Flying from Los Angeles to Perth takes 20 hours. It is a long way and one of the best uses for those frequent flyer miles, since first and business class fares are sky-high. In economy, package airfares are frequently available and air/land packages can actually cost less than air alone. Affordable business class upgrades are sometimes available, as well. Even if you are planning an independent itinerary, you can still get package rate airfares from large consolidators in the market. We recommend that you only buy these from a reputable travel agency. Air New Zealand, Qantas and United offer frequent service, and various routing/stop over options.

If you are going to visit other cities in the Australian continent, you will do much better by buying your tickets from the US. Qantas has sales where you can buy two or three legs for under $200 to which you may add Sydney, Melbourne, or Cairns.

Jet Lag

Time Zones

There are three time zones in Australia Eastern Standard Time (EST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.

Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months.

Perth is on Australian Western Standard Time (GMT +8 hours). they do not observe daylight saving. Perth is 14 hours ahead of Chicago, 13 hours ahead of New York. (Which our summer months switches to 13 and 12 respectively). When we switch our clocks to standard time, Perth is 13 hours ahead of Chicago and 12 ahead of New York. Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Perth.

Passport and Visa

U.S. citizens may travel to Australia on a valid U.S. passport with an Australian visa or, if eligible, on a valid U.S. passport and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months. The ETA is free of charge and is available from airlines and many travel agents. American citizens who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to detention and removal. More information about the ETA and entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000, via the Australian Embassy home page on the Internet, or from the Australian Consulate General in Los Angeles, tel (310) 229-4840. If you have any trouble with your electronic visa you can call the Australian Embassy at 202-797-3145. They are quite hard to reach and you must leave a message. For emergencies try 202-797-3161.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days prior to arrival. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site.

Importation of fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs and egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant products are strictly controlled. There is up to 6 months quarantine for pets and other domestic animals. Anyone carrying any of these items on arrival in Australia must tick the appropriate box on the Customs, Quarantine and Wildlife statement. This is handed to you before arrival and must be presented with your passport upon arrival.

Health

Perth, like most parts of Australia, presents no real health risks for foreign visitors. Tap water is good, restaurants and eating-places are required by law to maintain a high standard of food preparation, and the city is generally clean. Smog is less of a problem than with cities such as London, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Exposure to the sun can be a problem for those who are fair-skinned. Australia's medical services are among the best in the world. Under reciprocal arrangements, citizens from UK, New Zealand, Malta, Italy, Finland, Sweden, and The Netherlands are entitled to free hospital and medical treatment by the National insurance plan. Citizens from other countries (such as the USA) may wish to buy complementary insurance to avoid stiff medical bills. Arrangements for adequate medical cover should be made before leaving home.

Airports

Perth International Airport (PER) is the main international and domestic airport. Perth International Airport is 12 km North East of the city center. Perth International Airport has two separate terminals for International and Domestic flights. Both terminals can be easily found by driving east along Great Eastern Highway from the Perth city center following the clearly marked road signs.

Taxis

• Taxi ranks are located outside both the domestic and international terminals, and commissionaires are available to assist you during peak movement periods.
• You may be asked to pay your fare in advance, and the same fare applies to both a group or single person. There is no extra charge for luggage, although taxis will add an A$1.00 ground transport charge. This fee goes towards providing better ground transport infrastructure at the airport, including taxi waiting areas, monitoring equipment and curb front facilities, and is similar to charges applied at other airports around the world.
• As a general guide, the following fees apply for taxis raveling from: The International Terminal to: Perth City A$28, Fremantle A$44, Scarborough A$42 and Joondalup A$58.
• The Domestic Terminal to: Perth City A$21, Fremantle A$44, Scarborough A$38, and Joondalup A$55

Buses

• There is an Airport-City shuttle which has pickup points conveniently located near hotels, motels and hostels in Perth, including Northbridge, the Central City, East Perth, West Perth, Mill Point Road and Great Eastern Highway.
• The buses meet every arrival within 45 minutes of customs clearance, and are available to transfer between the international and domestic terminals if required. This service is also available at the domestic terminal, and meets each domestic arrival within 30 minutes of luggage collection.
• The list of charges for the shuttle service is: International Terminal - to/ from the city: Adults A$11.00. Between International and Domestic Terminals: Adults A$5.50. Domestic Terminal - to/from the city: Adults A$8.80 Contact Feature Tours for further information about the shuttle service on +61 8 9479 4131

Taxis

Catching a taxi in Perth is quite easy.

