursday nights are ladies nights and entry is only $5. Other nights they have djs playing soul, funk and r’n’b. Check out their Jamaican nights once a month for some reggae fun. 9227 5244
www.theeurobar.com
146 Roe St, Northbridge This one is just massive. If you like to party long into the night, you have to check out Metro City. Boasting nine different bars across four storeys. They often host concerts on the weekends as well. Be sure to check out their website. 9228 0500
www.metrocity.com.au
Connections 81 James St, Northbridge The most famous gay and lesbian nightclub in Perth was recently revamped. It is a disco haven and a place to be whoever you want to be. Drinks are a little more expensive than other places, so save yourself on the door fee by asking for a student discount. Their theme nights are also incredibly popular. 9328 5166
www.connectionsnightclub.com
Mint Cnr Lake and James St, Northbridge The Mint is smaller than most nightclubs, but they don’t overcrowd the place so you’ll still be able to dance comfortably. The bartenders put on a show and the entry fees, if they charge them, are quite cheap. We advise visiting on one of the themed nights. 9226 0322
$
www.mintclub.net.au
Cover charge / entry fee Most nightclubs will charge a cover but often if you arrive before 9pm you will avoid having to pay for it. Otherwise messaging the venue on Facebook can often get you on the door.
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Late Night Eats Sometimes you just want to get a decent feed, but it’s after 10pm. Most places stop serving dinner at 9pm, and a lot of restaurants and cafes are shut. Luckily, there are still a few good places serving delicious food after most people have headed off to bed.
Koko Black
Cheeky Sparrow
Superstar Waffles
23 St Quentin Avenue, Claremont
1/317 Murray St, Perth (entrance on Wolf Lane)
8/189 William St, Northbridge
Chocolate is necessary for the soul. So of course you’ll need somewhere to get your chocolate fix. Koko Black is just that place, with a wonderful menu that completes every chocolatelover’s dream. When you’ve finished having hot chocolate and brownies, take home a selection of handmade truffles.
The Cheeky Sparrow is a cafe in the early morning, then a bar and late-night eatery. If you wanted to (and had the money) you could hang here all day enjoying the delicious pizzas, cocktails and ciders. The menu caters for the vegetarian and glutenintolerant as well.
Everyone likes waffles. They’re crispy, they’re sweet and they’re mighty delicious when done properly. Superstar Waffles are relatively new in Perth, but have already received rave reviews for their coffee and waffles. Weekends are the best time to drop by this place - they’re open til’ 10pm, so you can enjoy a sweet treat later.
9284 2049
Malt Supper Club 677 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley If you prefer your late night snacks to be a little bit fancy, you’ll love Malt Supper Club. The unique bar has a decadent theme and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the early 1920s. Their supper menu is definitely more modern though - expect delicious mini burgers, pizzas, arancini balls and cheese platters. You can also book a ‘supper room’ if you’d prefer a more intimate experience with your mates.
www.cheekysparrow.com.au
Chocolateria San Churro 1 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco San Churro makes chocolate in a Spanish style, meaning rich flavours with deliciously filling churros (a fried Spanish donut) Get your hot chocolate fix or indulge in a chocolate tasting plate. They also often have great deals on coffee. Follow them on Facebook to find out how you can get a cheap caffeine fix. 9388 2288
3310 2608 /superstarwaffles
The Moon Shop 2/323 William St, Cnr Newcastle St, Northbridge Aptly named, this cafe is open til 1am during the week and 3am on the weekends. You can find yourself a delicious pizza fix here, as well as the famous Moon Burger. This is definitely a great place to get a late dinner after those long hours at uni. www.themoon.com.au
9371 0062 www.maltsupperclub.com.au
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Eat & Drink
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Recycling Unnecessary household waste is a major problem as it increases landfill and is bad for the environment. Australia has a good household recycling system. You probably have a recycling bin where you now live.
Cans This includes aluminium and steel cans.
Glass If you have an empty glass bottle, you can recycle it. Remember to take the tops off!
Paper & Card This includes newspapers, junk mail, milk cartons, printer paper etc. Remember to remove any plastic wrapping!
Plastics This includes milk bottles, soft drink bottles, juice bottles etc. Remember to take the tops off!
Don’t put these items in the recycling:
» Car Parts
» Old appliances
» CDs and DVDs
» Clothing
» Plastic bags and wrapping
» Food
» Drinking glasses
» Bottle tops
» Liquid
» Polystyrene foam
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GALLERY
Entertainment
Introduction While Perth might be the most isolated major city in the world, it’s also one of the most vibrant and exciting places in Australia, especially during the warmer months. The city comes alive with the Perth Festival at the beginning of the year as well as an increasing number of national touring music festivals every year. Live arts are a big part of life in the city, with a vibrant theatre and
dance culture that’s also affordable for students. Perth also hosts a growing number of cultural festivals throughout the year. Perth also boasts some of the country’s finest live music venues, including the impressive and newly built Perth Arena for international performances, sporting events and everything in between. With plenty of quality live music venues dotted around the city, there’s never a shortage of live entertainment
to enjoy during the week either. But if you prefer the brash excitement of live sport, Perth has your tastes covered with world-class sports venues. Aussie Rules football, cricket, basketball, netball and soccer each have a Western Australian team in the national competition, as well as amateur leagues for enthusiastic students.
Australia Student Guide Smartphone App With a continually updated events calendar for your city and showcasing some of the most exciting and interesting places and experiences, enjoying Australia has never been easier. Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.
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Need to Knows Ticket Sales If you’re planning on going to a concert or sporting match while you’re in Australia, you’ll need to buy tickets. Most ticket buying takes place on the Internet through a couple of national websites. If you’re buying for a festival, those tickets are usually available through the festivals website. www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au www.qtix.com.au www.showbiz.com.au
Student Discounts Being a student certainly has its advantages; especially where live entertainment is concerned. If you enjoy a bit of live theatre, but don’t like the price, you can easily get a discount if you’re under 30.
Orientation Week Also called ‘O-Week’, this introductory week to uni is time to get settled in while having some fun. University campuses become a hive of activity as clubs are showcased, tours are run and introductory lectures are given. Some universities also have concerts, dances, fairs, and more to help everyone meet in a relaxed environment. It’s highly recommended that you don’t forget the academic stuff because this is the best time to get a library tour. Some very important information is given out in these first lectures.
Cultural Celebrations and Events There are many celebrations from around the world that Aussies embrace with a passion and commit to making them a great day out. Perth is a multicultural hub of excitement too! Many of the nationalities that make it a culture capital have their own events throughout the year.
Gay and Lesbian Events The gay and lesbian scene is large in Australia, and as such there are hundreds of events around the country that have developed a massive following. Whether it is at the hundreds of gay venues scattered around the country, or at big outdoor festivals and parades, there are many ways to engage with this community. Check out this website: www.samesame.com.au
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Live Sports
Basketball
Soccer What is the name of the league? The Hyundai A-League. Who are the teams? Perth has one team – Perth Glory. Where do they play? All soccer games in Perth take place at nib Stadium, just outside of Perth. How much does it cost? Tickets are about $20 for concession, so it’s a decent bargain! Who is the captain of the team? The captain of Perth Glory is Jacob Burns. Who are some star players? Star players include and Michael Thwaite and Travis Dodd.
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What is the name of the league? The National Basketball League (NBL). Not to be confused with the American league, the NBA. Who are the teams? Perth’s team is the Perth Wildcats. Where do they play? The games take place at Perth Arena, right in the centre of the city. How much does it cost? The cost of tickets depends on where you sit. For concession, they can range from $15 - $70. Who is the captain of the team? There are two co-captains of the Perth Wildcats - Brad Robbins and Shawn Redhage
Interesting facts
Who is the star player?
