[Vacancier Permanent]

This is solid info on Perth. I'm quite tempted to spend some time in Australia so the info here has been of high interest to me.
Bface, when you wrote that Perth is a police state, in what ways? Tough liquor laws with bars closing at 9pm? Not allowed to drink outside on the street/walking with your drink in your hand? Last but not least, how widspread is feminism and its ugly by products in Perth?
Heat is no problem for me, actually I enjoy the heat. IT's the freaking frigid cold that I can't stand!

On the opportunities in the mining industry in OZ, how easy is it to obtain a work permit there for a Canadian citizen? What would be the best way to get into the mining and oil& gas industry for someone with no prior experience in that field? I guess it'd be better to show up and go looking from the ground than online right?

Thanks guys.

[T and A Man]

(11-24-2011 09:45 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

This is solid info on Perth. I'm quite tempted to spend some time in Australia so the info here has been of high interest to me.
Bface, when you wrote that Perth is a police state, in what ways? Tough liquor laws with bars closing at 9pm? Not allowed to drink outside on the street/walking with your drink in your hand?

I got the impression he was discussing the Gold Coast, but still, many things in life here in Perth are heavily regulated.

No smoking indoors, Bars generally closing at midnight or 1am (and most won't stay open that late outside of Friday or Saturday).

Roads full of speed cameras to raise revenue, popular locations full of ticketed parking and inspectors only too keen to hand out infringements to parking too long.

Australia has a lot of paternal laws, though i got the impression Canada does too.

Quote:

Last but not least, how widspread is feminism and its ugly by products in Perth?

Well the last decade has seen an noticable increase in the weight of young women, and the ones turning 30 do have an entitlement mentality despite their past or their absolute uselessness and bringing nothing to a relationship.

Materialism abounds, however they are stupid. As I stated prior, their shit tests are really banal and juvenile, because to be honest they really haven't had a history of anything to complain about.

Passing shit tests gets you in their pants, I'd put Perth as having one of the highest rates of SNL's anywhere in the planet. I've only encountered Glasgow to be higher.

Quote:

Heat is no problem for me, actually I enjoy the heat. IT's the freaking frigid cold that I can't stand!

Well after 11 years in Perth, my observation has been it has dropped below zero celsius on two occasions. So you might like that.

Hot, well in summer, expect it to never drop below 18 degrees for 90 consecutive days, and I'm talking about night time as well. Day time highs can have every day in the week above 30, with the odd 40+ degree here and there. The saving grace is that it's a very dry heat, Perth isn't humid unlike the east coast say from Sydney all the way north.

Quote:

On the opportunities in the mining industry in OZ, how easy is it to obtain a work permit there for a Canadian citizen?

Good for a Canadian, as someone from the Commonwealth. As long as you have not turned 31 and you have a pulse, the rule is 'show up' to get a 417 visa.

Known as the 'working holiday', you're entitled to 12 months of near unrestricted employment opportunites and access to our universal, socialised medical system.

The only employment restriction I can recall is a maximum 6 months with any single employer 9can be overcome with a 457 visa, more later), and there are some small funding requirements such as prepaid return ticket and some savings, around the area of $3,000.

To find out more, start here

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/

Quote:

What would be the best way to get into the mining and oil& gas industry for someone with no prior experience in that field? I guess it'd be better to show up and go looking from the ground than online right?

Thanks guys.

Depending on your desired outcome (Re: 457 visa, I'll explain later), no skills may be an issue.

I think there will be plenty of work, seriously just contact some recruitment Australian agencies and inquire about things like being a drillers assistant. This is one of the entry level jobs that start you on around $80k per year. Promotion can quickly lead to around $200k per year. Read my WSJ article to see how it can be done.

Anyway the agencies will inform you about the likliehood of 417 visa holders getting these sort of jobs.

Oil&Gas is much more closed shop. There are rumours guys doing laundry on the rigs are on $400k a year, so you can understand why.

