Travel Information
Planning Your Trip to Perth
Western Australia Visitor Information Centres
WA has an accredited network of Visitor Information Centres where travellers can obtain local knowledge, maps, and support with bookings across the state, both at their Centres and online.
Tourism Western Australia
This useful website has all of the key information you need to make the most of your adventure on the West Coast! With information on places to visit, things to do and accessible tourism options, be sure to check this one out when planning your trip.
Essential Information - Arrivals
Biosecurity: Australia, and especially Western Australia/Perth, has strict biosecurity controls designed to protect the environment, agriculture, and public health. You must declare food, plant material, animal products, outdoor equipment, and other risk items on arrival. Undeclared controlled goods may be seized, treated, or destroyed, and travellers can face penalties or prosecution for failing to declare prohibited items. A detailed list of items you can and cannot bring into Australia is available from the Australian Border Force, here.
Vaccinations: Australia does not currently require specific vaccinations for general entry.
Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Most venues prefer the use of debit and credit cards and contactless mobile payments; however, you may be charged an international transaction fee if your home currency is not AUD.
Electricity: Australia operates on 230/240 volts (50Hz) with Type I angled three‑pin plugs (the same as New Zealand and parts of Asia). If you forget to bring your own, you can usually purchase one at the airport when arriving or you may be able to borrow one from the reception of your hotel.
Timezone: Perth operates on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) UTC +8 and does not observe daylight saving. This means that Perth is 5 hours behind New Zealand, 3 hours behind Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra, and 2 hours behind Brisbane. This will remain consistent during the conference period, with no daylight saving changes across New Zealand and other Australian states during February.
Passports and Visa
When you arrive, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid Australian visa. If you require a visa, we strongly recommend applying several months in advance to ensure it is confirmed before your arrival. If you need supporting documentation from the ASBHM2027 Organising Committee, please contact them via email at admin@asbhm.com.
General Visa Requirements: All non‑Australian citizens must hold a valid visa before arrival, except eligible New Zealand citizens, who receive a Special Category Visa on arrival.
Travellers must carry a valid passport with at least one blank page and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) that will be provided to you either on your aircraft or upon entry at the airport. The IPC must be completed truthfully, and if you are found to be deceitful on this official Australian Government document, you may face fines of up to $100,000 AUD.
Common Visa Types of Short-Stay Visitors: Australia offers several electronic or visitor visas depending on nationality:
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): For travellers from countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore; allowing multiple short visits (up to 3-months each) over 1 year.
- eVistor Visa: For most European Union passport holders.
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For travellers not eligible for ETA or eVisitor, or those needing longer or more complex stays.
A full list of visa options can be explored via the Australian Government’s visa finder tool below.
Culture and Envrionment
Climate: February is one of Perth’s hottest and sunniest months at the peak of summer. Typical conditions usually include:
- Average highs ranging from 31–32°C, with hotter days reaching up to 38°C.
- Warm afternoons, with peak temperatures often occurring mid-afternoon.
- Night-time temperatures usually fall between 17–20°C, offering comfortable evening temperatures.
- Humidity is generally low, contributing to Perth’s stereotypical “dry heat”.
- A reliable afternoon coastal breeze, known locally as the ‘Freo Doctor’, that cools the city.
Our conference venue is fully air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable indoor experience. We recommend light business-casual clothing, with an optional light layer for indoor sessions, as air-conditioned spaces can feel cool after being outdoors.
For social events and free time, please keep Perth’s dry heat in mind – apply 50+ sunscreen regularly, wear hats and sunglasses, choose breathable clothing, and stay well hydrated. Because the climate is dry, you may not notice perspiration as easily.
Tipping and bills: Tipping is not obligatory in Australia. It may be offered for excellent service, but restaurants and hotels do not add service fees to bills. However, more recently, Australia (and Perth) has seen an increase in the number of hospitality venues that charge a ‘surcharge’ when dining out on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. This amount varies across venues, but can be as much as 15% on Public Holidays. This surcharge is often noted at the bottom of menus or near the register, with venues being very transparent about this. You may also notice that many venues (and shops) also charge a credit card or Tap& Go surcharge – this is on top of any other surcharges (as listed above). Splitting bills is common and usually accommodated unless a venue specifies otherwise.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Perth locals love an active outdoor lifestyle and are typically early risers, especially in summer. Beaches, riverside walking paths, and parks are especially popular in the mornings, when people make the most of the cooler temperatures before the afternoon heat sets in. You will find that many cafes are open from as early as 6am to accommodate the many early-risers.