In Australia, soccer is referred to as soccer, not ‘football’ as in some countries. If you talk about football, Aussie’s will assume you mean AFL.
Interesting facts
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Brad Robbins. The Wildcats are the most successful team in the NBL, with 26 consecutive finals appearances and five national championships.
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Football (Aussie Rules) What is the name of the league?
Cricket
The Australian Football League (AFL)
What is the name of the league?
Who are the teams?
There are a number of different cricket leagues in Australia, but each state has a team in the Sheffield Shield series.
Western Australia has two teams in the AFL - the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles. Strangely, there’s no team for Perth.
Who are the teams?
Where do they play?
Perth has a team called the Warriors.
Teams often play at Patterson’s Stadium (formerly known as Subiaco Oval).
Where do they play?
How much does it cost? General admission tickets for a footy match are $35 for adults or $26 for concession. Who is the captain of the team? The West Coast Eagles captain is Darren Glass and the Fremantle Dockers captain is Matthew Pavlich. Who are some star players? Fremantle’s star player is Matthew Pavlich and West Coast’s star player is Daniel Kerr. Interesting Facts Fremantle has never played in a Grand Final. There is a strong rivalry between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers, with ‘Western Derbies’ seeing the two teams play against each other at least once during the season.
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All cricket matches in Perth take place at WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) oval. How much does it cost? Some games are actually free to watch! Other games may be between $2 and $7 – bargain! Who is the captain of the team? The captain of the Warriors is Marcus North. Who are some star players? Some of the star players include Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh. Interesting facts The Warriors have been playing cricket since 1893. Since the Warriors joined the Sheffield Shield competition in 1947, they’ve won the competition 15 times.
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Live Music Where?
Punk & Metal If you consider yourself a bit of a metal head, there’s plenty of places that can give you what you want in Perth.
Pop
Who? Some of Perth’s local groups making a splash in the
hardcore/metal/punk scenes include Karnivool, Exortion and Jebadiah.
How much? For local acts just starting out, you may find they’re playing free shows, otherwise the entry fee will be something like $10. For bigger acts expect to spend anywhere between $30 to $80.
WACA oval or Patterson’s Stadium.
only play shows on Australia’s East coast.
Who?
How much?
Big international pop stars almost always perform at Perth’s biggest venue, the newly built Perth Arena or Fremantle Arts Centre. Some bands will also play at the
Some of the big international acts that have visited Perth recently include Pitbull, Katy Perry as well as Foo Fighters and Lady Gaga. Unfortunately, because Perth is a fairly small place and quite isolated, many of these pop stars will by-pass Perth and
Tickets to these shows certainly aren’t cheap and you’ll need to save your dollars. Tickets to shows at the Perth Arena will be at least $80 and can sometimes cost up to $150 depending on the artist. That’s a similar price you’ll pay at arena shows too.
Indie
Who?
This encompasses your typical guitar bands and there are more than a fair share of those in Perth.
Psychedelic rockers Tame Impala started out in Perth, as did upcoming stars San Cisco and Voltaire Twins. Some of Australia’s most well-known rock artists like Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo and The Panics also hail from Perth.
There’s nothing wrong with loving top 40 hits and if you’re lucky some of the artists will tour to Perth.
Where?
Where? The best place to find a local indie act is at the Amplifier Bar - you’ll find a whole lot of smaller national artists play here. Otherwise try the Rosemount Hotel for bigger names.
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Black Bettys in Northbridge is a good place to start - every Thursday they offer upcoming metal bands a chance to perform. Otherwise, the bigger national and international names will probably perform at venues like The Rosemount or Mojos.
international artists that play can cost up to $50 a ticket.
How much? Most shows are between $12 and $25 depending on who’s playing. Some of the bigger
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groups in Perth, so expect to see local artists at clubs or live music venues like the Rosemount Hotel.
Who?
Hip Hop Where? There aren’t any specific venues that host hip hop
DJs
Perth has a budding hip hop scene, with more and more MCs producing music. Check out local acts such as Drapht and Downsyde.
How much? Aussie hip hop artists can charge anything from $10 $50 depending on how big they are. International acts can cost anywhere up to $80. Perth surprisingly gets a large number of good hip hop artists touring through.
If music with real instruments doesn’t do much for you, Perth’s electronic scene is growing all the time.
artists in one place is at a festival like Stereosonic, Futuremusic or Summadayze. Most of these festivals will play at Claremont Showgrounds.
Where?
Who?
A lot of electronic artists play clubs around Perth, but bigger acts may play headline shows too. The best way to catch a lot of electronic
Perth has a host of DJs making a name for themselves. Drum and Bass favourites Pendulum started out in Perth too.
Folk
Another is The Bakery, also in Northbridge,
out too, such as Felicity Groom.
Who?
How much?
Australia’s number one folk and rootsy singer is John Butler - originally of the John Butler Trio who started out in Perth. But there are plenty of other Western Australian singer songwriters to check
Shows at smaller venues are definitely on the cheap side (think $10 - $20), but for more popular Australian artists and international folk singers, tickets can be anywhere from $30 to $60.
Everyone loves an acoustic guitar, and you’re easily be able to find a singer/songwriter any night of the week.
Where? The Bird in Northbridge is one place to catch acoustic musicians with its cosy space.
Jazz & Classical Where? You can expect to find jazz shows at a few venues around the city, most notably The Ellington Jazz Club named after legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington. There’s also annual jazz festivals held throughout the
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city. One of the best ways to hear some classical music is at Perth Concert Hall.
Who? Perth has it’s own symphony orchestra, aptly named the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and they regularly hold concerts, sometimes with famous conductors.
Entertainment
How much? Most of the time you’ll just need to pay the club entry fee to see your favourite DJ. But if you want to see a well-known international star, tickets can cost you a fair bit. It helps if you like the club on Facebook where you can sometimes get onto a VIP list.
How much? Perth Concert Hall is a renowned centre for classical music and tickets to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra can be quite pricey, anywhere up to $100. Jazz gigs can cost you anything from $10 - $30 depending on the artist.
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Net Cafés, Gaming Arcades & Karaoke Everyone likes to let off a little steam after a long day at uni or college. If gaming is your thing or if you want to have a sing-along with some mates, here are few places worth checking out.
4Play Games Shop 24, Ocean View Plaza, Scarborough 4Play Games is a gamer’s paradise. There are over 50 computers and a huge range of games available. They also have all the other computing and Internet facilities you need. 9341 1466
www.4playgames.com
Kaditj Internet Cafe 201 Beaufort St, Perth Kaditj is a not-for-profit venture to help out Indigenous communities with hospitality training. If you want bring your own laptop, you can sign onto their Wi-Fi and grab a cheap bite to eat. Internet is $4 for an hour and you can use that time over multiple visits. 9228 0614
Timezone 33 South Tce, Fremantle There is a whole world of both traditional and modern arcade games that you can either play single or multiplayer. With old school arcade games as well as more contemporary games, you’ll easily spend hours in here. 9336 2329
www.timezone.com.au
Ferrera Bar 67 Milligan St, Perth Ferrara Karaoke Bar has a public karaoke section where you can either get up on stage or sing from your chair. It’s a good fun night out and the drink prices aren’t too bad either.
