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Located on the coast of Western Australia and surrounded with beautiful beaches, Perth is a multicultural city offering world-class education, a Mediterranean climate, clean and safe environment and friendly residents.
Perth has been consistently ranked in the top most liveable cities in the world and has one of the fastest growing economies in Australia. It is the only capital city in Australia where the beach, natural bushland, vibrant nightlife and ocean sunsets all exist within 30 minutes of the CBD.
Perth isn’t just a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.
Some of Perth’s top attractions include:
The Western Australian government offers international students a 40 per cent discount on all public transport within the Perth metropolitan area, so you can explore the city at low cost.
Curtin College is located on Curtin University campus, approximately 6km from Perth CBD. Frequent buses from the campus easily connect students with the city, local shopping outlets and a range of other nearby facilities.
Perth also has a large and active cycle network, offering an attractive alternative to driving and public transport.
The Australian government advises that a single person living in Perth should allow for $380-$475 AUD per week to cover living expenses, including accommodation, clothing, transport, food, entertainment and textbooks.
The currency used in Western Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). There are six coins: $2 and $1 are gold; and 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c are silver. There are five notes: $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5.
Average weekly living costs in Perth:
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $173-$400 | $188-$400 |
| Food & groceries | $100-$280 | $100-$280 |
| Public transport | - | $29 |
| Entertainment | $80-$150 | $80-$150 |
| Utilities | included | $35-$140 paid monthly |
| Internet | included | $20-$55 paid monthly |
Australians love their daily coffee – and there’s no shortage of great coffee in Perth. From urban hipster hole-in-the-walls to beautiful beachside cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking a break (or a breakfast).
Beyond the cafes, Perth’s dining scene is multicultural and equally exciting. From fine dining in the city, to trendy meals looking out onto the river, or simply fish and chips on the beach, there’s something for everyone. For more culinary adventures, follow the food and wine trails outside the city to nearby Swan Valley and the surrounding areas.
Perth has played host to numerous sporting events, both nationally and internationally, including the Perth International golf tournament, World Surfing League Rip Curl Surf contest and the ATP cup tennis tournament. Across the city, there are state-of-the-art facilities for motorsports, thoroughbred racing, cricket and athletics.
Australian rules football is among the most popular spectator sports, along with cricket, rugby and soccer. The two AFL teams based in Perth are the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Football Club – while you’re here, attending a footy game is an essential experience!
Optus Stadium is a multi-purpose world-class venue which hosts a year-round calendar of major and international sporting and entertainment events
Perth experiences more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia, contributing to fantastic outdoor activities and social opportunities. Get on the water to learn new skills like surfing, sailing, water skiing, kitesurfing or windsurfing. Or, stay on land to hike, cycle or stroll along beautiful clean beaches and parks.
Perth has four seasons – summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), winter (June to August) and spring (September to November). Average temperatures range from 18-35°C in summer and 7-16°C in winter.
Outside of Perth, there is plenty to see and do. Foodies can visit the restaurants and wineries of Swan Valley, the country’s oldest grape-growing region, where fertile soil contributes to some of Australia’s most famous wine labels, along with seasonal produce and other delicacies.
A 25-minute ferry ride from nearby Fremantle will get you to Rottnest island for the day, with its clear blue water and friendly quokkas – the world’s smiliest marsupials!
International students can enjoy the delights of the city on their doorstep during the school week then jump in the car and head south or north for a few hours to experience beautiful food, wine, dolphin sightseeing and the many natural wonders of the South West region.
The Curtin Bentley campus is in close proximity to all of the best that Perth has to offer. Take a virtual tour of the campus.