Currency

Forget traveler's checks, cash, or personal checks. All you really need is a valid ATM and credit card. Charge as much as you can, thus ensuring the best exchange rate at all times and only take out cash from an ATM machine as needed. Avoid exchanging back to US currency by paying your hotel bill with excess cash and charging the rest. Keep enough cash to get you to the airport. Remember your cab fare on the way down and keep that much for the return. At printing you could get 1.3 AU$ per USD.

Dollars and cents. Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. Coins: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. The Australia dollar is floated on the world currency market and is presently fluctuating at around 75 cents to the US$.

Banking Hours

Banks are open from 9.30am till 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and open till 5.00pm on Friday. Some Banks and Building societies are open Saturday Mornings. Twenty - four hour automatic teller machines are very common throughout the city and suburbs

Climate

Australia's seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.

• Spring: September-November
• Summer: December-February
• Fall: March-May
• Winter: June-August

	Temperature Ranges												Rainfall Monthly Average
	Average				High				Low
	Max		Min		Max		Min		Max		Min
	°C	°F	°C	°F	°C	°F	°C	°F	°C	°F	°C	°F	ml	Inch
January	30	86.0	18.3	64.9	45.8	114.4	27.8	82.0	19.6	67.3	9.2	48.6	8.6	0.3
February	30.5	86.9	18.7	65.7	46.2	115.2	29.3	84.7	19.0	66.2	8.7	47.7	13.3	0.5
March	28.6	83.5	17.3	63.1	42.3	108.1	28.3	82.9	16.4	61.5	7.7	45.9	19.3	0.8
April	24.6	76.3	14.5	58.1	37.6	99.7	24.4	75.9	13.6	56.5	4.1	39.4	45.5	1.8
May	21.1	70.0	11.8	53.2	32.4	90.3	20.8	69.4	11.5	52.7	1.3	34.3	122.7	4.8
June	18.7	65.7	10.4	50.7	28.1	82.6	18.7	65.7	8.8	47.8	1.3	34.3	182.4	7.2
July	17.7	63.9	9.2	48.6	26.3	79.3	16.1	61.0	10.5	50.9	0.0	32.0	172.9	6.8
August	18.3	64.9	9.3	48.7	27.8	82.0	16.6	61.9	9.9	49.8	1.4	34.5	134.6	5.3
September	19.9	67.8	10.3	50.5	32.7	90.9	19.5	67.1	11.4	52.5	1.8	35.2	79.9	3.2
October	21.9	71.4	11.8	53.2	37.3	99.1	22.2	72.0	11.9	53.4	2.2	36.0	54.5	2.2
November	24.8	76.6	14.2	57.6	40.3	104.5	22.0	71.6	14.2	57.6	5.6	42.1	21.7	0.9
December	27.4	81.3	16.5	61.7	42.3	108.1	27.1	80.8	14.9	58.8	8.6	47.5	13.9	0.6

Essentials

• Australia's electricity voltage for domestic use is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle. The standard plug is a distinctive three pronged - type. Adapters are available from travel shops and hardware stores. Most hotels have voltage adapters for AC 110 volts in the rooms.
• Australia operates on the Metric system. Temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade (oC), liquids in litters, distance in kilometers and weights in kilograms.
  • C° to F° add 15 and multiply by 2
  • Litters to Imperial Gallons multiply by .22
  • (US gallons multiply by .26)
  • Kilometers to miles multiply by .62
  • Kilograms to pounds multiply by .45
• Public phones: 40-cent local calls Telephone calls made from public pay phones in Australia costs a minimum of A$0.40 (40 cents). If you are making a local call you will not need to pay any more than 40 cents. Most pay phones in Australia now except prepaid phone cards. This are available from Post Offices, News agents and many other outlets in denominations A$5.00, A$10.00, A$.20.00 and A$50.00 . Phone Cards can be used for local, STD, and international phone calls
• International Direct Dial (IDD) telephones calls can be made from public pay phones. Some public pay phones except credit cards. To make an International call, dial the International access code (0011), then the Country Code, Then the Area Code, Then last of all the telephone number. If the Area Code begins with '0', for example London (0171). you should drop the '0' from the number you are dialing.
  I.e.. 0011 + 44 + 171 + (Telephone Number
• Useful Telephone numbers
  • Directory Assistance - Melbourne 1223
  • Directory Assistance - Australia 1223
  • Directory Assistance - International 1225
  • Operator Assisted calls Reverse Charge calls - Australia 12550
  • Time 1194
  • Weather 1196
• Telephone Interpreting - This is a free Service, operating 24 hours a day offering advise on communications in a hundred different languages. Telephone 13 1450
• Emergency phone number for police, ambulance and fire is 000
  