Seizan 566 Hay St Perth A Japanese restaurant and a karaoke bar in one - what more could you ask for! Start your night off with a delicious teppanyaki feast, and then step into the karaoke bar to bust out some tunes with your mates. You can also buy a package deal to make things a bit cheaper. There’s no better way to enjoy a Saturday night! 9325 5980
www.seizan.com.au
9481 1909
www.ferrarabar.com.au
www.kaditj.com.au
Safety at Night If you find yourself tumbling out of a club at some early hour in the morning, common sense will help keep you safe. Know where you’re going and walk briskly. Even if you’re not sure, walk with purpose so you don’t draw unwanted attention and try to keep to well-lit areas with lots of people around. Aim for a cab rank, train station, or bus stop. Have a mobile phone on you and don’t be afraid to call for help; maybe a mate will get out of bed to pick you up. Try to keep your personal belongings close to you at all times and don’t flash around any valuables such as iPods, jewellery and cash. Remember to dial 000 in an emergency.
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THE POLYTECHNIC OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Polytechnic West (PWA) is Western Australia’s largest publicly funded dual sector provider of ELICOS, Vocational Education and Training (VET), and Higher Education (HE). We offer you the choice of more than 350 VET qualifications and over 9 HE courses across a wide range of trade and para-professional study areas. PWA is committed to providing comprehensive vocational and academic pathways regardless of whether you are studying VET or HE levels. We are continually working to expand our HE course offerings and all current courses provide graduates with recognised pathways to study at university, on completion of a PWA associate degree. These pathways enable entry into either the second or third year of a Bachelor degree in a similar discipline area. A nationally recognised/accredited qualification from Polytechnic West will open doors to a new world of exciting possibilities for you.
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Cinemas The wide selection of cinemas in Perth will satisfy even the pickiest movie buff in town! What’s more, if you’re a student, you’ll even get a student discount on the latest movies. Remember to always check out nearby cinemas and their latest deals for some irresistible offers.
Rooftop Movies 68 Roe St, Northbridge Who doesn’t like watching films under the stars? Not to mention being right in the centre of the city’s skyline. The Rooftop Movies combines all of these things, plus some tasty beverages. Open during the warmer months, the Rooftop Movies is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Expect to see current, classic and cult movies - and best of all, it’s pretty cheap! Just $10! www.rooftopmovies.com.au
Cygnet Cinema 16 Preston St, Como For those who want a more ‘old-school’ movie going experience, the Cygnet Cinema in Como is the perfect theatre for you. The theatre was built in 1938 and has been restored to its former glory. The original candy bar is still there and there’s a traditional red curtain covering the screen. You can expect to catch all the latest films here, as well as some more of the movie classics every Saturday. 9367 1663
www.cygnetcinema.com.au
Luna Cinema 155 Oxford St, Leederville With four different screens (plus an outdoor one during the warmer months) Luna is the best place to catch foreign and alternative films in Perth. If you enjoy things a little off-beat, this is the cinema for you. It won’t show any of the new releases - there are plenty of other cinemas in Perth that’ll do that - instead these guys show the weird, wacky and foreign. You can bet there won’t be little children running around, this is for the film aficionado. 9444 4056.
www.lunapalace.com.au
Northbridge Piazza Cinema Northbridge Piazza, Corner James and Lake St, Northbridge Perth locals do seem to love their outdoor activities and the Northbridge Piazza outdoor cinema is just another example of this. The Northbridge Piazza cinema is a huge screen showing all sorts of movies throughout the year. They’ll often divide the films up into ‘seasons’ where the theme might be love stories, summer flicks or horror films for Halloween. Best of all, the movies are totally free!
Cinema Paradiso 164 James St, Northbridge The best selection of new art-house and foreign films are shown at the Paradiso Cinema. Tuesday is the cheapest day to catch a film, with tickets $8 during the day and $10 at night. 9227 1771
www.luna.com.au
Event Cinemas Event Cinemas, 57 Leige St, Innaloo This is one of the massive cinemas that offer a wide range of movies on ridiculously large screens. Sign up for their cinebuzz card that entitles you to a free movie for every 100 points accumulated! 9446 8222
www.eventcinemas.com.au
www.northbridgepiazza.showmeperth.com.au
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Galleries If you feel like strolling the halls of some terrific galleries here in Perth, there are plenty around to keep you busy.
Art Gallery of Western Australia Roe St, Perth If you want to see a very impressive collection of Australian artists, the Art Gallery of Western Australia should be your first stop. Housing a wide range of works from local Indigenous artists, Australian artists and international artists, it’s very easy to spend a whole day just wandering around and soaking it up. The gallery was founded in 1895 and is one of the most beautiful old buildings in the Perth Cultural Centre. Best of all, entry is free - unless you want to visit one of the travelling exhibitions. 9492 6622
www.artgallery.wa.gov.au
PICA The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts is one interesting place. It is sort of like an incubator: providing up-and-coming artists with resources, mentoring and support, while showcasing some beautiful pieces to the wider community. .
9228 6300
www.pica.org.au
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Free Range Gallery 399 Wellington St, Perth The Free Range Gallery is a pretty big part of the West Australian art scene - they provide an affordable space for budding artists to show their works. Everything in this place is contemporary, vibrant and affordable too - maybe you’ll pick up something painted by the ‘next big thing!’ www.freerange.org.au
Venn 16 Queen St, Perth Venn has turned an old factory into a gallery space for local and emerging artists. The attached studios provide a space for artists to create, while the open and clean plan of the gallery shows off art at its best. There is also a café, bar and shop attached, all of which are awesome. 9321 8366
www.venn.net
FORM Gallery 357 Murray St, Perth If you want to experience the newest and best art on offer, FORM gallery is probably your best bet. Their exhibitions are always free and their opening night parties are smash hits. They’re also sponsored by Little Creatures brewery, so you can always be sure of decent drinks. This is
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the sort of place to find contemporary art and works that will challenge, so be prepared to be shocked. 9226 2799
www.formgallery.net.au
Fremantle Arts Centre 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle More than just your regular art gallery, the Fremantle Arts Centre houses traditional art, but also promotes performance art and music. Every Sunday there’s music from up and coming artists in the courtyard. They also host Sonic Sessions - special performances followed by a question and answer session with the artist. As for the art itself, it’s a mixture of everything; painting, photography, sculpture, new media... whatever you can think of, it’s probably there. 9432 9555
www.fac.org.au
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Theatre & Live Arts Perth has a thriving live arts scene, especially during the warmer months. There’s never a shortage of theatre shows and dance companies touring Perth, and students can usually get themselves a pretty cheap deal.
Studio Underground The State Theatre Centre, 174-176 William St, Perth Home of the highly respected Perth Theatre Company, the State Theatre Centre is a world-class venue. Nicknamed the ‘Black Box’, the venue is an intimate space, which makes it perfect for the modern, often abstract performances put on by the Perth Theatre Company. Tickets to these performances are surprisingly not as expensive as other state theatre companies around the country. You can expect to pay around $25 with your student ticket. 6212 9399
www.perththeatre.com.au
The Blue Room Theatre 53 James St, Northbridge The Blue Room is the home of independent and up and coming performing arts in Perth. Expect the unexpected here because you’ll find everything comedy, drama, mime, performance art and everything in between. It’s all independent so you can be sure to see something out of the ordinary - and something that might make you think. 9227 7005
www.theblueroom.org.au
Heath Ledger Theatre State Theatre Centre, 174176 William St, Perth Yes, the Heath Ledger Theatre is named after the star who played The Joker in Batman. He also grew up in Perth. The theatre is the home of Perth’s own Black Swan Theatre Company who tend to put on a mixture of modern and classic productions. Some of the upcoming 2013 productions include Death of a Salesman and The Importance of Being Earnest. Tickets are a little pricier to these productions and you can expect to pay about $40. 6212 9200
www.statetheatrecentrewa. com.au
His Majesty’s Theatre 835 Hay St, Perth Fondly known as ‘The Maj’ by locals, His Majesty’s Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the state. Opening in 1904, the theatre has seen all sorts of productions but is currently home to the West Australian Opera Company who performs there regularly. Not only does it show a range of opera, traditional theatre and ballet, the theatre itself is on the State Heritage Register, and is believed to be the only working Edwardian theatre in the country! 9265 0900
Radio Stations Triple J - (99.3) Alternative Popular 92.9 - (92.9) Modern Popular Nova - (93.7) Modern Popular Mix - (94.5) 60s to Modern Popular Classic FM - (97.7) Classical & Jazz RTR - (92.1) Alternative, Community, Up-and-coming
E-Television You don’t have to have a television to access your favourite episodes these days. Popular Australian news and entertainment programs are supplied on demand from the following sources. ABC iView www.abc.net.au/iview
SBS on Demand www.sbs.com.au/ondemand
10 Online ten.com.au
Plus 7 au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7
www.hismajestystheatre.com.au
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Course Counselling Application Processing Student Visa Guidance Regular Interview Sessions and Expos Professional Seminars Student Activities and Excursions
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For more information please contact: IDP Education Perth Office Tel 08 9227 0102 Email info.perth@idp.com Address 100 James Street, Northbridge, WA 6003
Events Calendar Jan
Feb
Mar
Cider Festival At The Mindarie Marina
St Jerome’s Laneway
ANZAC Day
11 - 13 Jan, Mindarie Marina The people of Australia have quite the love affair with pints of cold cider on hot summer days. The Cider Festival is a great chance to sample free varieties of this delicious apple drink. There are also cool competitions and giveaways celebrating all things apple!
