L&J’s Journey Around the World: Western Australia’s Perth – A City of Stunning Sunsets, Far from Lonely

Meta Description: Discover why Perth, Western Australia is far from lonely. From stunning sunsets and Swan River soul to Rottnest Island adventures, this guide covers visas, flights, car rental, and hidden gems.

Introduction: Why Perth Defies the "Most Isolated City" Label

Before my feet touched the ground in Perth, I kept turning a question over in my mind: Why do people call it the most isolated city on Earth? Is it because travelers use it as a transit hub before venturing into even more remote landscapes? Or is it simply because the city sits quietly on Australia’s southwestern edge, facing the Indian Ocean’s endless rhythm of tides and sunrises?

After spending just a handful of days here, I wanted to measure the city with my own steps and feel its true character. But here’s the surprise: even on our first meeting, Perth didn’t feel shy or lonely at all. Sure, it can be quiet sometimes, and at other times it loves a bit of bustle. But what stays constant is its ever-changing beauty.

To me, the sunset along the coast is its makeup, the Swan River is its soul, Rottnest Island is its favorite playground, and Fremantle is like a loyal friend who has grown up alongside it. So no, the Perth I met left me with zero feelings of loneliness.

This guide is your complete resource for planning a trip to Perth, Western Australia—covering visas, flights, accommodation, car rental, and the best things to do in this sun-drenched city.

Planning Your Perth Adventure: Essential Travel Tips

Australian Visa for Chinese Passport Holders (Subclass 600)

Since February 20, 2017, Chinese passport holders in China have been able to apply online for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) through the Australian immigration website. The fee is 135 AUD. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Create an ImmiAccount first before starting your application.
  • Each person must submit a separate application, even if traveling as a family.
  • The form spans 21 pages—budget two full evenings to complete it.
  • You’ll need to upload supporting documents (check the official site for the exact list).

Heads-up: If you’re not living in mainland China (say you’re a student or worker abroad), you’ll still be required to visit a local visa application center to give biometrics and pay an additional fee (around 50 SGD per person in Singapore). I tried to skip this by applying online, but no luck.

Booking Flights to Perth: Scoot Tips and Tricks

We flew direct from Singapore to Perth with Scoot. The regular round-trip fare was about 630 SGD per person, but we booked in October 2017 and somehow ended up paying only around 180 SGD total for both of us—thanks to a mysterious coupon Scoot sent us. That pretty much sealed the deal.

What to know about Scoot: - Scoot used to be famous for offering Boeing 787s at budget prices. Their seats are noticeably roomier than other low-cost carriers. - However, after Scoot merged with Tiger, they also took over Tiger’s Airbus A320 fleet. When booking, double-check which aircraft you’re getting.

Pro tip: Scoot runs flash sales every Tuesday morning and often offers big discounts when launching new routes. Keep an eye on their site.

[Link: Best budget airlines to Australia from Asia]

Where to Stay in Perth: Accommodation Options

We split our trip between two accommodations for a balanced experience:

a) Perth (Highgate) – Airbnb Private Room

We booked a private room through Airbnb for three nights, costing about 210 SGD (roughly 1,000+ RMB). The room was in a typical Australian house with a front and back yard, on a quiet side street off the main road. We shared one and a half bathrooms with an Italian girl who was on a working holiday in Perth.

Pros: - Kitchen was big enough for simple cooking, and the host provided basic seasonings. - Comfortable bed (though some might find it a bit soft). - Walking distance to Hyde Park and a main street full of restaurants. - Parking available right outside if you’re renting a car.

Cons: - About 15 minutes by public transport to reach the city center. - For larger supermarkets, you’ll need wheels.

b) Fremantle – Fremantle Hostel

We stayed at Fremantle Hostel, booked through Booking.com, at 95 AUD per night for a double room with a private bathroom.

Honest take: If you want peace and quiet, a hostel might not be your best bet—especially for two people, who have more options. We booked late, so choices in Fremantle were limited.

Why stay in Fremantle anyway? Fremantle has some lovely late-night bars and eateries, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. Staying overnight is worth considering, but if you’re driving from Perth, the trip is only about 30 minutes each way.

[Link: Best neighborhoods to stay in Perth]

Getting Around Perth: Car Rental and Parking Guide

Since we rented a car, I’m not the best person to talk about Perth’s public transport. We did take a bus once—about five or six stops—and paid around 2.60 AUD in cash (they do give change). From the airport to our accommodation, the taxi cost about 30+ AUD. For a place as spread out as Australia, having your own car is much more convenient.

Car Rental Tips from My Partner, Lao Luo

1. Renting a Car: We booked through Zuzuche, a Chinese aggregator that pulls together options from major companies like Hertz, Thrifty, and Avis. It covers nearly 200 countries and 10,000 locations. You just pick your pickup and drop-off dates, and it shows you all available cars. I compared prices on Zuzuche with Hertz’s own site, and Zuzuche was significantly cheaper. Highly recommended.

