Perth driving tips

Driving in Perth tends to feel spacious, orderly and unhurried, especially compared with Sydney or Melbourne. Roads are wide, traffic is predictable, and most first-time visitors find they settle in quickly once they understand a few local habits. Read on for all you need to know when driving in Perth for the first time.

What to expect driving in Perth

Perth is a low-density city spread along the Swan River and fronting onto the Indian Ocean. A predominantly flat city, the city is bisected by the Swan River and sprawls between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp — a low escarpment — to the east. The CBD core sits to the north of the Swan River, roughly ten kilometres inland from the city’s coastal strip, and long suburban corridors radiate to both the north and south of the CBD, along with a broad and largely low rise suburban belt facing on to the ocean. The central area follows a relatively simple diagonal grid, while outer suburbs are more curving and residential.

Traffic levels are modest by Australian capital standards. Peak periods exist, but congestion is usually confined to major arterials rather than spilling across the entire network. Signage is clear and consistent, policing is visible but not heavy-handed, and road rules are enforced steadily rather than sporadically.

Unlike eastern capital cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, Perth has no toll roads, greatly simplifying driving for visitors. Major arterial routes carry most commuter traffic, while suburban streets remain quiet for much of the day.

Driving from Perth Airport to the City

If you have a rental car from Perth Airport (PER), driving into the CBD is straightforward and low-stress. The airport is centrally located, roughly ten kilometres due east of the CBD, and the immediate airport precinct is well signposted, lanes are generous, and traffic tends to flow smoothly. Outside of peak hour, driving from Perth Airport to the CBD shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes, and around 30 minutes to the central beachside suburbs such as Cottesloe or Fremantle.

Approaching the city centre, the road layout becomes more structured and deliberate. Lanes narrow slightly, intersections become more frequent, and you’ll begin to see cyclists and pedestrians in greater numbers.

Sample drive times and distances from Perth Airport (PER)

Source: Google Maps, last checked 30 January 2026

Driving in Perth downtown

Perth’s CBD is compact and easy to navigate. Streets largely follow a grid pattern, which makes getting around intuitive once you recognise the main east–west and north–south corridors — though do note the grid of the city’s absolute downtown is off centre, roughly on a southeast to northwest axis.

Traffic lights are common, and progress through the city can be stop-and-start. Congestion builds across weekday peak periods, particularly on approaches to river crossings and major parking areas, but the CBD is otherwise rarely hectic, especially when compared to other Australian capital cities. If this is your first time driving in Perth, note that when at an intersection with traffic lights, you’re not permitted to enter the intersection until there is space beyond it for your vehicle.

On weekends, with the office workers absent, traffic volumes drop sharply, making downtown noticeably calmer, particularly on Sundays. Cyclists and pedestrians are more frequent, especially near Perth’s shopping and substantial riverfront precincts.

Giving way, cyclists and pedestrians

Western Australia’s give-way rules are clearly signed, but visitors should pay close attention at intersections and roundabouts. Drivers must give way to the right at roundabouts unless signage indicates otherwise, and pedestrians always have priority at marked crossings. Drivers new to Australia need to be aware that pedestrians will often assume drivers have seen them, so it pays to be aware of and alert for foot traffic.

Perth has an extensive cycling network, particularly in and around the CBD and its riverside corridors. Cyclists tend to be predictable, but they may move quickly through intersections or alongside traffic during peak commuting times. Be aware that while there are many cycling lanes, where there are none, cyclists have the same right to a lane as a car — driving alongside a cyclist in the same lane is not considerate driving. Be sure to leave extra space around cyclists and always check your mirrors before turning.

Pedestrian-only zones and shared spaces are common within the city centre. These dictate slower speeds and a heightened degree of awareness, particularly during lunch hours, evenings and weekends. Police regularly patrol high-foot-traffic areas, especially during events and busy periods.

Speed limits and policing in Western Australia

Speed limits in Perth are clearly signposted but change frequently as roads transition from arterial to residential, and can also change according to the hour of the day. Built-up areas often have lower limits than visitors expect, and limits can reduce suddenly near schools, shopping areas or roadworks.

