🌍 Overview
Perth, the sun-kissed capital of Western Australia, has emerged as a thriving digital nomad destination. This charming city offers a unique blend of lifestyle, community, and infrastructure that draws remote workers from around the world. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class infrastructure, Perth is an attractive choice for digital nomads seeking a relaxed and productive lifestyle.
One of the key attractions for digital nomads in Perth is the growing nomad community scene. The city hosts various events, meetups, and coworking spaces that cater to the needs of remote workers. Additionally, Perth’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major Australian cities, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. A 1-bedroom apartment in Perth can be rented for around $803 per month, and a meal at a local restaurant typically costs around $10.6.
However, it’s essential to note that Perth’s infrastructure for digital nomads is still developing. According to the city scores, Perth ranks 39/100 in terms of digital nomad infrastructure, indicating that while there are some excellent coworking spaces and amenities, there is still room for improvement. Nevertheless, Perth’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions make it an excellent choice for remote workers who value a healthy work-life balance.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Northbridge
Northbridge is one of Perth’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. This area is a hub for digital nomads, with several coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance. The average monthly rent in Northbridge is around $800-1,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment, making it an attractive option for remote workers on a budget.
Pros for digital nomads include:
- Easy access to coworking spaces and cafes
- Vibrant nightlife and cultural scene
- Close proximity to the city center
- Relatively affordable rent
Cons:
- Can be noisy and crowded, especially at night
- Limited parking options
- Some areas can be a bit seedy at night
Notable streets in Northbridge include:
- William Street, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants
- Lake Street, home to several coworking spaces and cafes
- Roe Street, a popular shopping and dining destination
West Perth
West Perth is a more laid-back and residential neighborhood, perfect for digital nomads seeking a quieter lifestyle. This area offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to houses, with average monthly rents ranging from $600-1,200. West Perth is also home to several parks and gardens, making it an excellent choice for those who value outdoor activities.
Pros for digital nomads include:
- Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
- Easy access to parks and gardens
- Affordable rent options
- Close proximity to the city center
Cons:
- Limited coworking spaces and amenities
- Can be a bit far from the city center
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Notable streets in West Perth include:
- St Georges Terrace, a major shopping and dining destination
- Mill Street, home to several parks and gardens
- Thomas Street, a popular residential area
Subiaco
Subiaco is a charming and upscale neighborhood, known for its boutique shopping, restaurants, and cafes. This area is a popular choice for digital nomads seeking a more affluent lifestyle, with average monthly rents ranging from $1,200-2,000. Subiaco is also home to several coworking spaces and amenities, making it an excellent choice for remote workers.
Pros for digital nomads include:
- Upscale lifestyle and amenities
- Easy access to coworking spaces and cafes
- Close proximity to the city center
- Vibrant shopping and dining scene
Cons:
- Relatively expensive rent options
- Can be a bit crowded and noisy
- Limited parking options
Notable streets in Subiaco include:
- Rokeby Road, a popular shopping and dining destination
- Hay Street, home to several coworking spaces and cafes
- Roberts Road, a charming residential area
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Perth offers several coworking spaces catering to the needs of digital nomads. Some popular options include:
- The Hive: Located in Northbridge, The Hive offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and private offices, starting from $200/month.
- Workspaces: With locations in West Perth and Subiaco, Workspaces offers a range of coworking options, including hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms, starting from $150/month.
- Hub Australia: Located in the heart of Perth, Hub Australia offers a range of coworking options, including hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms, starting from $250/month.
Internet quality in Perth is generally good, with average speeds of 19 Mbps and fiber availability in many areas. However, it’s essential to note that internet speeds can vary depending on the provider and location.
Nomad Community Scene
Perth’s nomad community scene is growing, with several events and meetups taking place throughout the month. Some popular events include:
- Perth Digital Nomads Meetup: A monthly meetup for digital nomads to connect, share experiences, and network.
- Perth Coworking Meetup: A regular meetup for coworking spaces and remote workers to connect and collaborate.
- Perth Startup Meetup: A meetup for entrepreneurs and startup founders to connect, share ideas, and network.
Some popular cafes for remote work include:
- The Coffee Club: Located in Northbridge, The Coffee Club offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets.
- The Pantry: Located in Subiaco, The Pantry offers a range of healthy food options, as well as reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets.
- The Coffee Garage: Located in West Perth, The Coffee Garage offers a range of specialty coffee and food options, as well as reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Visa Options
Perth is a popular destination for remote workers, and several visa options are available for digital nomads. Some popular options include:
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): A visa-free option for citizens of certain countries, allowing for stays of up to 3 months.
- eVisitor (subclass 651): A visa option for citizens of certain countries, allowing for stays of up to 3 months.
- Working Holiday (subclass 417): A visa option for citizens of certain countries, allowing for stays of up to 12 months and work opportunities.
Banking and Practical Setup
Perth has several banks and financial institutions that cater to the needs of digital nomads. Some popular options include:
- Westpac: Offers a range of banking services, including online banking and mobile banking apps.
- Commonwealth Bank: Offers a range of banking services, including online banking and mobile banking apps.
- NAB: Offers a range of banking services, including online banking and mobile banking apps.
It’s essential to note that digital nomads may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income and health insurance, to open a bank account in Perth.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Perth has a unique cultural scene, with a blend of Australian and international influences. Some popular cultural attractions include:
- The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA): A contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists.
- The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia: A performing arts venue hosting a range of productions, from dance to theater.
- The Perth Cultural Centre: A cultural precinct featuring several museums, galleries, and performance venues.
Perth’s food scene is also worth exploring, with a range of cuisines available, from Australian bush tucker to international flavors. Some popular restaurants include:
- The Old Mill: Located in Subiaco, The Old Mill offers a range of Australian cuisine, including bush tucker and seafood.
- The Pantry: Located in Subiaco, The Pantry offers a range of healthy food options, including salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
- The Coffee Club: Located in Northbridge, The Coffee Club offers a range of coffee and food options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Perth’s nightlife scene is also worth exploring, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some popular spots include:
- The Perth Arena: A live music venue hosting a range of performances, from rock to pop.
- The Truffle & Co: A bar and lounge offering a range of cocktails and snacks.
- The Print Hall: A bar and lounge offering a range of cocktails and snacks, as well as live music and events.
⭐ Highlights
Some must-see attractions and experiences in Perth include:
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden: A 400-hectare park featuring stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- The Perth Zoo: A 5.5-hectare zoo featuring a range of animals, including native Australian species.
- The Art Gallery of Western Australia: A contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists.
- The Perth Museum: A museum featuring a range of exhibits, from natural history to cultural heritage.
- The Perth Cathedral: A stunning Gothic Revival-style cathedral featuring a range of architectural features.
Some insider tips and practical considerations include:
- The best time to visit Perth is during the spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- The city can be quite crowded and noisy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s essential to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance.
- Perth is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- The local currency is the Australian dollar, and many cafes, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards and mobile payments.
💡 Practical Tips
Some essential, actionable information for digital nomads includes:
- Visa requirements: Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, which allows for stays of up to 3 months. Other visa options, such as the Working Holiday visa, may also be available.
- Getting around: Perth has a range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and taxis. The city also has a bike-sharing system and several car-sharing services.
- Safety considerations: Perth is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Perth is during the spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- Local tips and warnings: Perth can be quite crowded and noisy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s essential to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance.
- Money matters: The local currency is the Australian dollar, and many cafes, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards and mobile payments.
- Healthcare and insurance: Digital nomads may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income and health insurance, to access healthcare services in Perth.
I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical information to help you navigate Perth as a digital nomad.
