Perth
Perth is known as the most geographically isolated capital city in the world, but there’s much more to it than just that.
The city has enjoyed prosperity in recent years from the mining boom that saw the state profit from its abundant natural resources.
Thanks to the mining boom, Perth has had a significant boost to its population, reaching 2 million as of March 2015.
Perth has the most sunny days per year out of all of Australia’s capital cities. It also has plenty of greenery, especially in its Botanical Gardens at King’s Park where you can find a stunning view of the city.
It’s also home to the Fringe World Festival, an increasingly popular open-access arts festival that sees hundreds of performers from around the world transform the inner-city suburb of Northbridge for five weeks in January and February.
key facts
- Location: Located on the south west coast of Western Australia
- Population: 2,021,000
- Size: 1,150 km2
weather
Perth’s Mediterranean climate means that year round the weather is mostly warm and sunny.
- Summer average: 25°C
- Winter average: 14°C
- Average rainfall: 700 mm
working in perth
Perth’s recent mining boom has meant that over the last decade, the city has developed one of the strongest economies in the country.
Now that the construction phase of the boom is over, the economy has entered a transitory phase as the effects of the boom slow down.
However the state remains prosperous and in 2014 had an unemployment rate of 5%, lower than the nation’s average rate of 6%.
Fields such as health and social services, education and retail are in need of workers to accommodate for the needs of the growing population.
studying in perth
Perth’s four well-known universities are the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University (ECU), each of which have their own specific range of disciplines.
Many fledgling entertainers flock to Perth to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), which is one of the most highly regarded performing arts institutions in the country.
Those looking for practical experience or tertiary education outside of university can find it at TAFE (Technical and Further Education), which offers a number of courses in various campuses throughout Perth.
housing and property
Perth has a bit of a reputation of being one of Australia’s more expensive cities to live in but thankfully prices have eased in recent years.
As of January 2016, the median house price in Perth was AUD $612,000, while the average rent sat at around AUD $440 per week.
Thanks to high house prices, many opt to build rather than buy which explains Perth’s ever-expanding suburban sprawl and the prominence of modern architecture.
transport
Perth’s public transport network consists mainly of trains and buses, with a free public transport zone in the CBD, in which ‘CAT’ buses take passengers around Perth’s metropolitan heart free of charge.
Public transport can become expensive, with standard adult train fares costing around $4.50 (depending on the length of the journey).
Due to Perth’s sprawling geography and low population density, public transport becomes sparse as it reaches the outer suburbs and much of Perth relies on cars to get around.
The train system can offer relief from the traffic, especially around the CBD, where it can be less taxing to park at a train station a few stops away from Perth central and take the train in from there.
western australia
WA makes up one third of Australia’s total land mass at roughly 2,500,000 km2.
The state has an abundance of natural resources which in recent years have afforded the state a mining boom handsome enough to significantly raise its population and cost of living.
WA is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and a fertile wine region surrounding Margaret River. Sparsely populated and geographically stunning, it is a truly unique part of the world.
handy links
- City of Perth
- The West Australian newspaper
- The Sunday Times