Language

The Queen's language is spoken. It will take you a bit to familiarize with their charming accent. It does not help that the Aussies have a wonderful slang that can be confusing. For instance, if you are told you have a great lunch, they are referring to your package.

Holidays 2005

New Years Day	1 January
Australia Day	26 January
Labor Day	7 March
Good Friday	25 March
Easter Monday	28 March
Anzac Day	25 April
Foundation Day	6 June
Queen's Birthday	26 September
Christmas Day	25 December
Boxing Day	26 December
Bank Holiday	27 December

Tipping

Tipping while appreciated, is not required or expected in Australia. This includes taxi cabs. If you feel you have been given superior service, a gratuity would certainly be welcome. In that case, ten percent of the bill in restaurants is considered correct. If you tell a taxi driver to "keep the change", it is doubtful you will receive an argument.

Getting Around

Start your visit by stopping by the Visitor Center. The Center is located at the corner of Forest Place and Wellington Street, Perth.

Public Transport

Perth has a central public transport organization called Transperth which operates buses, trains and ferries. A free transit zone, including all Transperth bus and trains, is provided every day within the central city area. Cycling is a great way to explore Perth, and there are many bicycle routes around the city and its environs. Ferries cross the river every half an hour (more frequently at peak times) during the day.

Things to see

• The Aquarium of Western Australia Lot 1 Melaleuca Drive, Byron Bay. Tel: ++61-2-6680 9134. This is not your run-of-the-mill aquarium. Underwater World, north of the city, has a 98m (321ft) underwater tunnel aquarium displaying 2500 examples of 200 marine species, including sharks and stingrays. If you turn up at the right time you can watch the sharks being fed or, if you're a qualified diver, join in the feeding yourself (hopefully in a not-too-participatory manner). There are also interactive displays inside such as a touchpool and Microworld.
• Barracks Arch Barracks Arch is all that remains of the Enrolled Pensioners' Guards Barracks, a structure which was originally built in 1863. In 1966 the two wings of the Barracks were demolished to make way for the Mitchell Freeway. Only strong public protest saved the Arch from the same fate. The Arch is located near the corner of Malcolm and Elder Streets, Perth, at the western end of St George's Terrace.
• Barrack Square Precinct Barrack Square is located at the intersection of Barrack Street and Riverside Drive. Previously known as Flagstaff Square, Harper Square and Union Jack Square, Barrack Square was established in 1883 as part of a large parade ground for government and military use. The large square features a group of old palms and a central grassed area highlighting its environmental significance as an important element of the town-scape. The Barrack Street Jetty and the cluster of new cafes, shops and attractions add to the social significance and community attachment to the area. Now a shopping complex and major ferry terminal, Barrack Square was historically a setting for public entertainment, education and recreation with emphasis on a pedestrian lifestyle.
• The Constitutional Center Visit the only center of its kind in Australia. Located in Havelock Street in a beautifully restored heritage building near King's Park, the center has interactive displays to help people understand the history of democracy in WA and how it affects our daily lives. History is brought to life in a 'magical' 3D exhibition which features miniature walking, talking holograms. All are welcome and group tours can be arranged. The Constitutional Center Open 9.30am - 4.30pm Tues to Sat, 12.30pm - 4.30pm Sun & Mon. Tel: (08) 9222 6922 or free call 1800 647 249.
• His Majesty's Theater 825 Hay Street, Perth. Tel: +61 8 9265 0900. Australia's only remaining Edwardian theater is an favorite venue for musicals, drama, ballet and opera. This 1200 seat theater houses the West Australian Ballet and the West Australian Opera companies.
• Parliament House Harvest Terrace, West Perth. Tel: (08) 9222 7429. A fascinating look inside the corridors of power. An education officer will take you on a guided tour of Parliament House and into the Chambers of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, weaving in the history of the Westminster system. Individuals and groups welcome, children especially.