9 Feb, Perth Cultural Centre Indie lovers are not left out of the musical touring scene. St Jerome’s Laneway has rapidly grown into a national festival with high caliber artists. Get in early to secure your ticket!
25 Apr ANZAC Day was traditionally a memorial day for the landing of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand at Gallipoli in World War One. Today, it is also to commemorate the lives lost and those who returned from other wars.
www.mindariemarina.com.au
Australia Day (Public Holiday) 26 Jan There is no better day to have a barbecue and a beer in shorts and thongs! Tune into Triple J to hear the hottest 100 songs from 2012 and enjoy a bit of cricket on TV.
Big Day Out 28 Jan, Claremont Showgrounds From humble starts in 1992, the Big Day Out became one of our nation’s premier mixed music festivals. Headlining acts in 2013 include the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Killers. www.bigdayout.com
www.perth.laneway.com.au
Perth Festival 8 Feb - 2 March, various locations High art, music and culture are all on show at various venues. Look out for the daring and exciting acrobatic performances and dance acts. www.perthfestival.com.au
Sarah Blasko & The Western Australia Orchestra 23 Feb, Kings Park The captivating Sarah Blasko will take ‘I Awake’ to the road in February 2013 and it’s set to be a big affair. Blasko has invited an orchestra in each capital city to accompany her. This is one of Australia’s most beautiful voices, so we highly recommend checking her out!
AUDI German Film Festival Apr, Cinema Paradiso The German Film Festival makes its way around Australian capital cities and shows the latest and best of German cinema, including comedies, family movies, dramas and more.
Cirque du Soleil – Ovo Apr, Victoria Avenue The world’s most famous modern circus will be in town! So grab some popcorn and enjoy their new performance Ovo, a magical take on the life of insects. www.cirquedusoleil.com.au
www.showmeperth.com.au
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Apr
May
Jun
HOLA! Spanish Film Festival
HOLA! Spanish Film Festival
Western Australia Day (Public Holiday)
May, Cinema Paradiso Showcasing the top Spanish language movies, this festival has expanded significantly over the last few years. Best enjoyed after tapas and a few glasses of Sangria.
May, Cinema Paradiso Showcasing the top Spanish language movies, this festival has expanded significantly over the last few years. Best enjoyed after tapas and a few glasses of Sangria.
www.spanishfilmfestival.com
www.spanishfilmfestival.com
Groovin The Moo
Groovin The Moo
3 Jun Formerly known as Foundation Day, this public holiday initially marked the day when Europeans arrived in WA. In modern times it celebrates both the indigenous and immigrant populations who have made this great state what it is today.
11 May, Hay Park, Bunbury This festival only travels to regional parts of Australia. In 2012 it will return to Bunbury (about two hours from Perth CBD). Past highlights include the Wombats and Washington.
11 May, Hay Park, Bunbury This festival only travels to regional parts of Australia. In 2012 it will return to Bunbury (about two hours from Perth CBD). Past highlights include the Wombats and Washington.
www.gtm.net.au
www.gtm.net.au
WA Middle Eastern Dance (WAMED) Festival
WA Middle Eastern Dance (WAMED) Festival
30 May - 3 Jun, various locations With a mix of international, national and local acts, the WAMED is not to be missed. The festival includes a cocktail party and fashion parades.
30 May - 3 Jun, various locations With a mix of international, national and local acts, the WAMED is not to be missed. The festival includes a cocktail party and fashion parades.
www.ketisharif.com/WAMED
www.ketisharif.com/WAMED
Supanova Pop Culture Expo 28 - 30 Jun, Claremont Showgrounds Supanova is an annual anime, sci-fi and pop culture event. There will be collector’s items, toys, movies, games, cards, comics and guests. Dress up, enter the competitions and register to take part in it all. www.supanova.com.au
Pinjarra Festival 1 - 2 Jun, Pinjarra The Pinjarra Festival is an annual arts and cultural event in one of Western Australia’s oldest towns. It is a great excuse to leave the big city for a day and celebrate the country life. See the Murray Council website for more details. www.murray.wa.gov.au
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Perth International Film Festival
Perth Motor Show
Rottofest
Aug, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre Get up-close and personal with Ferraris, Lamborghinis and many other head-turning machines at the Perth Motor Show. You can inspect the cars or watch the amazing stage with giant LED displays, where professional drivers showcase exciting new cars.
Sep, Rottnest Island Held on Rottnest Island, Rottofest is another chance to catch comedy, music and films. The best part is, it’s all in the relaxed atmosphere of Rottnest Island.
4 - 14 Jul, Astor Theatre Catch the best new films and hear what directors have to say about them. The film festival runs for ten days and shows the work of brilliant local and international filmmakers. www.revelationfilmfest.org
Good Food & Wine Show 19 – 21 Jul, Convention Exhibition Centre Drink excellent wine and taste wonderful food at this festival. It’s all about local produce. You can also learn something new at one of the cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chefs. www.goodfoodshow.com.au
Mundaring Truffle Festival 28 - 29 Jul, Mundaring Community Sculpture Park Over an exciting weekend, Mundaring in the Perth Hills celebrates the start of the WA French black truffle season with culinary delights. Markets and cooking classes are held with celebrity chefs. This is also a good chance to pick up some of the local wines for a great price.
WA Poetry Festival Late Aug, City Farm The Spring Poetry Festival aims to introduce audiences to some amazing poets by showcasing their work at this unique festival. There are also poetry workshops for those who would like to learn more. www.wapoets.net.au
City to Surf Charity Run Late Aug, Perth CBD to City Beach The City to Surf is a great chance to get out and warm up in the sunshine after those winter chills. Walk or run competitively in order to raise money for charity. Registration and training for the event starts early, so be organised to take part.
www.rottofest.com.au
Parklife Sep, Wellington Square Set in parks around Australia, the national tour features an interesting mix of DJs, alternative bands and indie acts. Another great chance to meet new people and dance! www.parklife.com.au
Godskitchen Late Sep, Metro City Perth Always pushing the limits on having a good time, Godskitchen is a dance spectacular not for the faint hearted. If you love trance, you’ll love this event. www.mellenevents.com
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Oct
Nov
Dec
Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday)
Fremantle Festival
Christmas & Boxing Day
1 Oct It’s not really the Queen’s Birthday, but we’ll take any excuse for a public holiday.
Oktoberfest Oct, various locations Celebrate the German heritage with a few pints of beer and great food. Go further and dress up in the awesome traditional Bavarian outfit.
