By Bicycle Or On Foot
Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has some of the best cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Australia. The Perth bicycle network features an ever growing, metro-wide system of bicycle/pedestrian paths. The system features;
Principal Shared Paths
high standard shared paths that run adjacent to each railway lines and along major motorways.Local Bicycle Routes
(a series of on-road routes as well as some suburban off-road sections that run through parks - these paths provide a connection to such destinations such as schools, shopping centres and other recreational facilities.Generic minor works
projects include general improvements to the cycling environment in local areas, such as on-road bike lanes and sealed shoulders.End of trip facilities
including; U-Rails, Cora bike racks and bike lockers and change-rooms.Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and at Planners Map (http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/...). The Department for Planning and Infrastructure provides a range of guides, maps and brochures for bike riders. If you have a scenic route in mind, these brochures can take you to the coast, Kings Park, Armadale and the Hills or around the Swan River.
A favourite amongst seasoned local cyclists is the ride along the North side of the Swan River between the City and Nedlands. Allow 60 min for a round trip along this route, as you might encounter a strong headwind.
Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains but not during peak hour, unless they are the type of bicycle that can be folded up.
Cycling at full pelt in the fully pedestrianised Hay and Murray St malls in the city centre is generally tolerated by the police. Doing this, however, is an easy way to cheese off local pedestrians if you are going too fast.
By car
Renting a car is the ideal means of transportation for traveling to outlying attractions. Perth's major freeways and highways are free from any tolls, as is not the case in Sydney and Melbourne and from either of these major arterial roads, it is possible to be surrounded by beautiful countryside within minutes.
Rent-a-car providers are located adjacent to the airport and there are quite a few scattered around the city and the suburbs.
The general speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated.
Note that traffic in Perth as elsewhere in Australia travels in the left-hand lane. It is advisable to travel on the left hand lane even in dual carriageways for tourist drivers. This might take a bit of getting used to if you drive on the right-hand side back home. Even for right-hand drivers some things are different here like the ability to overtake on the inside of a vehicle on a freeway.
Note that Police are rarely seen out on the roads but manned mobile speed cameras operated by public servants are very prevalent. Driving even 5km/hr above the placarded speed can incur a fine . Driving 40km/hr above the placarded speed means the car is impounded for 28 days even if it not your car hire cars excepted.
By public transport
The Perth metropolitan area has a fairly reliable and inexpensive public transport system operated by Transperth (http://www.transperth.wa....). Information about timetables, disruptions or service alterations can be found on their website, by calling 13 62 13 or at 'Transperth Infocentres' located in at the central train station and a couple of branches in the City