Insurance note: To avoid headaches, go for full coverage with zero excess. Zuzuche offers a “super all-risk” policy through Chinese insurers, covering collision, theft, third-party liability, glass, tires, roadside assistance, and even trip cancellation. But here’s the catch: you pay the deductible upfront and then claim reimbursement from the insurer after returning home. I haven’t tried this myself, because dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle. If you can, buy the rental company’s own full-coverage insurance directly.

2. Parking in Perth: Look for signs with “P” markings. Here’s a quick guide: - “1P” means one hour, “2P” means two hours, “1/4P” means 15 minutes. - Red text indicates when parking is prohibited. - Green text shows when it’s allowed. - Outside those times, you can park freely. - If you see “TICKET” under the P, you need to buy a parking ticket from a nearby machine and display it on your dashboard.

Warning: Never overstay—fines can be brutal, and your car might even get towed.

[Link: Driving in Australia: Rules and tips for international visitors]

Staying Connected in Perth: SIM Card Options

For short trips, Optus offers a traveler SIM card. We bought ours right outside Perth Airport. There were two options: Optus and Vodafone. Optus had a longer queue because of its fantastic deal: 15 GB of data for 7 days at just 10 AUD. Perfect for short-term visitors. Speed and coverage were both excellent.

When to Visit Perth: Season and Time Difference

Time zone: Perth shares the same time zone as Singapore and China (no daylight saving).

Best season to visit: We visited at the end of March, when autumn is just beginning. The temperature difference between day and night can be noticeable, so pack a light jacket—it works for sun protection during the day and warmth in the evening.

Sunset timing: Sunset was around 6:00 PM. The sun is still strong enough for swimming and snorkeling, but be careful: Lao Luo got badly sunburned after a day of cycling on Rottnest Island.

Currency: During our trip, the Australian dollar was roughly on par with the Singapore dollar (1:1) and about 1:5 against the Chinese yuan. It’s a good idea to bring some cash, but most places accept credit cards. Paying in AUD gives you a decent exchange rate.

Perth Highlights: Best Things to Do and See

  • The Urban List (Perth): A fantastic resource for local food. Use its search feature to find amazing recommendations, or just browse its Instagram feed for mouthwatering photos.
  • Perth is OK (Instagram): Locals share stunning photos of the city. If you see a spot you like, add it to your itinerary.
  • Experience Perth: A more official site with classic tourist routes and restaurant suggestions.

Eating and Drinking in Perth

Perth’s downtown area, Northbridge, and Beaufort Street in Highgate are packed with small restaurants. If a place looks lively and has good vibes, just walk in—you won’t be disappointed.

Note: Australian beer is delicious, and I had one almost every day (someone else was driving, after all). But be prepared to pay a bit at restaurants.

My Personal Restaurant List (Perth)

  • Side Door Barbecue: Classic Western-style BBQ with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • More recommendations coming soon—check back for updates!

Frequently Asked Questions About Perth Travel

1. Is Perth really the most isolated city in the world?

Yes, geographically Perth is one of the most isolated major cities on Earth—the nearest city of comparable size is over 2,000 km away. However, the city itself feels vibrant, welcoming, and far from lonely. With stunning beaches, a thriving food scene, and friendly locals, you’ll quickly forget the isolation.

2. How many days do I need in Perth?

We spent 5-7 days and found it a good amount of time to explore the city, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island. If you want to venture further (like the Pinnacles Desert or Margaret River), add 3-4 more days.

3. Do I need a car in Perth?

While public transport exists, a car is highly recommended for exploring beyond the city center. Parking is manageable if you follow the signs. For Fremantle and Rottnest Island, you can manage without a car.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Perth?

March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summer (December-February) is hot but perfect for beach lovers.

5. Is Perth expensive for tourists?

Perth is comparable to other Australian cities. Accommodation and dining can add up, but with careful planning (like using Airbnb and cooking some meals), you can keep costs reasonable. Budget airlines like Scoot help with flights.

Final Thoughts: Why Perth Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List

Perth surprised me. It’s not just a transit hub for remote landscapes—it’s a destination in its own right. From the golden sunsets over the Indian Ocean to the laid-back charm of Fremantle, from the quokkas on Rottnest Island to the culinary delights of Northbridge, this city has a personality all its own.

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, don’t skip the west coast. Perth is waiting to show you its stunning sunsets, its warm hospitality, and its unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty.

Ready to book your Perth adventure? Start by checking flight deals on Scoot, compare car rental prices on Zuzuche, and save this guide for later. Your sunset moment on the Swan River is just a booking away.

[Link: Complete Australia travel guide]
[Link: Best sunset spots in Perth]
[Link: Rottnest Island day trip guide]

Have you been to Perth? Share your favorite spot in the comments below!

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