Royal Show 28 Sep - 5 Oct, Claremont Showground The Royal Show has been held for over 100 years and it’s an affair for all ages and tastes. Featuring a variety of display animals, agricultural competitions and thrilling rides, it is a day to be remembered! Don’t forget to grab a couple of showbags while you’re there.
27 Oct – 10 Nov, various locations in Freemantle The Fremantle Festival celebrates arts, crafts and culture. The event includes a kite extravaganza, a parade, the Deckchair Theatre, and lots of visual art and music performances. www.fremantle.wa.gov.au
Stereosonic
25 Dec & 26 Dec Christmas is a big affair for Australians. Kicking off the year-end festivities, it is a time to celebrate family, friends and to ponder on the year ahead. Boxing Day is also a great day to shop!
New Year’s Eve
Oct, Claremont Showgrounds Stereosonic is a massive festival with a party atmosphere that tours around the country in the lead up to summer. Electronic music aficionados will have a golden opportunity to see world class acts!
31 Dec – various locations The big party of the year starts on New Year’s Eve and ends in a brand new year. The city is full of revelers and the sky is filled with fireworks! If you are not sure where to go, head to the popular street party in Northbridge.
www.stereosonic.com.au
Hopman Cup Late Dec - Jan, Burswood Entertainment Complex See the top tennis players take part in this test of skills. The Hopman Cup is one of Perth’s biggest sporting events and many of the greats will be there. Tickets are available for every budget.
www.perthroyalshow.com.au
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Introduction Western Australia is a truly wonderful mix of the diverse landscapes you’ll find in Australia. To the north you can expect ancient desert and many sights you’ve probably come to associate with ‘the outback’. To the south there are massive national parks with kilometres of walking trails, wild oceans and one of the best wine regions in the world. The Margaret River is the kind of place to take your parents when they come to visit. With world class
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wineries and restaurants, this will surely be an experience all will cherish. If you want to stay local, exploring just around Perth will give you a good insight into the place you’re now calling home. Western Australia’s beaches are famous for their pristine conditions and great surf. Right near the city is Rottnest Island, or you can explore greater Western Australia with its reefs, national parks and stunning rock formations. If you have a day or two free, we recommend heading out to one of
our recommended weekend trips, including the unbelievabley beautiful Broome and the true outback town of Kalgoorlie. There’s so many opportunities to get up close to Australian animals too, such as at Perth Zoo and Caversham Wildlife Park! If you’re looking for some thrills, you now live in the state with some of the best surf beaches in the world. But if ice skating or paintball is more your thing, WA has that too!
Did You Know? The distance between Adelaide and Sydney is 1400km, which means driving for 16 hours across 3 States. If you wanted to drive from Brisbane to Cairns (both in Queensland), it would take 20 hours or 1700km!
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Need to Knows Airfares Travelling around Australia by plane can be a pretty cheap way to get around - you just need to look for a bargain. Keep your eyes on the budget airlines Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin – you can often get deals for under $100 one way!
Couch Surfing To save even more money travelling you can try couch surfing – instead of staying and paying for accommodation, you join this community and stay on couches. Sign up on the website and check out where you can stay. It’s a great way to meet new people and save some money. www.couchsurfing.com.au
Cheap Accommodation Being a student means you probably don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on luxurious accommodation. Luckily Australia has plenty of cheap places to stay – keep your eyes out for hostels, backpackers or motels when you’re travelling. Check out websites like Lastminute and Wotif for regular specials. www.wotif.com www.lastminute.com.au
The Seasons Australian seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere. Australian summers start in December and end in March, and winters start in June through to August. Expect plenty of very hot, dry weather in summer and wet, windy days in winter.
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Cheap & Free Activities So you need to save your pennies? Don’t worry! There’s still plenty of stuff to do around Perth that won’t break your bank account or doesn’t cost a thing! Plus, the best bit is, most of these activities are outside so you can see more of the city.
Visit the Drive-In Take a step back to the 1960s and take a group of friends, or that special someone, to the drive-in movies. It’s basically where you take your car to an outdoor area and watch the movie from the comfort of your vehicle. It’s the perfect place to watch a flick without being interrupted by other movie-goers chewing their popcorn too loudly. Where should I go? The Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Kinglsey is Perth’s only drive-in, and it’s a great spot. It’s a bit of a
The Perth Mint Everybody loves money, but have you ever wondered where it actually comes from? The Perth Mint is one of the few you can actually visit and enjoy. It’s been around for 113 years and
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drive from the centre of Perth, but why not make it a bit of a short road trip? Once you get there you can get some food at the cafe. It’s definitely a unique experience - and one that won’t be interrupted by ringing phones or others talking (though, this does depend on who you choose to take with you). Who should I go with? Grab a carload of mates (a car will only fit five people, so don’t try to fit anymore!). When should I go? Gates open at 6pm and the movie will usually start
is still going strong. You can see a gold being melted into a real gold bar, hold a gold bullion worth over $700,000 and discover your weight in gold. Who do I go with? Take a friend with you to explore the richest place in the state. Where do I go? The Perth Mint is located in East Perth on Hay Street.
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around 7.30. It’s best to arrive early to purchase your tickets (cash only), find an ideal spot and tune your radio to the frequency of the movie you’ll be watching. How much will it cost? The Galaxy Drive-In Theatre is a pretty cheap way to spend an evening. On a Wednesday and Thursday you can expect to pay $9 per adult, and on the weekends it’s only $10 per person. If you want to keep it even cheaper, head in on a Tuesday - it’s only $15 per car! www.galaxydrivein.com.au
When should I go? Any day of the week! The Mint is open everyday from 9am-5pm. It’s one of Perth’s biggest tourist attractions, so it might be a good idea to go during the week and avoid weekend holiday makers. How much will it cost? It’ll cost you about $13 with your student card to enter the mint and experience everything on a guided tour. www.perthmint.com.au
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Federation Walkway above the trees, the DNA Tower climb and the State War memorial.
Explore Kings Park Perth’s King’s Park is the largest inner-city garden in the country. Even though the huge 400-hectare park is right in the heart of the city, you wouldn’t know it once you’re inside. It’s an oasis, filled with plenty of pathways, luscious lawns and cosy spots to explore, as well as the Lotterywest
Where do I go? Kings Park is located off Fraser Avenue on the western edge of the city. Who do I go with? Take a couple of mates with you who are keen to explore this huge place. When should I go? Kings Park is open every day of the year, so you should have no trouble finding time to go. Choose
Bowling
Who should I go with? Bowling is definitely best enjoyed with a big bunch of mates. Get 6 friends together, split into two teams and see who wins! Or, just play together to see who can get the highest score, or knock over the most pins.
Ten-pin bowling is a popular pastime in Australia. Basically, the idea is to roll a pretty heavy bowl down a wooden alley and knock over the funny looking white things – the pins. If you knock them down all at once, it’s called a ‘strike’ and it’s pretty impressive.
When should I go? Going bowling makes a good afternoon activity, but if you want to spice it
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Where should I go? There are a couple of bowling alleys in Perth. Check out the Rosemount Bowl in the heart of the city or try AMF Bowling in Cannington.
