car hire perth
Pick up your hire car at Perth airport and head for the bonza beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the Australian west coast. Book car hire perth now
the 60-second guide to Perth
in its own head
"We're the big city without the bustle, combining cultural sophistication with pristine beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. Sydney who?"
but more realistically
Cultural sophistication? Well, this is Australia and these things are all relative, but Perth has certainly seen a recent boom in trendy bars, restaurants, galleries and the beaches are, of course, stunning.
the vibe
There's a buzz. It's a popular university city, and it's huge on music and the arts too. Lots of popular Australian bands started out in Perth.
the natives
You may notice there's not that many of them - Perth is one of the most spacious big cities you're likely to come across. Those that are there are of the exuberantly friendly variety.
the weather
From December through until March it's steadily hot and dry - though a breeze known as the 'Fremantle Doctor' cools things down in the afternoons. Winters are mild.
the local speciality
You're in Oz, the sun is blistering down, you're outside. If that doesn't spell 'b-b-q', nothing does.
the celebrity
Heath Ledger, the star of The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain who tragically died in 2008, hailed from Perth.
did you know?
Perth was recently ranked as the fourth most liveable city in the world by The Economist.
they say
"The weather is fantastic, the beaches are clean and uncrowded, and the city is in a postcard-perfect setting." - www.westernaustralia.com
5 to see in town...
Perth is defined by its gorgeous river, and from picnics on its banks to jet-skiing in the sun, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it.
where to park?
There are a number of car parks around the Swan River, including the Plan Street open air car park that charges AUS$1.70 an hour, the Terrace Road open air car park (AUS$1.80 an hour) or the Farlances car park in Adelaide Terrace (AUS$3 for the first hour and a maximum of AUS$10 for up to 12 hours).
5 to see in town...
No, they haven't made an embarrassing mistake regarding The Queen - this theatre was named after King George VII and is home to the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet.
where to park?
You can park your hire car at either the His Majesty's car park in Murray Street for AUS$2.40 an hour, or at the Kings Street car park for AUS$1.80 an hour.
5 to see in town...
Don't be fooled by the rather uninspired name, this place is actually an engaging trip through Australian history, involving dinosaurs, fossils, butterflies and other good stuff.
where to park?
Free street parking is available on Beaufort Street on Sundays. On other days, park under the LISWA building off Francis Street.
5 to see in town...
One of the main attractions in the area, this tower looks as if it was built by aliens. That, of course, is the appeal.
where to park?
A limited number of parking bays are available in Barrack Square. If all the bays are full, you can park your hire car at the Point Fraser open air car park in Riverside Drive for AUS$1.80 an hour instead.
and 4 to drive to...
If, like most people, you haven't been to prison, then this is your chance to have a look at one. This was originally a jail when it was built, way back in 1830.
how to get there?
Head west out of the city centre onto the Stirling Highway - it's about 11 miles to Fremantle.
and 4 to drive to...
You're in Australia and, no offence, you haven't seen a koala or kangeroo yet? Well, the wildlife park here is the place.
how to get there?
Take the Great Eastern Highway eastwards out of the city and then turn left onto the Tonkin Highway, which takes you into Whiteman. It's about 15 miles from the centre of Perth.
and 4 to drive to...
One of the oldest towns in Australia. Admittedly that only dates it back to the 1830s, but it's been beautifully preserved as a real slice of history.
how to get there?
Head east out of the city on the Great Eastern Highway. Stay on it for around 60 miles and you'll find yourself in York.
and 4 to drive to...
A sublime destination for bushwalking - that's Aussie for 'walking in the countryside' - this park boasts waterfalls, woodland and a wide variety of birds and animals.
how to get there?
Go south from the city centre to join the Kwinana Freeway. After around 24 miles turn left onto the Mundijong Road, from where signs direct you to the Serpentine National Park.
ask a Perth cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jay Moore on car hire Perth: "Roads are good here and that combined with the weather and scenery makes driving in Perth a real pleasure. One thing that you possibly should be aware of, though, is that if you've left too big a gap between your car and the one in front, another one is likely to jump into it. Also bear in mind that we don't have any service stations on the freeway, nor signs telling you where the next one is - you don't want to be walking in the Perth sun!"