Perth speed limits by area

Source: Welcome To Country Roads, Road Safety Commission (PDF).

School zones operate at specific times and speed limits within them are strictly enforced. Outside the city, speed limits increase, but enforcement remains consistent. Watching speed limit signage closely is more reliable than following the pace of other traffic — just because the car in front of you is speeding doesn’t give you permission to as well.

Western Australia takes road safety enforcement seriously and fines can be substantial — ranging from A$100 to as much as $1,200 depending on the level of speeding. Red light cameras, and both fixed and mobile speed cameras are widely used, and police also conduct regular alcohol and drug testing. Random breath testing is common, particularly at night and on weekends.

Speeding fines in Western Australia

Source: Government of Western Australia.

Peak hours and holiday periods

Weekday peak hours in Perth are tuned to the working day and typically occur in the morning and late afternoon, with congestion concentrated on major commuter routes leading into and out of the CBD. Even at peak times, delays are usually manageable rather than severe. Road closures can complicate matters, but official road closures are detailed on the City of Perth website and mainroads Western Australia tracks real-time traffic congestion right across the state.

School holidays change traffic patterns noticeably. Peak congestion softens, but shopping precincts and coastal areas may become busier during the day. Weekends — especially in summer — bring lighter overall traffic, with localised congestion near beaches, markets and Perth’s entertainment districts. At night, traffic volumes drop sharply, particularly outside the CBD and entertainment areas.

Night driving and visibility

Night driving in Perth is straightforward within the city and inner suburbs. Streets are well lit, lane markings are clear, and reduced traffic makes driving feel calmer than during the day. Alcohol-related enforcement increases at night — especially on weekends — with a more noticeable police presence near entertainment precincts. At these times drivers should expect random breath testing and be aware of an increased chance of erratic driving by others.

Once beyond the city limits, street lighting drops away rapidly. When driving at night, reducing speed and increasing the driving distance between vehicles are both sensible approaches, particularly on unfamiliar roads. Alcohol-related enforcement increases at night — especially on weekends — with a more noticeable police presence near entertainment precincts. At these times drivers should expect random breath testing and be aware of an increased chance of erratic driving by others.

Parking in Perth CBD and suburbs

Parking in Perth is well signposted, though availability varies by time of day and day of the week, with evenings and weekends generally offering easier access than weekday business hours. Seasonal festivals and major events can create temporary congestion, but these periods are predictable and often well signposted. When using a roadside parking bay or any street parking, it is illegal in Western Australia to park in the opposite direction to the traffic flow — when parked, the vehicle must be facing the same direction as the traffic flow.

City of Perth maintains a live parking availability map for Perth which is a handy tool for finding available parking in the city, and while there is some free parking in the city, much of it is — at least during some parts of the day — fee-based. All parking should be signposted and when fee-based can be paid for through the EasyPark app (with a surcharge), in cash, or by credit card. 

For streetside parking, there’s typically a fee for between 8 AM and 6 PM Monday to Saturday, with parking outside these hours — and for all of Sunday — often free. Parking fees do vary by location, there’s often a minimum charge of $2, and there may be surcharges or limitations on parking during special events. Perth also has private parking garages, shopping centres with large parking areas, and other facilities around the city, each with their own prices and hours of operation. Wherever and whenever you park, it’s important that you check the signposted rules for the spot you’ve got your eyes on, and park and pay accordingly. Parking for motorcycles is often free.

Parking a campervan in Perth

If you’re wanting to park your Perth campervan rental, you should be aware that Western Australia has strict laws regarding parking a campervan, so if you want to sleep overnight in your campervan or motorhome while in Perth, we recommend you choose an approved rental motorhome rest area, holiday park, or camping site to do so.

If you’re just wanting to park your campervan during the day — while you go shopping, museum-hopping, or lounging around beachside — the rules in Perth for parking campervans are generally the same as for parking regular cars. However, as sleeping in any vehicle while parked streetside is typically not allowed, you cannot sleep in your campervan while parked. 

As with cars, when parking your campervan, keep in mind the above-mentioned parking in the same direction as the traffic flow rule, pay attention to signposted time limits, and do pay the parking fee (if any) as fines for non-payment (or exceeding the time you paid for) can be considerable. If you’re planning on parking in a shopping centre parking area, be sure to check any height restrictions, as some motorhomes are far taller than regular cars.

