Perth is Australia’s fourth largest city and capital of the thriving State of Western Australia. Voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the inhabitants of Perth enjoy a climate and lifestyle that is envied by many.

Western Australia (also referred to as WA) covers one-third of the Australian continent. It spans more than 2.5 million square kilometres (roughly one million square miles), with a number of different climate zones.

Bordered largely by desert to the east, Western Australia is bounded by 12,500 kilometres (7813 miles) of the world's most untouched coastline to the west.

The landscape and scenery is incredibly diverse, with towering forests, an ocean teeming with marine life and coral reefs, mysterious land formations and ancient gorges, superb food and wine, and lush fields of wildflowers.

1. Perth
2. Western Australia

Perth

Cultural diversity

Perth offers a seamless combination of urban sophistication and international flavour. With the population of Western Australia growing at twice that of the national average and the State experiencing the lowest unemployment rate of all the states and territories, Perth attracts more migrants from overseas and other states than any other area in Australia.

Perth's attractions

UWA's location on the beautiful Swan River only minutes from the heart of Perth's inner-city, puts many of Perth’s attractions within easy travelling distance, including Kings Park, quality shops, museums and galleries, nightlife and entertainment venues, café strips, Cottesloe Beach and the historic port town of Fremantle.

Liveability

Perth has an enviable standard of living, and has been consistently voted one of the top ten cities in which to live by the The Economist, as well as being ranked 25th in the inaugural Best Student Cities Ranking released by QS Top Universities. Perth has Australia’s best international student diversity according to Australia Education International.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers is ideal for sports and outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, swimming and windsurfing.

Public transport

Perth's public transport system makes it easy to get around the city and to the main UWA campus if you don't drive. International students receive a West Australian Government-sponsored 40 per cent discount on all public transport.

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Western Australia

International flavour

One of the first things you'll notice about Western Australia is its cultural diversity [PDF, 997 KB]. People of more than 200 different nationalities live, work and study here, speaking 170 languages and practising more than 100 religions. Of all the states and territories, Western Australia has the highest proportion of people born overseas.

A dynamic economy

Western Australia exports expertise in traded services, information and communication technologies, tourism, resource and infrastructure engineering, education, health care, building and construction, defence systems, environmental systems, mining equipment and services, chemicals, food and wine.

Innovation

The key to much of Western Australia's economic success has been the development or adoption of advanced technologies. Coupled with this is an advanced, world-class education system that has borne a wealth of research and innovation. The awarding of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology to Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren highlighted the quality of scientific research at UWA.

Research initiatives between business and industry and priority areas of the University are encouraged and supported, especially in areas of academic strength.

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