General Information - 1st Symposium on Plant Signalling and Behaviour 16-21 September 2012, Perth, Western Australia

Welcome to Perth, Western Australia

Western Australia is known for sun, adventure, friendly people and an awesome natural environment. Meet real Australian characters, enjoy the relaxed life style and experience the friendly hospitality Western Australians are famous for.

As well as unique holiday experiences, Western Australia also offers a range of quality accommodation, fresh local produce and award winning wines, diverse entertainment, arts and crafts, a rich heritage and aboriginal culture.

Perth City Centre is located alongside the peaceful waters of the Swan River, inland of the Indian Ocean. During your visit to Perth you can enjoy one of the many river cruises which operate along the Swan river, some offering dining and music as you spend a few hours cruising in and out of the city. For spectacular panoramic views of Perth and the river, visit Kings Park and Botanic garden and take advantage of the many lookouts available to the public. Other main tourists attractions include the Perth Zoo and the Old Mill, both just a short ferry ride from the city. The Perth City Centre also offers a wealth of great shopping opportunities.

On a sunny day, you can explore the river by walking or cycling your way along the foreshore on one of the many cycle and walking tracks provided or, if you enjoy long relaxing walks along clean sandy beaches visit the Sunset Coast.

ARRIVING AT PERTH AIRPORT
Taxi's and rental cars are available at both Perth domestic and International airports.
Both airports are approximately 15km from Perth city centre.

TIME
Perth is eight hours ahead of GMT.

WEATHER/CLIMATE
Temperature is 8-20 Degrees Celsius. The days are cool and frequently sunny with short periods of rain.
For more information visit the Bureau of Meteorology

FREE CBD TRANSPORTATION
You can travel around the Perth and Fremantle CBD areas free when you use the Central Area Transport (CAT) buses or the Free Transit Zone (FTZ) in Perth city. They run frequently and routes take in the major attractions of the area. The CAT stops have distinctive stands and are easily recognizable. The city CAT stops have real time passenger information which tell you when the next bus is due. Wait at the stop and the driver will stop to pick you up. St Georges Terrace, Adelaide Terrace and much of the CBD is part of the FTZ.

For more information on the public transport system in and around Perth, please visit the Transport Information website: www.transperth.wa.gov.au

ELECTRICITY
The standard electrical current in Australia is 240 volts. Plugs are three pronged.

CURRENCY
Australian currency operates on a decimal system, and the dollar is the basic unit. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c, and 5c denominations.

CREDIT CARDS
The most frequently accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express.

BANKS
Changing money at banks will normally ensure the best rate of exchange. Opening hours are 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on Friday.

BUSINESS HOURS
As a general rule, business hours in Australia are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

SHOPPING
City shopping is centered around the Hay and Murray Street Malls and the arcades joining the two together. Forrest Place, a 'town square' bordered on four sides by Myer store, Wellington Street, the Central Post Office Building and the Murray Street Mall, is often the site of free public entertainment and street theatre. Buskers are a regular feature and the overpass from Myer to the Carillion Arcade offers a prime viewing spot. Across from Forrest Place is the Wellington Street Rail Station, the main terminal for the metropolitan train system.

TIPPING
There is no tradition of tipping in Australia. It is not obligatory and is up to the individual whether he or she wishes to reward good service. Restaurants do not add a service charge, and a tip of around 10% is appropriate for waiters or waitresses. Taxi drivers would not expect to be tipped, although do appreciate small change.