• Perth Concert Hall 5 St George's Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000. Tel: +61 8 9231 9900. Is the premier venue for fine music and is home to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
• Perth Mint 310 Hay St (cnr Hill St), Perth. Tel: (08) 9421 7223. Since the Kalgoorlie Gold Rush and for almost 100 years, Australia's gold has been refined by The Perth Mint and made into legal tender coins, tradable bars and superb jewelry. Only in the past decade has the sturdy but elegant Mint been open to the public. Witness molten gold being poured and view the manufacture of precious metal coins to commemorate the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Wonder at the stunning array of natural gold nuggets within a high security vault. Try to lift a gold bar worth $200,000 and strike your own personalized medallion as a unique souvenir of your visit. Open 9am - 4pm weekdays, 9am - 1pm weekends.
• Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. Tel: (08) 9367 7988. Only minutes from the City, Perth Zoo is the most popular zoo per capita in Australia. Set amid spectacular gardens, walkways and picnic areas, its a relaxing way to discover one of Australia's best collections of native and exotic animals. The zoo also conducts successful research and breeding programs for endangered animals. Highlights include the African Savannah, Alinta Reptile Encounter, Lotteries Butterfly House and Australia Bushwalk, allowing close observation of animals in natural settings. Light meals and snacks available at the café. Open 10am - 5pm daily.
• St. George's Cathedral 38 St. George's Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000. Perth's Anglican cathedral. Consecrated in 1888.
• St. Mary's Cathedral 17 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000. Tel: +61 (0)8 9223 1350. Perth's Catholic Cathedral. Established 1845.
• Scitech Discovery Center Corner of Railway Parade and Sutherland Street in West Perth. Tel: (08) 9481 6295. Email Scitech Discovery Center is Australia’s most unique hands-on, minds-on science center. Since opening in 1988, over 1.5 million visitors have experienced Scitech’s unique interactive adventures, feature exhibitions and theater shows. Scitech is one free stop on the train from the City Center and is open from 10am - 5pm, everyday except on Christmas. Admission prices are - Adults $12.00, Concession $9.00, Children $8.00, Family $33.00 (2 adults and 2 children OR 1 adult and 3 children). Entry after 3pm for adults is $9.00. Children two years and under are free. Personally we felt that it was only good for children under 12, and it is usually crowded with school kids.
• Swan Bells Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth Western Australia. Tel: +61 8 9218 8183 . Email The Swan Bells include the twelve bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields which are recorded as being in existence from before the 14th century and recast in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I. The bells were again recast between 1725 and 1770 by three generations of the Rudhall family of bell founders from Gloucester in England, under the order of the Prince of Wales who was later crowned as King George II. They are one of the few sets of royal bells and are the only ones known to have left England. From one of London's most famous churches, in Trafalgar Square, the St Martin-in-the-Fields bells have rung out to celebrate many historic events. Commemorating Australia's bicentenary in 1988, the twelve bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields as well as five specially cast bells were presented to the University of Western Australia, the City of Perth and to the people of Western Australia.

Parks and Gardens

Visitors and residents often describe the City of Perth as a parkland oasis. There are not many cities in the world which mix commerce and retail with beautifully crafted green open space combining heritage, public art and water features. This attribute is considered a major asset and plays a central role in city planning strategies. Within the city boundaries there are 18 parkland areas covering a total of 140 hectares in area, of which 10 kilometers is river foreshore.

