Customs at Perth International Airport

Australia, and in particular Western Australia, has very strict rules about what you can and can't bring in from overseas. This is due to live animals and plants, plant material, animal products (including meat and dairy) having the ability to bring deadly and damaging pests and diseases into Australia. As a country isolated by water, these pests and diseases have the potential to cause serious damage to Australian flora and fauna, as well as Australia’s agricultural industry.

On your journey to Perth, you'll be given an Incoming Passenger Card. Here you must declare all food, plant material and animal products for inspection on arrival to ensure they are free of pests and diseases. Harsh penalties apply for false or misleading declarations, including deportation, so it's important you are truthful on your Incoming Passenger Card and take this process seriously.

For more information about what you can and can't bring into Australia, the Australian Government website.

Visit the StudyPerth Welcome Desk

After you’ve collected your luggage and made your way through Australian immigration and customs, ensure you stop by and visit the StudyPerth Welcome Desk!

StudyPerth Airport Greeters will be there to assist and guide you as you, plus, they have an helpful Welcome Pack for all new international students containing things like a SIM Card, AU$20 Uber discount, Perth map, travel discounts and more.

To find the StudyPerth Welcome Desk, simply follow the StudyPerth ‘footprints’ on the airport floor.

Airport pick-up

Murdoch recommends planning transport from the airport to your accommodation in Perth well ahead of your arrival. Below are some of the main transport options from Perth airport:

Murdoch Student Guild - The Murdoch Student Guild offers a free airport pick-up service for all new International Students. The service runs all year round and transports you from the airport to their accommodation in Perth. Bookings can be made online and must be submitted at least 5 days before arrival.

Homestay - If you’re staying with a local family as part of a homestay accommodation arrangement, you can arrange for your family to collect you from the airport when you arrive.

Public transport - Perth's public transport service, Transperth, operates regular bus services between Perth Airport, Perth City and other local centres. You can plan your journey on public transport using their Journey Planner. Bus route 380 has dedicated luggage rucks and runs daily between the airport and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in the Perth city centre.

Taxi/Rideshare - If you would prefer to catch a taxi or use a rideshare service such as Uber or Ola, they are available 24 hours a day. Look for the dedicated taxi/rideshare bays within easy walking distance of each terminal. Visit the Perth airport webpage for indicative taxi fares.

Settling in to your new home

After your flight, one of the first things you'll most likely do in Perth is visit a local supermarket to buy food and other essential items. There are four main supermarket chains operating in Perth: Aldi, Coles, IGA and Woolworths. With all suppliers having multiple stores across the metro region, you're never far from a supermarket. Murdoch University has an on campus IGA, plus a Coles, Woolworths and Super IGA all within 2km.

If you're moving into unfurnished accommodation, you'll also need to purchase your own furniture and other household items, including a bed, desk, utensils, cooking equipment, couch, television, etc. The cheapest places to buy furniture in Perth are retail stores Kmart and Target, both of which are located close to all Murdoch campuses.

There is also an IKEA north of Perth, close to the Stirling train station, and many other low-cost new furniture stores closer to campus such as A-Mart Furniture and Fantastic Furniture.

Need more information about settling in to Perth? Here's everything you need to know about moving in to private student accommodation in Perth.