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a nice, sunny day and you’re set! How much will it cost? Entry into the park is free, as are all of the sights. But if you’re keen to have a bit of a picnic, you’ll need food. If you’re not bothered to carry everything with you, you can always check out the variety of eating places scattered around the park. Try the Botanical Cafe for a tasty sandwich, Zamia Cafe for a coffee and cake or Fraser’s Restaurant for a decadent lunch or dinner.
up a little, why not go in the evening? Most bowling places are open til late and will have at least one night where they try to make the bowling alley as exciting as they can. Think flashing lights and loud music – like a nightclub! How much will it cost? Bowling is a pretty cheap way to have fun. Most bowling alleys will charge between $12 and $14 for one game at student prices and $17 to $20 for two games. This fee includes your shoe hire too! Best of all, there’s always a little café onsite for all your fast food needs. www.amfbowling.com.au
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Group Activities So these activities probably aren’t something you are going to do daily as they cost a little bit more. They are also a great set of activities you might consider doing with a group of mates.
Ice-skating If you’ve never been ice-skating before, it’s something you really should try. Even though there’s no snow falling in Perth, you can still experience the chilly weather and the slippery ice. It’s like roller-skating, but on ice – and it’s harder than it looks. Where should I go? The Perth Ice Arena in
Indoor Rock Climbing Outdoor rock climbing can be a bit scary, so indoor rock climbing was invented. A much safer and more fun alternative to actual rocks, you’ll be climbing up colourful walls, all supervised by experienced instructors.
Malaga is one place to go in Perth to try ice-skating. It is a little bit of a way outside the city centre, but it’s well worth it once you get there. Otherwise, try the Xtreme Ice Arena in Mirrabooka. Who should I go with? Take a big group of friends and get ready to fall over, hold onto and trip up each other! When should I go? Perth Ice Arena is open every day apart from Thursday, with both day sessions (from 10am3pm) and night sessions
pretty cool indoor rock climbing places dotted around Perth, so you have plenty of choice. Try The Hangout in Bayswater, City Summit located in Malaga or for something more central, Rockface Indoor Rockclimbing in Northbridge. When should I go? Rockface is open Monday to Friday noon to 10pm and from 8am to 10pm on weekends. That should give you plenty of time to give climbing a go.
Where should I go?
Who should I go with?
There are a couple of
Grab a few of your closest
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(7.30pm-9.30pm). One of the best nights to go would be either a Friday or Saturday night - the ice rink is turned into a disco, with awesome lights and loud music. It will cost a little more than the usual ice-skating, but it’s a great night out. How much will it cost? Ice-skating is a pretty cheap way to get a bit of exercise as well as hang out with friends. For $18 you get entry to the rink and skate hire. Bargain! On a Friday or Saturday night, it’ll cost you $13 entry and $5 for skates.
and most trustworthy friends – they might end up holding your life in their hands! How much will it cost? Indoor rock climbing is a great way of getting some exercise and it won’t spend too much of your money. For a full day’s experience, you’re looking at about $30 (or $27 if you’re a full time student - so bring that student card!). This includes climbing all day, a compulsory safety briefing as well as the equipment hire. A pretty good deal!
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www.sasurfschools. com.au to find the best one for you. Where should I go?
Surfing Surfing is what Australians are known for and if you’ve never surfed before, there’s no better time or place to learn. Surfing lessons are crucial if you’ve never entered the water on a board – the instructors will teach you everything you need to know about safety, technique and how to have a great time in the water. Check out
A lot of the surfing beaches on the west coast include places like Margaret River (don’t be fooled, it’s much more than a river!) and Geraldton. Some surf schools will provide transport from Perth to these places, but others may expect you to find your own way there. Make sure you check! When should I go? Surfing is more of a summer activity, so it’s
in Perth, but the easiest one to get to from the city is Perth Paintball Skirmish in Swan Valley. www.paintballskirmish.com. au
Paintballing Paintballing is essentially the practice of shooting people with little paint-filled balls. It’s a great excuse to run around and pretend you’re in a real-life conflict with your squadron. Where should I go? There are a couple of different paintballing places
Who should I go with? To get the best deal, get a group of at least 8 mates together. That way, you have enough people to make the game fun, as well as challenging. Also, make sure everyone’s fit and healthy - you don’t want anyone to get hurt. When should I go? The park is open from 9am-4pm every day, and
best to try and schedule your lessons for the warmer months - any time from November through to March is a good idea. Who should I go with? Take your best mate who wants to learn – it’s an expensive experience and not everybody will be able to afford it. How much will it cost? Often surf schools will charge either by individual lessons or in a bundle, for example, $40 for one lesson or $100 for three. Do your research to see what suits you. Most classes will also include wetsuit and surfboard hire.
it’s recommended you get out there early to beat the hot afternoon sun. Booking your session is essential, so check www. paintballskirmish.com.au for all the important booking details. How much will it cost? You can expect to pay $20 each and that includes all equipment, safety protection and paintballs. You’ll also need to shell out some extra dollars for more paintballs - they tend to run out pretty quickly in the middle of the action.
The Average Australian 44% of Australian residents were born overseas.
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Local Sites One of the best things about arriving in a new city is exploring some of its historic sites and special interest activities. Thankfully, Perth has plenty of different places to keep you busy.
Kings Park Fraser Avenue, West Perth Kings Park in the heart of Perth is easily the most beautiful spot in the whole city. A staggering 400-hectare garden smack bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle, the park is similar to Central Park in New York, only better! There are so many hidden corners and things to explore in this place; you’ll need to come back a few times. Make sure you visit the Lotterywest Federation Walkway (a huge 620m walkway 52 metres above the trees), the DNA Tower Climb (a giant staircase in the shape of a DNA double helix) and the solemn War Memorial. www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park
Stirling Gardens St Georges Terrace and Barrack St, Perth Another set of glorious spot are the Stirling Gardens located next to the Supreme Court Gardens. The Stirling Gardens are actually the oldest in the city, first used by the colonial botanist James Drummong in the 1830s. So there are some pretty old plants in here. There are also some more modern additions, particularly the sculptures.
The Perth Cultural Centre The Perth Cultural Centre encompasses the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum, the State Library and theatre facilities. There are always events on here, so check the website for details. For those interested in Australian and Indigenous art, the gallery houses an extensive collection. 9222 8000 www.perthculturalcentre.com.au
London Court Arcade Between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Tce, Perth One of the most well known arcades in Perth is the London Court arcade. Built in the 1930s as a reproduction of an old London Street, the arcade features a number of ornate mechanical clocks - one showing jousting knights and the other of St George slaying a dragon. Its old styled architecture makes it stand out from the surrounding modern skyscrapers. Even if there isn’t much here in the way of shopping that excites you, seeing a building that looks like it belongs in the 1800s is pretty trippy.
Museum of Performing Arts 825 Hay St, Perth If you enjoy the thrill of live theatre, you might want to pay a visit to the Museum of Performing Arts at His Majesty’s Theatre. Take a tour around the museum and see more than 30,000 items of memorabilia like costumes, posters, photographs, and scripts as well as other historical items. His Majesty’s Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the country, opening in 1904, so there’s plenty of history to explore. www.hismajestystheatre.com.au
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Wine Tasting Western Australia is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The climate here is perfect for growers. Many of the wine regions are located in beautiful towns with stunning scenery.
Swan Valley
Chittering Valley
Margaret River
25 mins from Perth CBD It’s not just wines that they specialise in at Swan Valley, especially Verdelho, but also chocolate, fruits and other produce. The Feral Brewery is also a must see for beer lovers. Take the Valley Food and Wine Trail or plan your own stops on the website.
Less than 1 hour north-east of Perth Chittering Valley is further out from the city in the Perth Hills. There are a number of wineries through this region including Chittering Estate, Nesci Estate and Mad Dog Wines. Take the wine trail to find out about the range of whites and reds made in this area.
