Perth, one of Australia’s best kept secrets
WA is famed for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny climate and white sandy beaches.
The State of Western Australia covers one-third of the Australian continent, spanning over 2.5 million square kilometres [1 million square miles] and several different climatic zones.
It is a land blessed with some of the world’s most precious natural phenomena including the dolphins of Monkey Mia, the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range and the towering karri forests of the South West.
Economy and work
With the fastest growing economy in the country, Western Australia is widely regarded as the “powerhouse” of the nation’s economy. Its people, industries and institutions are dynamic and global in outlook with international business partnerships rapidly expanding. This economic boom has generated thousands of high quality and well paid career opportunities for those international students wishing to apply for a work visa or permanent residency.
As a student, you always need a bit of extra cash! The opportunity to work part time for up to 20 hours per week allows you to earn some spending money and become an active member of the community. If you’re not a native speaker, it is also a great way to improve your English! Western Australia has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, which means that you will have no trouble finding a part time job, and minimum wages ensure that you are fairly paid for your efforts.
A cosmopolitan city lifestyle
Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, the lifestyle for the residents of Perth is relaxed and focuses on the outdoors.
Perth, the capital city of the State, is home to 1.5 million people and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. Our South Street campus is located just 11 minutes by train from the city centre or 20 minutes by car.
The city sits on the Swan River, where residents enjoy fishing, windsurfing, sailing or simply relaxing with friends for a barbecue in the sun.
There are wineries, beaches and bushland within easy reach of the city, and a cosmopolitan mix of cafes, restaurants, pubs and thriving nightlife in the city centre.
Summers are long and hot so the locals take advantage of this by visiting one of the many beaches in the metropolitan area.
Riding a bike is a great way to get around, cycle routes are linked from the city, around the river, to Fremantle and the beach.
Perth offers a large shopping district with a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, department stores, Australiana and duty free shops for you to enjoy.
The beautiful port city of Fremantle is just a 10 minute bus ride from the Murdoch campus.
Sporting events
Australians are sports mad and there are many live sporting events such as football, soccer and basketball. For a truly Australian experience, catch one of the weekend AFL (Aussie Rules Football) or cricket matches.
Getting around Perth & WA
Travelling around Perth by train and bus is very simple, and buses run regularly between Murdoch University, Perth and Fremantle.
The Perth to Mandurah rail line means that trains run regularly from Perth to Murdoch, Rockingham and Mandurah. The Circle Route bus passes Murdoch University and goes through many areas of Perth and is widely used by Murdoch students. There are regular free shuttle buses between the Murdoch and Rockingham campuses.
You can also take the opportunity to explore other Australian cities, Perth is less than four hours by plane from Sydney and Melbourne.
As the closest Australian city to South-East Asia, Perth is also a great starting point for exploring Australia’s Asian neighbours.
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