- Travel - If you have bought a car and travelling around Australia you can buy a 'pass' for A$60 which you stick on the front window of your car. This pass lets you access all National Parks in Australia (otherwise you will pay A$15 per person per park). Try and get this pass in a city as you cannot buy it at Ayers Rock, but you can buy it in Kakadu National Park!
- Accommodation - Perth Airport is a fair distance from the City centre and it will cost quite a bit to take a bus or taxi into the centre. However you will often find that one or more of Perth's hostels will come and pick you up free of charge. Some will even refund the cost of getting a bus into town, however this will be dependent on you actually staying at the hostel for a while. Use the free phone on the accommodation board at
the airport to arrange a booking. Hostels will also often pick up from the Bus and Train stations.
- Accommodation - Beware of special events taking place in an area, such as surfing championships in Margaret River. Not surprisingly, you will find hostel beds are suddenly in short supply. The same can also be true of peak periods, its the usual message, book early to avoid disappointment.
- Language - Supposedly the majority of Aussies speak English, but at times you will begin to wonder! There are numerous slang words that are used every day which may cause confusion. Part of the fun in speaking to the locals is guessing what they are talking about!
- Crocodiles - (This tip is well worth remembering). There are two types of crocodile in Western Australia (in the Northern Region), the "Salty" or Saltwater Croc and the Freshie or Freshwater Croc.
Salties, contrary to the name live in both salt water and freshwater, and may be found in freshwater more than 100km from the coast. Salties are the bigger of the two and can move surprisingly fast on land and will not
hesitate about killing a human. The Freshies are far less dangerous, but have been known to bite if provoked. Best Advice is to not take any chances. Both are prolific in WA.
- Snakes - Yep, these can be very dangerous as well. A few are deadly - fortunately they do not tend to be aggressive and will usually get out of your way. Snake bites do not cause instant death and antivenenes are normally available. Ensure the bite-sufferer is kept calm, wrap the bite tightly (like a sprain) and keep the limb still. Seek medical help immediately.
- Spiders - Same as snakes really, avoid them and they will (usually) avoid you. Treat a bite the same way as a snake bite and seek medical help immediately.
- When travelling by car anywhere in WA always carry plenty of spare water. If travelling more off the beaten track carry spare fuel, at least 5 litres of water per person, and inform people of your plans and expected arrival time.
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