About 3 hours south of Perth Margaret River is one of the most famous wine regions in Australia. It is home to famous wineries such as Xanadu, Leeuwin Estate and MadFish. The area is also known for having some of the finest foods and restaurants.
www.swanvalley.com.au
Public Holidays (Put these in your calendar) Australia Day January 26th (Jan 28th Public Holiday) Commemorates the arrival of the first fleet of ships from England and celebrates the nation we’ve become. There’s an awesome celebration of music from the past year on Triple J, called the Hottest 100. Relaxing with friends and listening to music is a must. Labour Day March 11th This day celebrates Labour Unions and the rights for workers that they have achieved. Of course, most Aussies don’t know that, but they know it’s a great day for a barbeque and to go on holiday.
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Queen’s Birthday June 10th This isn’t the Queen’s exact birthday, but it’s a great excuse for a day off and one of the best things about being in the Commonwealth. It’s probably why Australia isn’t a republic yet! Wester Australia Day June 3rd Formerly known as Foundation Day, this public holiday initially marked the day when Europeans arrived in WA. In modern times it celebrates both the indigenous and immigrant populations who have made this great state what it is today. Anzac Day April 25th This day is a remembrance of all the soldiers who’ve fought and died for this country. While it’s a seri-
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ous occasion and there are marches held all over the country that you could attend, it also a day off work and uni! Good Friday & Easter Monday March 29th-1st April People take advantage of the long weekend to go on holiday. If you are planning on taking a trip at this time of year, then book accommodation early! It’s also a great time to get together with friends and have some fun, as the weather is generally mild. The other major holidays are Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, which are all from December 25th to January 1st. Many businesses are shut for the whole period, and others have different opening hours, so you’ll need to check them as the holidays arrive.
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Day Trips So you have settled into the everyday grind of studying and you’re looking to get away for a few hours and see the countryside. There are plenty of great places only an hour or two away from Perth that are definitely worth seeing.
Rottnest Island For those of you who love experiencing Australia’s unique wildlife, as well as the beautiful beaches and landscape, Rottnest Island is a must-see. Hop on the ferry for a short trip from Fremantle and you’ll end up on Rottnest. One of the best ways to experience the island is via bike, so hire one and spend the day leisurely taking in the sites and experiencing the local wildlife like the friendly quokkas. If you prefer to spend your time in the one spot, you can set yourself up on one of the many swimming beaches like The Basin, Longreach Bay, Little Parakeet Bay and Geordie Bay. Otherwise, take the historic train to the top of Oliver Hill for a view with a difference. www.rottnestisland.com.au
Geographe Bay If you take a two hour drive south of Perth you’ll find yourself in the charming Geographe Bay, known affectionately as Western Australia’s natural playground. Home to a number of cute beachside suburbs including Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup, Geographe Bay is also on the fringe of the well-
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known Margaret River wine region. This place really does have everything. Visit the Busselton Jetty - the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere standing at 1.8km long and housing shops, a train and an underwater viewing observatory. If you prefer to spend your days lazing about in the sun, visit the pristine Yallingup beach or for something a little more daring, see the Ngilgi caves in Yallingup. www.geographebay.com.au
Swan River Only 25 minutes outside of the centre of Perth is the picturesque Swan Valley. If you love your wine and fresh produce, Swan Valley has to be on your list of places to visit while you’re staying in Perth. Take a wine tour and visit some of the region’s best wineries while looking out over the vineyards. For those who have a taste for beer, The Feral Brewery is also worth a look. There’s a Food and Wine Trail you can follow to make sure you don’t miss anything or you can just wander through the area and enjoy the view. Since it’s so close, there really isn’t any excuse!
New Norcia For something a little different, head two hours north of Perth to New Norcia - the only monastic village in Australia. Benedictine Monks live a traditional lifestyle making wine and chocolate to sell to tourists who travel through the area. The monks have been there since the town was established in 1847, and it’s a beautiful place. It’s unlike many other places around Perth; so it’s definitely worth a look - the Spanish architecture against the typical Aussie outback makes for some great photography, so don’t forget your camera! www.newnorcia.com.au
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Weekend Trips If there’s a long weekend coming up or maybe it’s the mid semester break it’s always nice to get away for a few days and explore a bit more of the state. There are plenty of great places to visit overnight or for a couple of days.
Broome Distance from Perth: 2 and a half hour flight Only 2,200km north of Perth (get used to it!), you’ll find the coastal town of Broome. It’s easily one of the most picturesque beachside towns in the country, famous for its pearl diving (not its brooms). You’ll also find the oldest outdoor cinema in the world Sun Pictures that first started screening films in 1916. If you prefer to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, Broome has over 20km of beautiful coast (Cable Beach is a highlight). While it might not be the easiest place to get to, it’s certainly well worth it just to see the views. It’s also the doorway to the spectacular Kimberly Ranges.
see and do in Margaret River. Explore the Moondyne Cave by torchlight or go whale watching on the coast. There is also a whole stack of craft breweries in the region, so make a day of it and go beer tasting!
Kalgoorlie Distance from Perth: 6 hours and 40 minutes driving
Esperance Distance from Perth: 8 hours driving
Margaret River is one of the most famous wine regions in Australia, so if you love your wine this is a must-see spot. It’s home to some of Australia’s most renowned wineries like Xanadu, Leeuwin Estate and MadFish. The area is also known for having some of the finest foods and restaurants, so foodies can find something to enjoy too. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, there are plenty of other things to
For those wanting a real, true-blue Aussie outback experience, a visit to Kalgoorlie is a must. One of Australia’s biggest and oldest mining towns, Kalgoorlie is a strange mixture of traditional colonial buildings, massive mining operations and cosmopolitan nightclubs. You can expect plenty of that iconic red dust if you visit some of the old gold mines or one of the many ‘ghost towns’ around the area - towns that started up during the gold rush but were eventually left for dead. You can also visit the Royal Flying Doctor’s Visitor Centre to learn more about one of Australia’s most unique medical services. For those who enjoy learning about different cultures and art, there are plenty of museums and art galleries, hosting work from local artists. It’s definitely worth a look to see how some of Australia’s bravest miners lived back in the day.
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Margaret River Distance from Perth: about 3 hours drive
If you want to see more of those iconic Australian white sandy beaches, a trip to Esperance should satisfy you. Make sure you visit Australia’s whitest beach Lucky Bay and the calm ocean at the Blue Haven Beach - a perfect spot for snorkelling and exploring. But for those of you who are looking for waves, Esperance has plenty of surfing beaches including Fourth Beach, Observatory Beach and West Beach. The town itself has plenty of art galleries and museums - you can even visit the NASA Skylab that fell to earth back in 1979 just outside of Esperance. This is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax.
Wildlife Aside from its beautiful landscape the state of Western Australia plays host to a number of unique animals. Everyone knows the koala and kangaroo, but what about the wombat or the bilby? There are plenty of native animals housed in a number of wildlife parks in the city and a little further out of town.
Perth Zoo
AQWA
20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth The Perth Zoo is one of the best in the country - mostly because of the huge variety of animals that live there. See animals from Asia, Africa, South America and of course, Australia. With the zoo separated into the various natural habitats, you can visit an Asian rainforest, African savannah and the Australian outback all in one day. The zoo also has a strong stance on antipoaching and sells unique African jewellery, with all the proceeds going towards the anti-poaching group Painted Dog Conservation Inc.
