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Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Perth 2024
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Matilda Bay in Perth, Australia


The Insider's Guide to Perth

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
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Summary: Discover the charm of Perth with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to Perth! If you're planning to move to Perth, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Perth has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Perth.

Perth is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Perth has something for everyone. Here are some of the top sites of interest for tourists and locals in Perth.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Perth. Located on the banks of the Swan River, the park is home to over 3,000 species of native plants and trees, as well as a variety of wildlife. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park, or take a guided tour to learn more about the park's history and ecology. Kings Park also offers a range of recreational activities, including cycling, running, and picnicking.

The Perth Cultural Centre is another popular destination for tourists and locals. Located in the heart of the city, the centre is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library of Western Australia, and the Western Australian Museum. Visitors can explore the galleries and exhibitions, or take part in a range of workshops and events. The centre also hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year.

The Perth Zoo is another popular attraction in Perth. Located in South Perth, the zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. Visitors can take a guided tour of the zoo, or explore the various exhibits and attractions. The zoo also offers a range of educational programs and activities for children.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Perth is vibrant and diverse. There are a range of restaurants and bars to choose from, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Some of the most popular restaurants in Perth include the award-winning Rockpool Bar & Grill, the chic and modern Print Hall, and the classic Italian restaurant, Il Lido. For a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of pubs and bars to choose from, such as the iconic Cottesloe Beach Hotel, the lively Northbridge Brewing Company, and the trendy Mechanics Institute.

When it comes to recreational activities, Perth has plenty to offer. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, and fishing at the city's many beaches, such as Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, and Trigg Beach. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore, such as the Swan River Trail, the Bibbulmun Track, and the Perth Hills. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of golf courses, tennis courts, and bowling alleys to choose from.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Perth: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Pick a sport, any sport and that is the best way to meet someone over here. If sport isn't your thing then try bushwalking, volunteer groups, join a gym, whatever, there really is quite a diverse range of groups you can join," said one expat living in Perth.

"If you have children it seems very easy to meet others through playgroups, kindergarten/school etc. If not, then joining a sports team/club is a good start. Also participating in outings etc that are arranged through other newcomers - I've found it easier to make friends with other newbies (foreigners or those from other parts of Australia) than long time Perth people," wrote a member in Perth.

"Cycling, any children's activities, triathlon, swimming, running and basically any outdoor activities," commented one expat who made the move to Perth.

"Expats living in Perth have many options available to them when wanting to meet other people or take part in activities. One popular activity amongst expats is joining a sporting or recreational club, such as a soccer or rugby team, or a community theater or art group. Expats can also attend regular meet-up events that are available on many different topics, such as language exchange and culture exchange. By attending these events, expats can quickly meet other like-minded people and forge new friendships. Additionally, there are many online forums and social networking sites dedicated to connecting expats with one another in Perth, allowing people from all over the world to connect and discuss their shared experiences," remarked one expat living in Perth, Australia.

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"Peoples lives generally revolve around the outdoors. The weather is only poor during winter and these are mild anyway. Spring through to Autumn is getting out and about weather and the reason for earning money is to support that lifestyle. Whether it be playing sport, riding around the river, settling into the cafe strips and relaxing it all comes down to a relaxed lifestyle. Of course everyone needs an income but its not all push and shove like Sydney or Melbourne," commented an expat living in Perth.

"Working (many work longer hours here than you might think), boating, fishing, sports, cycling etc. Oh and drinking - they still do the drinks at the office thing here - I thought that was gone in the late 80s. Nearly all social activities also revolve around drinking, even the sporting events - not a good thing in my opinion," said an expat in Perth.

"Perth has a mix of those fanatical about work and sports. Fly in / Fly out jobs to the mining and oil and gas areas are common and put strain on those families. Family and sports play a major role in the community. Outdoor sports are happening all year round in major numbers," remarked one expat who made the move to Perth.

"Perth is a great destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a relaxed lifestyle. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, Perth is an ideal place to live and work. The city is well-connected with excellent public transport, making it easy to get around. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of job opportunities for those looking to work remotely. The city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. With its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty, Perth is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," explained one expat living in Perth.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Matilda Bay in Perth, Australia

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