Travel to Perth
Perth is a beautiful place, but is also one of the world’s most isolated cities. However, it is well serviced by approximately 13 different international airlines, some of which operate multiple daily services. Perth is around 24 flying hours from New York, 18 hours from London and LA, 16 hours from Frankfurt, 10 hours from Dubai and South Africa, 7 hours from Hong Kong and approximately 5 hours from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Some participants may have been approached by a company attempting to obtain travel details and to pressure them into booking a room through them. Please do not respond to any emails or phone calls from anyone claiming to organise accommodation, as they are likely to be fraudulent. If you have any queries regarding accommodation booking, please refer to the information below or contact a member of the LOC.
Visas
All travellers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. Participants can obtain a ‘Electronic Travel Authority‘ if eligible, or search for visas they may be eligible for. Most participants should be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) which costs $20 and is valid for one year. The online confirmation usually takes 24—48 hours but we encourage participants to apply a few weeks prior to their departure date. Please use the direct immigration link we provide to avoid any potential scams. We can provide a ‘letter of invitation’ to invited visitors on request.
Airport
Perth Airport is broken into two 2 parts — Terminals 1/2 and Terminals 3/4 — which are about 16 km and 12 km North East of the CBD, respectively. They are easily accessible by car, taxi, bus, or rideshare. Taxi is probably the preferred option if there is more than one person, or if you have luggage.
Taxi ranks are outside the terminal buildings, and fares are ~$30-35 from the domestic airport to CBD, ~$40-$50 from the international airport to CBD. Be aware of the significant distance between Terminals 1 and 2 (all international flights + some domestic, including Virgin) and Terminals 3 and 4 (domestic flights, including Qantas) if you are meeting someone. There are also designated, signposted ‘rideshare’ areas at the airport for those who wish to use apps like Uber (typically ~$10 cheaper than a taxi).
The Perth Airport City Shuttle has several convenient pick-up points located near hotels, motels and hostels across Perth. At Terminal 1 (international), the shuttle meets every arrival within 45 minutes of customs clearance, and at the domestic terminals it meets each domestic arrival within 30 minutes of luggage collection. Phone: (+61 8 9277 7958)
Transperth Busses depart from both arrival areas, travelling to Perth city centre via St. Georges Terrace (transfer time ~40 mins), terminating at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. Buses leave the airport every ~30 mins during the day, hourly after 6PM, and all day Sunday.
local logistics
Regular buses (every 5-10 mins) go from the city centre (including the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station) to UWA and will take 10-20 mins.
Bicycle rentals are also possible in Perth; there is an excellent track that goes between the University and Perth city. However, please note that daytime temperatures in February can reach over 40 degrees Celsius.
A taxi from Perth airport to UWA or the city will be about ~$50-$60. You do not have to tip taxi drivers; in general, tipping is not expected in Australia. Payments via credit cards attract a surcharge. Ride-share operators such as Uber, Lyft and Shofer widely operate throughout Perth, and are popular options to get to/from the airport and around the city.
local ACcOMMODATION
The closest lodgings to UWA can be found in the surrounding residential colleges as semester is not in session during the time of this workshop. Alternatively, workshop participant to stay in town (Perth is ~5km away) and commute each day. Buses run frequently between the city and UWA. More information can be found on the Transperth website: https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
Near UWA:
2) St George College
3) Forrest Hall: A newly-built set of apartments by the Swan river.
4) Staying in Perth city may be the best bet. Previous visitors have stayed at “Miss Maud’s hotel” or “Ibis, Perth”.
If you require assistance with the booking of your accommodation, please seek help from one of the LOCs. Additionally, if additional support is required for international participants who are primary caregivers, please contact the organising committee members.