• Bold Park At 437ha, Bold Park is the largest area of urban bushland on the Swan Coastal Plain. In August 1998, Bold Park was designated an A Class Reserve in recognition of its high conservation, recreation, education, landform and scientific values.
• Hale Oval A dual cycle path weaves around delightful picnic spots, BBQs and gazebos, located opposite the Royal Kings Park Tennis Club. The 460 squadron RAAF memorial is arched by a grove of eucalyptus trees, and the southern pavilion is ideal for large groups to hire. Playground equipment for children between 6 and 12, including monkey bars, a maze, colorful play gym and a fort, is scattered throughout the area. Located at Kings Park & Botanic Garden Visitor Services Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005. Tel: (08) 9480 3600.
• Kings Park and Botanical Gardens Located on the City's border, minutes from the CBD, is Kings Park & Botanic Gardens comprising 400 hectares of parkland, playgrounds and wildflower gardens. In 1872, the land was gazetted for the park. Today, Kings Park is the pride of Perth, offering scenic drives, various walk tours, panoramic views of the city & river, the State War Memorial, special events and local and Aboriginal art, craft and performances. The park includes a 17 hectare (42 acre) Botanic Garden and a section of natural bushland, which represents Perth as it was before the white fellow got here. In spring, there's a cultivated display of Western Australia's famed wild flowers. The park also has some pleasant bike tracks - you can hire bikes just outside the park - and a coffee shop.
• Langley Park Riverside Drive between Victoria Avenue and Plain Street, Perth. Langley Park was created by land reclamation between 1921 and 1935, in response to the need for public open space near the city. Major (later Sir) Norman Brearly used this park as an airstrip when he pioneered civil aviation in Western Australia in the 1920's, a time when aviation was routinely perilous.
• Queens Gardens Corner of Nelson Crescent and Plain Street, East Perth. This former clay pit site is now one of Perth's prettiest gardens. Enjoy the water lily-filled lakes, the beautiful flower displays or just the tranquility!
• Russell Square Located on James Street. It is surrounded by Parker, Shenton, and Aberdeen Streets, in Northbridge.
• Stirling Gardens Located at the corner of Barracks Street and St George's Terrace, Perth. This garden being the oldest in Perth were originally used as an acclimatization garden where many of its mature specimens were raised from seed. Grapes and other import fruits were first grown here. In 1845 it was opened as a botanical garden. Stirling Gardens were reconstructed in 1965 with the Toodyay stone retaining wall and shallow pools which were designed by the City of Perth. Stirling Gardens honors the name of Sir James Stirling who fought long and hard for the establishment of a settlement in Western Australia. A more recent feature of the Gardens are the kangaroo sculptures and water feature.
• Wellington Square Situated on Wellington Street. It is surrounded by Bennett, Wittenoom, and Hill Streets, in East Perth. This park was originally a swampland. It was drained and established as a public reserve in the 1830's, providing an ideal open space to train and exercise horses stabled in the area. In 1898 two cricket pitches were installed and the ground was cleared to make a cricket field. It was formally named in honor of the Duke of Wellington, the British Prime Minister when the Swan River Colony was founded. Among locals though, it became popularly known as 'The Rec.'. The park is still very much a recreation ground today. The Perth Cricket Association, as well as the schools in the inner city, make use of the facility all year round.

