How to Navigate Perth by Car: A Complete Rental Guide

Perth, the sun-soaked capital of Western Australia, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders. While public transport is available, renting a car allows you to truly explore the sprawling city, its beaches, and the surrounding regions at your own pace. During my time in Perth, I opted to rent a car, and it was one of the best decisions I made for getting around comfortably. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about navigating Perth by car—from choosing the right rental service to driving tips and local regulations.

Why Rent a Car in Perth?

Perth is a large and spread-out city. While the central business district (CBD) is easy enough to navigate on foot or via public transport, many of the city’s top attractions, such as the stunning beaches, Swan Valley wineries, and the scenic drive to Fremantle, are better accessed by car.

Additionally, a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace without worrying about bus or train schedules. You can easily take day trips to places like Rottnest Island (via ferry), the Pinnacles Desert, or even Margaret River if you have a few extra days. Plus, with free or inexpensive parking available in many areas, driving is often more convenient than navigating public transport.

Booking a Rental Car

When it came to booking my rental car, I wanted something reliable, affordable, and easy to manage. After researching several companies, I decided to book through Lastminute.com, which offered a wide selection of vehicles with flexible pick-up and drop-off options.

Most rental services in Perth allow you to pick up your car directly from Perth Airport or one of the downtown rental locations. Since I arrived at Perth Airport, I opted for airport pick-up for convenience. After a quick online reservation, I received a confirmation email with the details of the rental, including pick-up location, insurance options, and fuel policy.

If you’re traveling during peak season (December to February), I highly recommend booking in advance. Popular vehicles, especially smaller, budget-friendly models, tend to get reserved quickly, so early booking will ensure you get the best deal.

Popular Rental Companies in Perth:

• Hertz
• Avis
• Budget
• Europcar
• Thrifty

Choosing the Right Car

Perth’s roads are well-maintained and generally easy to navigate, so you won’t need a large, off-road vehicle unless you plan on heading into more remote regions like the Outback. Here’s what I considered when choosing a rental car:

• Size: I opted for a compact car, which was perfect for navigating the city streets and fitting into smaller parking spaces. If you’re traveling with a group or planning a road trip to the wine regions or national parks, a midsize sedan or SUV might be a better option.
• Fuel Efficiency: Perth is a big city, so fuel efficiency was important. Compact cars and hybrids are great for saving on fuel, especially if you plan on doing a lot of driving. Petrol prices can fluctuate, and having a fuel-efficient car can significantly lower your costs.
• Automatic vs Manual: While I’m comfortable driving both, I chose an automatic transmission for the convenience. Most rental cars in Perth are automatic, but if you prefer a manual transmission, make sure to specify this when booking.
• GPS and Additional Features: I didn’t bother with the car rental’s GPS since I used my smartphone for navigation. However, some companies offer GPS as an add-on. Make sure your phone has a local SIM card or a reliable international data plan if you plan to use it for directions.

Picking Up the Car

Arriving at Perth Airport, I followed the signs to the car rental desks, which are located near the baggage claim area. The process was smooth—after a quick verification of my reservation, license, and credit card, I was handed the keys to a Toyota Corolla. One thing to note is that in Australia, you need to have a valid driver’s license in English. If your license is in another language, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

I was also offered optional insurance coverage. While I had basic insurance included in the rental price, I opted for additional coverage to reduce my excess (the amount I’d have to pay in case of an accident). It was a small price for peace of mind.

Driving in Perth

Road Conditions and Traffic

Driving in Perth was generally a breeze. The roads are well-marked, and traffic outside of peak hours is manageable. I found the drivers in Perth to be courteous, and there was none of the aggressive driving you might find in some larger cities. However, during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), the main highways, particularly the Mitchell Freeway and Kwinana Freeway, can get congested.

Road Rules to Keep in Mind:

• Left-Side Driving: Like the rest of Australia, Perth follows the left-hand driving rule. If you’re coming from a country that drives on the right, this may take a bit of getting used to. Pay extra attention at intersections and roundabouts.
• Speed Limits: The speed limit in built-up areas is generally 50 km/h (31 mph), while highways and freeways have a limit of 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph). Be mindful of school zones, which often have lower speed limits (40 km/h or 25 mph) during certain hours.
• Roundabouts: Perth has a lot of roundabouts. If you’re unfamiliar with them, remember to give way to vehicles already on the roundabout and always indicate when exiting.
• Seatbelts and Phones: Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you’re using hands-free or voice-activated features.

Parking in Perth

Finding parking in Perth was relatively straightforward. Many hotels and attractions offer free parking, while street parking in the CBD is regulated by parking meters. The rates vary depending on the area, but you can expect to pay around AUD 4-5 per hour in the city center. Parking outside of the CBD is often cheaper or even free.

For longer stays, I used parking apps like EasyPark, which allowed me to extend parking time remotely and check availability. Be sure to read the signs carefully, as some parking zones have time restrictions.

Exploring Perth by Car

One of the best parts of having a rental car in Perth was the freedom to explore. Here are a few spots I enjoyed visiting:

1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Just a short drive from the CBD, Kings Park offers incredible views of the city skyline and Swan River. There’s ample parking available, and the park is a great place to enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely walk.
2. Cottesloe Beach: A 20-minute drive from the city, Cottesloe Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. Parking can fill up quickly during weekends, but I found a spot along Marine Parade, which offers stunning coastal views.
3. Fremantle: This historic port city is about a 30-minute drive from Perth. I spent the day exploring the Fremantle Markets and enjoying fresh seafood at the harbor. Parking near the market is paid, but there are several affordable parking lots nearby.
4. Swan Valley: If you’re a fan of wine and gourmet food, Swan Valley is a must-visit. Located just 25 minutes from Perth, this region is home to numerous wineries, breweries, and local produce markets. Driving around the valley was easy, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
5. Margaret River: While this is a longer drive (about 3 hours), having a rental car allowed me to take a day trip to this famous wine region. The drive was pleasant, passing through small towns and beautiful coastal areas.

Returning the Car

When it came time to return the car, I simply drove back to the airport rental location. Most rental companies offer after-hours drop-off, which was convenient since my flight was an early morning one. I just had to park the car in the designated spot, drop the keys in the drop box, and I was good to go. Be sure to fill up the fuel tank before returning the car, as rental companies charge a premium for refueling.

Tips for Renting and Driving in Perth

• Book Early: Especially during peak travel seasons, book your rental car well in advance to secure the best deal.
• Inspect the Car: Before driving off, take photos of any pre-existing damage and report it to the rental company to avoid being charged for damages you didn’t cause.
• Plan for Fuel: Fuel prices in Perth can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on apps like FuelWatch, which help you find the cheapest petrol stations.
• Watch Out for Kangaroos: If you’re driving outside the city, especially at dawn or dusk, be cautious of wildlife, particularly kangaroos, which can appear suddenly on the roads.

Renting a car in Perth was the perfect way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. The convenience, flexibility, and ease of driving made my trip much more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting iconic beaches, taking a scenic drive to nearby wine regions, or just getting around the city, having a rental car gives you the freedom to experience Perth on your own terms.