If you’ve never driven on the left side of the road before, Perth might feel daunting at first. But most visitors adapt within 10 minutes, and Perth’s roads are straightforward to navigate. Whether you’re here for a week or moving permanently, this guide covers everything you need to drive safely and confidently around Western Australia’s capital.
Left-Hand Driving: What You Need to Know
Driving on the left is the defining difference from most of the world. Your steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, placing you closer to the centre of the road. The rhythm becomes automatic quickly.
Stay in the left lane unless you’re actively overtaking. When you pass another vehicle, move to the right lane, overtake, then return left. Never sit in the right lane longer than necessary.
For roundabouts: enter from the left and give way to traffic coming from your right. It’s the opposite of most countries, so keep this in mind during your first few drives.
Speed Limits Across Perth
Built-up areas default to 50 km/h. Freeways and rural areas hit 110 km/h, which is unique to WA (and NT) compared to the rest of Australia’s 100 km/h rural default. Always follow posted signs. Speeding fines in WA are substantial, and enforcement is active. Google Maps and Apple Maps both include Australian speed limits and will alert you if you drift over the limit.
Essential Perth Road Rules
U-Turns at Traffic Lights
You can only make a U-turn at a traffic light if there’s a posted “U-turn permitted” sign. Without one, it’s illegal. This rule surprises interstate and international drivers regularly.
Freeway Etiquette
If you accidentally take the wrong exit, continue to the next one. You cannot turn around or reverse on a freeway. Set your GPS before you drive and check your route in advance.
Parking Direction
You must park in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Parking facing against traffic is illegal, even on quiet streets.
Seatbelts
All occupants, front and rear, must wear seatbelts at all times.
Drink-Drive Limits
The legal limit is 0.05 blood alcohol content (BAC) for most drivers. Novice drivers, professional drivers (taxi, bus, heavy vehicle), and those on extraordinary licences must have a zero BAC. Random breath testing happens regularly on Perth roads. A BAC of 0.08 or higher results in immediate disqualification.
Perth’s Freeway Network
Mitchell Freeway
Runs north from Perth towards Joondalup and the northern suburbs. At its southern end it connects to the Kwinana Freeway.
Kwinana Freeway
The major southbound route, running 72 km from Perth to Mandurah. If you’re heading to Fremantle, the Perth Hills, Busselton, or Margaret River, you’ll use the Kwinana Freeway.
Graham Farmer Freeway
The east-west bypass cutting through Northbridge, including the Northbridge Tunnel. It connects the eastern and western edges of Perth efficiently and bypasses the city centre.
Tonkin Highway
The eastern ring road, running 81 km and connecting Perth Airport, eastern suburbs, and areas like Mundijong. If you hire a car at the airport, you’ll use Tonkin to access the freeway network.
No Toll Roads: A Perth Advantage
Perth has no toll roads. Every freeway is completely free to drive, unlike Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Your fuel costs are your only road expense, making longer drives significantly cheaper than in the eastern states.
International Driving Licences
Visiting drivers can use a current international driving licence indefinitely. If your licence is not in English, carry an official English translation alongside the original. Permanent residents arriving in WA have three months to convert to a WA licence. Walk through the full official docs here at wa.gov.au.
Car Hire in Perth
Perth Airport has counters for all major car hire companies: Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, and SIXT. Economy cars start from approximately $31-45 per day with budget operators. Standard cars run $38-50 daily. Book in advance for better rates and guaranteed availability. Always check the excess and coverage details before signing; additional insurance is worthwhile for international drivers unfamiliar with left-hand driving.
Parking in Perth CBD
City of Perth Parking (Council)
All-day parking at council car parks costs $15. Three-hour free parking is available at selected car parks (His Majesty’s, Pier Street, Cultural Centre) from midnight to 11:59pm on weekends and public holidays. For weekend city visits, this is excellent value.