91 Southside Dr, Hillarys The Aquarium of WA is a stunning display of sea-life that normally you’d have to scuba dive for. Out on the beautiful harbour at Hillarys, the aquarium takes you through all of the types of marine life around Western Australia’s coast. There is a massive underwater tunnel too, where you can feel close to sharks and the massive stingrays. If you’ve never been to an aquarium before, this is definitely the place to start. And if you want to make your experience all the more exciting, you can even take a dive with the sharks, or explore the beautiful coral reefs. It’s also particularly affordable if you’re a student - so don’t forget that student card!
www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Armadale Reptile Centre 304 - 308 South Western Hwy, Wungong The Armadale Reptile Centre is home to Australia’s coldblooded animals and a few of the furry ones too. However, there’s no reason to fear the snakes and lizards kept here - now you can learn which ones are the most dangerous and what to do to avoid them in the real world. www.armadalereptilecentre. com.au
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Caversham Wildlife Park and Zoo Whiteman, WA Not far from Perth is the Caversham Wildlife Park. If you fancy getting up close and personal to some of Australia’s most well known creatures, this is the place for you. It’s only a small park, with most of the animals housed in their native habitats so you can walk through and see them right at home. Expect all the fuzzy favour-
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ites like koalas, kangaroos and wombats, plus plenty of birds and reptiles as well. The park has become very well known for it’s breeding programs as well, so if you’re lucky you might spot a baby or two. www.cavershamwildlife.com.au
Cohunu Koala Park 103 Nettleton Road, Byford Just 40 minutes outside of Perth, you’ll find the home of Western Australia’s koalas the Cohunu Koala Park. This is where you can see one of Australia’s cutest creatures in action, and photograph them until your memory card fills. You can also hand feed many of the free roaming animals in the park. There’s also a railway that makes its way through the park on the weekends - a pretty cruisy way to see everything. All the proceeds from the park go towards the park’s koala research program, so you can feel good about visiting anytime! www.cohunu.com.au
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Beaches No trip to Australia would be complete without a dip in the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. We have some of the best beaches in the world – long stretches of golden sand, blue water and plenty of perfect waves for surfing. Perth has plenty of quiet, gentle beaches for those who prefer sunbathing, but a little further up the coast there are beaches with some intense waves for those with a passion for surfing.
City Beach
The Basin
City Beach is the closest beach to the Perth City Centre. It’s a calm little spot where you can take a dip or paddle in comfort, knowing that those iconic Australian surf lifesavers are patrolling nearby. Just next to City Beach is the less crowded Floreat Beach. Swim, paddle, sunbathe and then head to the kiosk for an ice cream.
While all the beaches around Perth and on Rottnest Island are stunning, The Basin still stands out among them all. Located on the far side of Rottnest Island, The Basin is a calm and sheltered little beach. It is also one of the busiest on the island because of the high-class accommodation behind it, but even then it is a quiet spot. Swimming in this place feels like having your own private lagoon.
Scarborough Beach An amazingly beautiful beach, Scarborough is a must-see of Perth. The clean white sands and clear, turquoise waters have earned this spot a place one of the most popular tourist destinations. On hot days this place is absolutely packed, but it is definitely one to visit.
Cottesloe Beach
Rockingham Rockingham and its surrounding beaches are just south of Fremantle. It is a well-known area for wildlife, including dolphins, penguins and seasonal whale sightings. The beaches are clear and perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing or fishing.
Down by Fremantle is Cottesloe Beach. Have a swim and then head over to one of the local pubs for some chill out time in the evening. The conditions are good for surfing and the rocks around the place mean that snorkelers also have some fun.
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Essential Beach Items When you’re heading down to the beach for the day, there are a few crucial items you need to bring with you. It’s always a good idea to leave your valuables at home - while Australia is a friendly place, there are always people who like to ruin the fun. Most beaches around the country are also dry-zones, meaning alcohol is prohibited. Bathers/boardies Towel Sunscreen Bottle of water Hat Sunglasses Umbrella or beach tent Thongs Spare change
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Safety tips
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Swim between the flags
At most popular beaches you will see surf lifesavers who have worked out the safest part of the beach to swim. They communicate this by putting up big flags on the beach.
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Don’t fight the rip or current
Rips are narrow powerful currents running out into the ocean. If you get pulled out to sea by the rip, do not try and fight it.
3
Swim with friends
Make sure you swim while your friends watch you. If you struggle, they can help you out or find someone nearby that can help you!
4
Don’t eat immediately before you swim
Wait at least half an hour before you go for a swim if you have just had a meal. You could get cramps and this could make swimming very difficult.
Also, many popular beaches have surf life saving offices present, with life savers patrolling the beaches at busy times. If you want more information on beach safety, check out www.lifesavingwa.com.au
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Experience Australia While you’re over here, it would be a waste not to see what the rest of Australia has to offer. Remember to look out for editions of Insider Guides that exist in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. See our website for more details.
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Great Aussie Rail Experiences www.greatsouthernrail.com.au
7 The Overland
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Indian PaciďŹ c The Ghan
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1 Perth The most isolated city in the world, Perth is a busy metropolis with a strong sense of natural beauty. Located 20km inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth nightlife is bustling, its beaches are pristine and clean, shopping is relaxed but incredibly diverse and the ability to experience the real ‘great outdoors’ is made easy for locals and visitors.
2 Adelaide This city is always described as more of a country town, but that’s what makes it great! Of course, it’s anything but sleepy, particularly in the summer months as all the best festivals in Australia (and the world) come here to give the whole place a party atmosphere. There are beautiful wine regions and some of the best restaurants in Australia waiting to be discovered.
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Locals proudly proclaim that a traffic jam here would rarely last more than a couple of minutes. For fans of the wilderness, Hobart is just a few hours from some of the world’s most beautiful bush walks. There are plenty of waterfront cafés, bars and some stunning restaurants. With a population of around 200,000, this city is perfect for a leisurely getaway.
4 Brisbane The locals are friendly, the beaches are some of Australia’s best, and the weather is great all year round. Brisbane is one of the most relaxed places in Australia, with a real party culture. South of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, a great place to swim and surf. If you head north you’ll find stunning rainforest conditions and the Glasshouse Mountains.
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5 Sydney Sydney has two of the icons that everyone associates with life ‘down under’: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s jam-packed full of everything to do in one city, with breathtaking harbours in the centre, the ability to buy almost anything you want, and some of the best beaches and scenery not far away.
6 Canberra Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is a cosy little city and hosts some of the sites that many tourists add to their list of ‘must sees’ when they visit. These include the world famous National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. It is also where our Federal Parliament sits, and if you visit you can tour Parliament House and gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works.
7 Melbourne Known for its restaurant and café culture, Melbourne is the centre of classy urban Australian life. The shopping is second to none and the streets are lined with artwork. You can’t go without exploring some of the hidden laneway bars and cafés that showcase the urban culture.
8 Darwin This is the real Aussie outback, well known for it’s wildlife and beautiful natural flora. There are a stack of national parks in the Northern Territory and the sights are incredible, including the famous rock Uluru, right in the middle of the territory. Darwin is a very modern looking city as it was rebuilt after being almost wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
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Thank You Insider Publishing would like to thank our Editors, Marleena Forward, Ellie Williams, Bridie Moran and Christie Legedza for their efforts this year. They researched their cities from the inside out. They listened to current students, experienced what makes their city great and then luckily wrote it down for us at Insider Guides. A special thank you to Mateus Nolasco For all business enquiries: James Martin - james@insiderguides.com.au For all production enquiries: Samuel Trezise: sam@insiderguides.com.au www.insiderguides.com.au
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Never be Bored Again.
Australia Student Guide
Ever. Local students know how to enjoy Australian cities. Now it’s your turn.
Locals maintain the free Australia Student Guide app so you can discover the best nightlife, student specials, events, adventures, shops, experiences and more.
I’M READY TO ENTERTAIN YOU.
I have so much to show you today. There’s some great little boutiques you might not have heard about and I know the best places to catch a show, grab a bite to eat or check out some new art. Get to know me better at showmeperth.com.au