Museums

• Art Gallery of Western Australia Perth Cultural Center, Perth WA 6000. Tel: 08 9492 6622. Email The Gallery is situated in the Perth Cultural Center adjacent to the City train station and Northbridge, the City’s café and restaurant district. It offer visitors exciting encounters with the art of Western Australia, Australian Indigenous art and the art of the world. It places particular emphasis on their geographic position as a window on the Indian Ocean Region for Australia.
• Berndt Museum of Anthropology Ground Floor of the Social Sciences Building, Hackett Drive Entrance No. 1, Perth, Western Australia. Tel: (08) 9380 3854. It is open to the public Mondays and Wednesdays 2.00-4.30pm, Fridays 10.00am-2.00pm, other times by prior arrangement. This is one of Australia's finest collections of traditional and contemporary Australian Aboriginal art and artifacts. It combines material from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and the southwest, desert and Kimberley regions of WA. You'll find the museum in the University of WA, in Nedlands
• Francis Burt Law Museum Stirling Gardens, Cnr Barrack St & St George's Terrace, Perth 6000. Phone 9325 4787. The Francis Burt Law Museum comprises the Old Courthouse. erected in 1836, it is the oldest building in the city. Visitors can participate in guided tours. Arrangements may also be made for groups to take part in mock trials and visit the Supreme Court to view court proceedings - contact the museum for bookings.
• Museum of Western AustraliaFrancis St, Perth, WA, 6000. Tel: 61 8 9427 2700. Open Daily: 9.30am - 5.00pm. Free Admission.
  The museum, in Northbridge, has an excellent gallery of Aboriginal culture, a marine gallery with the skeleton of a 25m (82ft) blue whale, vintage cars, a gallery of dinosaurs and a good collection of meteorites, including the 11 ton Mundrabilla specimen. In the courtyard, set in its own preservative bath, is Megamouth, one of the largest species of shark. Only about five of these benign creatures have ever been captured. The museum complex also includes Perth's original prison, built in 1856 and used until 1888 - a favorite spot for hangings in the past
• Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) 51 James Street, Perth Cultural Center. Tel: 08 9227 6144. Email The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) is one of Australia's pre-eminent, not for profit, contemporary arts organizations located at 51 James Street in the Perth Cultural Center, which is situated between the city center and the cafe and nightclub area of Northbridge. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 7pm

Scene

Western Australia is the largest state of Australia, and its capital city Perth is a busier and more cosmopolitan city than may be at first suspected given its size. We felt that the scene reminded us of the US in the late sixties: unmarked doors and hard to find addresses. The straight bars fill the need for gay nightlife by going gay on certain nights of the week. Northridge is where most of the action is.

The gay scene continues to improve there as does the number of easterners moving west for an improved lifestyle.

We recommend that you check Pinkboard's Guide to Gay Perth before you make your plans to go out and have fun in the gay scene.

Beaches

Perth has some of the the best city beaches in Australia, though they can get a bit unpleasant and windy in the afternoon. There are calm bay beaches on the Swan River at Crawley and Peppermint Grove. Or you can try a whole string of patrolled surf beaches on the Indian Ocean coast, including Perth's very popular nude beach at Swanbourne. Scarborough is known for its beachside café society, and is great for experienced surfers and sailboarders. Perhaps the best beach of all is on secluded Carnac Island, frequented by the odd marooned human and some sea lions.

Surfing and swimming at the city's beaches are favored activities; but Rottnest Island has good diving and fishing, and the picturesque Avon River is a popular canoeing spot. You can also get out on the ocean by renting a catamaran at the South Perth foreshore, or asking around Perth's yachting clubs for volunteer spots on racing yachts.

There are a number of activities that bring you into contact with marine mammals in and around Perth, including watching for humpback whales returning to Antarctic waters after wintering in the ocean off northwestern Australia. The Darling Ranges are famous for their geological diversity and around Perth you can explore evidence of the break up of Gondwanaland (formerly one of two ancient supercontinents).

Gay Spots

• City Beach Floreat, WA Popular with lots of dunes for sunbathers. On West Coast Highway between Cottesloe and Scarborough.
• Floreat Beach Floreat, WA. South of City Beach, very popular with gay men. West Coast Highway to Challenger Parade.
• Swanbourne Swanbourne, WA. The northern end is a nude beach. West Coast Highway to North Street. Beware of the nearby Campbell Barracks.