Wilson Parking
Multiple CBD locations. Flat night and weekend rates are $5. Their Super Saver program offers 10% discount if you book two or more days ahead.
EasyPark App
The EasyPark mobile app covers 9,000+ City of Perth parking bays, eliminates coin metres, has no minimum hourly payment for street parking, and lets you extend your stay remotely. Download it before you arrive.
Day Trips from Perth
Fremantle (23 km, 30 minutes)
Head south on the Kwinana Freeway to this historic port city. Home to Fremantle Prison, vibrant markets, craft breweries, and a characterful waterfront. A solid half-day or full-day outing from the city.
Swan Valley Wine Region (25 km, 20 minutes)
Just northeast of Perth, the Swan Valley wine region is one of Australia’s oldest wine trails. A 20-minute drive puts you in the heart of tasting rooms, gourmet food stops, and riverside settings. An easy half-day outing.
Perth Hills and Serpentine Falls (50 km, 50 minutes)
Head southeast on the Kwinana Freeway to reach the Perth Hills. Serpentine Falls is one of the most popular destinations, with four walking trails, a granite rock pool, and wildlife. A classic half-day drive.
Cottesloe Beach (18 km, 25 minutes)
Drive west via the Mitchell Freeway and Stirling Highway to reach Cottesloe Beach. Perth’s most iconic beach is a 25-minute drive from the CBD with good street and car park parking nearby.
Hillarys Boat Harbour (25 km, 30 minutes)
Head north on the Mitchell Freeway and Marmion Avenue to reach Hillarys Boat Harbour. AQWA aquarium, marina dining, and Rottnest ferry departures make it a full day on its own.
Practical Driving Tips
- Fuel up regularly: petrol stations become sparser once you head into regional WA
- Check Main Roads WA website for roadworks or hazards before long trips
- Australian sun is intense: bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses for long drives
- Drives are most relaxed between 10am and 3pm on weekdays; avoid the 7-9am and 4-6pm peak congestion windows
- Familiarise yourself with the Mitchell-Kwinana and Graham Farmer interchanges before driving them for the first time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on an international licence in Perth?
Yes. Visiting drivers can use a current international driving licence indefinitely. Carry an English translation if the licence is not in English. Permanent residents have three months to convert to a WA licence.
What’s the drink-drive limit in WA?
0.05 BAC for most drivers. Zero limit for novice drivers, professional drivers, and those on extraordinary licences. BAC 0.08 or higher results in immediate disqualification. Random breath testing is common.
Are there toll roads in Perth?
No. All freeways in Perth are free to use, which is a significant advantage over Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
What are the speed limits?
50 km/h in built-up areas (default). 110 km/h on freeways and in rural WA (unique to WA and NT). Always obey posted signs. Speeding fines are substantial.
How do I pay for parking in the CBD?
Use the EasyPark app for street parking (9,000+ bays, no minimum charge), card machines at council car parks ($15 all-day), or Wilson Parking with their Flexi or Super Saver programs ($5 flat rate nights and weekends).
Can I make a U-turn at a traffic light?
Only where a “U-turn permitted” sign is posted. Without it, U-turns at traffic lights are illegal in WA.
Which freeway do I take going south?
The Kwinana Freeway runs south from Perth toward Fremantle, Mandurah, Busselton, and ultimately Margaret River via the Bussell Highway.
What if I take the wrong freeway exit?
You must continue to the next exit. Reversing or turning around on a freeway is illegal. Always set your GPS before driving.
How long is the drive to Margaret River?
Approximately 270 km and 3.5-4 hours from Perth CBD. Popular stops include Busselton (2 km jetty), Dunsborough (beaches and whale watching in season), and Bunbury. Worth an overnight stay at minimum.
Is Perth easy to drive around as a visitor?
Yes. The freeway network is straightforward, there are no tolls, parking is manageable, and the EasyPark app handles street parking across the city. International drivers typically adapt to left-hand driving within a day.