Parking fees in Perth

The above parking rates are for parking between 8 AM and 6 PM Monday to Saturday except where otherwise signposted. Source: City of Perth Parking.

Filling up your car and recharging your EV in Perth

Petrol stations are easy to find across Perth, including near the airport and throughout the CBD and inner suburbs. Stations are self-service, and payment is made after pumping, either inside the store or sometimes at the pump if available.

Most petrol stations in Perth change their prices once daily, and prices can vary considerably by day and location — the Vroom Fuel Price Compare app is a handy smart phone app for keeping track of where the most affordable fuel is available. Don’t forget that when returning your rental vehicle, most rental car providers expect it to be returned with a full tank of fuel. Stations near the airport are particularly handy when returning a vehicle, while inner-city locations offer extended hours and good accessibility.

The City of Perth provides EV charging stations across the city, both within boom-gate entry car parks and from at least seven EV chargers across the city. The RACV has a live map of EV chargers in both Perth and across Western Australia.

Seasonal considerations

Perth’s seasons have a clear impact on driving conditions. Summers are hot and dry, with strong sunlight and occasional glare. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms can leave the road surface greasy and slippery, so take additional care if driving after sudden rainfalls. Vehicles heat quickly, and if driving longer distances be sure to plan in rest breaks and pack sufficient water.

Perth’s winters are cooler and can feel bleak, with more rain and reduced visibility. Roads remain usable, but wet conditions demand slower speeds and greater stopping distances between vehicles. Ice on the roads is a rare occurrence, and snow in Perth is unheard of, but after heavy rainfall flooding can be a problem.

Spring and autumn are often considered the most comfortable times to drive in Perth, with mild temperatures and conditions. Being aware of seasonal factors helps drivers get the most out of road trips across Western Australia, where distances are long and conditions can change quickly.

Beyond the City: Road trips and regional driving

One of Perth’s defining characteristics is how quickly urban driving gives way to suburban and then regional conditions. Suburbs stretch long distances to the north and south, but once you leave built-up areas, roads and the landscapes they pass through become both simpler and more exposed.

Country highways are generally well signposted but can be long and straight, which can increase fatigue risk — do always pay attention. Traffic thins out quickly, services become less frequent, and the distances can be considerable. Wildlife straying onto the road is a real hazard, particularly at dawn, dusk and through the night — while kangaroos may be at the forefront of your mind, don’t discount smaller species like wombats and koalas which also cross roads and can freeze when spotted by a car’s headlights.

Road trains operate on many highways in Western Australia. These extremely long trucks require patience and caution when overtaking, and drivers should allow ample space and time when overtaking one.

Petrol stations become less common the further you travel from Perth, so keeping an eye on fuel levels is an important consideration for longer drives.

Highlights

VroomVroomVroom recommended road trips ...

Perth is a great base for road trips. For those not wanting to stray too far there are some easy day trips worth considering, and Avon Valley National Park in particular is an easy drive for nature lovers. If you’d like to get more into the Outback, consider an epic road trip from Perth to Esperance.

Common surprises for first-timers to Perth

Many first-time visitors are surprised by how quickly speed limits change, how quiet roads can feel outside peak times, and how rapidly the city fades away to open roads. Others take time to adjust to roundabouts, give-way rules, and the strong presence of both cyclists and pedestrians in inner areas.

Driving on the left is usually the biggest adjustment for overseas visitors, but Perth’s wide roads make this easier to adjust to than in denser cities. With a little pre-trip awareness, most drivers adapt quickly and find Perth to be a pleasure to drive in.

Is Perth easy to drive for visitors?

For most visitors, Perth is one of Australia’s easier capitals to drive in. Clear signposting, wide roads and moderate traffic volumes make it an easy city to get around in. Overall, a cautious approach, attention to signposting, and awareness of local rules makes driving competently in Perth an easy skill to pick up.

Once you’re comfortable driving in Perth

If you’re ready to get on the road, then it’s time to compare rental car options in Perth.