Magazines and Organizations

• Australian Lesbian Medical Association (ALMA) P.O. Box 4042, Norwood South, South Australia 5067. Email The Australian Lesbian Medical Association grew out of the personal need of individual lesbian doctors to connect with each other for professional support.
• Australasian Society for HIV Medicine IncLocked Mail Bag 5057, DARLINGHURST NSW 1300. Phone: 61 2 9368 2700. Email
• Club West P.O. Box 7589, Perth WA 6850. Phone: (08) 9307 - 5740. Email Perth's most popular social group, holds regular events at The Italian Club, 219 Fitzgerald St, Northbridge.
• EmykoPerth Gay and Lesbian Portal EmailEmyko is a Gay and Lesbian Perth based portal. Featuring: news, articles, classifieds, personals, music, community listings, events, forum, ecards and more.
• Fellow Traveler PO Box 2849, Fitzroy MDC 3065. Tel: 03 9429-6110. Email
• Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) Inc. PO Box 420, Northbridge WA 6865. Tel: 08 9272 4515. Email
• Gay and Lesbian Singers (GALS)
• Gay Net The web portal
• Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force (GLIFT) PO BOX 917, Cannington, WA 6987. Phone: (+ 61, if outside Australia) (8) 9370 4685.
• Lesbian and Gay Pride WA PO Box 30 North Perth WA 6906. Tel: (08) 9324-1310. Email
• The Pink Directory
• The Pink Sofa EmailAustralia's friendliest Gay and Lesbian meeting place.
• Out in Perth P. O. Box 692, North Perth 6906 WA. Tel: 08 9228 2747. Email Distributed free in most gay establishments.
• Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) 51 James Street, Perth Cultural Center. Tel: 08 9227 6144. Email
• Pride Western Australia Inc. 36 Brisbane Street, Perth, W.A., 6000. Tel: (08) 9427-0828. Mailing address:P.O. Box 8463, Perth Business Center, W.A., 6849.Email Organizers of Pride.
• Q Pages
• Shout Magazine 6/222 Walter Road, Morley Commercial Center, (PO Box 1418) Morley WA 6062. Tel: (08) 9375 3722 . Email Perth's monthly magazine. Distributed freely at all GLBT venues.
• Women Out West (WOW) PO Box 1121, West Leederville. WA 6901. Tel: + 61 8 9371 1049. Email

Shopping

Shopping Hours With the removal of the trading hour law that restricted retail outlets trading hours, customers now have almost complete flexibility. Many convenience stores, supermarkets and fast food restaurants are now open 24 hours a day. Most city and suburban stores are open until 5.30pm on weekdays, 9.00pm on Fridays and 4.00pm on Saturdays. Weekend shopping is now commonplace, with major city department stores and shopping centers (Shopping malls) open on Saturday and Sunday. Many pharmacies are open for 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

DAY TRIPS

• Fremantle Known as 'Freo' to the locals, the port of Fremantle (though a town in its own right with a strong local identity) has been absorbed into Perth's urban sprawl. In 1987, the port was the site of the unsuccessful defense of what was, for a brief period, one of Australia's most prized possessions - the America's Cup yachting trophy. Fremantle has been substantially revamped and is now filled with outdoor cafés, old buildings and lively markets, and is imbued with a laid-back arty ambiance. It continues to attract hordes of daytrippers on weekends. There are plenty of places to stay and eat in Freo (see above), and the city buzzes like a fridge at night (see clubs above). A shuttle runs to Freo from Perth airport; there's a train every 15 minutes between Perth and Freo, or you can catch a ferry. We took the train down (AUS$2.90) and the Ferry (AUS$15) back to catch breathtaking views of the city from the river.
• Heirisson Island Heirisson Island was named following a French expedition in 1801, Heirisson being the name of a French naval officer who discovered it. The Causeway was built over the mudflats that dominated the area and the islands were gradually reclaimed to give a land area of 28.56 hectares, completed in 1976. A monument to Aboriginal Tribal leader Yagan, killed in July 1833, has been erected on the west end of the south island. A dual use path traverses the island, including an underpass under the Causeway which links the north and south islands. A lagoon in the south island provides a suitable area for boat mooring. Heirisson Island is accessible via a bicycle path from the City of Perth Causeway Carpark.
• Rottnest Island This sandy island, 19km (12mi) off the coast of Fremantle, is home to small indigenous marsupials known as quokkas. These were mistakenly identified as rats in 1696 by the Dutch explorer de Vlamingh, who named the island 'Rats Nest'. The Rottnest settlement was established as a prison for Aborigines in the 19th century, but by 1920 the prison had fallen into disuse and the island had become an escape for Perth society. There is virtually no motorized traffic on the island - bicycle is the main means of transport. The beaches are superb with some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world and crystal-clear waters. There are a couple of places to stay, including a campground, on Rottnest, and a few restaurants. You can get to Rottnest by plane from Perth, or by ferry from Perth or Fremantle.

References

• City of Perth
• Pinkboard's Guide to Gay Perth