More here...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/nationa...6027779689

The other visa which is good for, well virtually everyone is the 457 visa, for people of in demand skills. This is a class for 'in-demand' skills, and at the moment, there is a lot openings for them. This is a class of where a company sponsors an employee to stay for a longer term. After 4 years, virtually everyone who has been here that long on a 457 can apply for permanent residency, which them only requires 2 further years to get citizenship.

I believe the only imposition for 457 is to be with the same employer for that 4 years, so it is sort of indentured.

The current list of 457 visa specified jobs are here;

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2010L01414

My most recent example is for an Irish guy who has been here 3.5 months. He is a diesel mechanic (ANZSCO level 2), has certification lower that even a diploma, just trade certificate papers.

He came over on the 417 visa, got a Perth city job in 10 days, and now has been sponsored to work on a mine site by a second employer on 457. He will apply for PR.

My advice to then 'no skills', you could perhaps get a job, but most likely last you 12 months max. The only exception I can think of is arriving with no skills, and getting all your drilling qualifications within the 12 months of you 417 visa. The qualifications may then make you eligible for 457.

However for pretty shitty outlay to get a recognised 3 day first aid certificate and a heavy vehicle drivers license, you can boost your chances considerably.

[scotian]

This has turned out to be a great thread, lots of useful information!

VP, as a Canadian, if you want to acquire the skillset needed for one of those big money Aussi jobs, all you'd have to do is move out to Fort Mac for a few months to do so. Look for a job/trade that involves tickets or certifications which are recognized worldwide.

The similarities between the Australian and Canadian commodities booms are striking, I'd encourage anyone who is considering a career in these industries to do so, just read that WSJ link that T and A man posted to see why!

[Aliblahba]

Dammit T and A man! You're dropping more intel than my feeble little brain can take in. LOL. Do you know if it's easy for U.S. citizens to immigrate for work? I had assumed it was easier for Canuks and Commonwealthers to gain employment.

A couple of my coworkers have read this thread and are applying already to different companies. They said much thanks for the info.

[T and A Man]

Visa 462 is for Americans wishing a working holiday

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-...y/462/usa/

The American terms for 462 are pretty much identical to the 417 visa.

Though an American must have completed high school to get a 462 visa, and you may not qualify for cover under our socialised medicine charter. I believe this rule exists by reciprocal arrangement, and with the U.S not having socialised medicine, you may require insurance of your own. But don't quote me on that.

You can thank your previous president for the recent introduction of the visa. Our Prime Minister at the time was a certain John Howard, dubya's 'Deputy Sheriff' in SE Asia. Where ever dubya went, johnny was sure to follow. Dubya then opened up visa options for Aussies, and Americans got this in return.

[pitt]

Yeah VP if you are a canadian citizen you should just move to Fort Mac and stay around there till you find a job.

T and a man let us know also how easy is for british citizens to work legally in Australia.

[T and A Man]

pitt, pretty much identical to canadian.

In fact British 417 visa holders I met 14 years ago were the first one to introduce me to, and inspire me to travel. British 417 visa holders are the mainstay of the Australian tourism industry.

Non-chavs are looked at favourably for 457 visa sponsorship.

[bface]

(11-24-2011 09:45 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

This is solid info on Perth. I'm quite tempted to spend some time in Australia so the info here has been of high interest to me.
Bface, when you wrote that Perth is a police state, in what ways? Tough liquor laws with bars closing at 9pm? Not allowed to drink outside on the street/walking with your drink in your hand? Last but not least, how widspread is feminism and its ugly by products in Perth?

I can only speak for Gold Coast and Brisbane, but I have met quite a few Australians from all over the place and it seems to be the same everywhere.

Starts with the worst Immigration ever (Not been to the USA yet though...). Cops everywhere, not allowed to walk around with a drink etc... A friends' friend is in the police here and they have to make x profit per week or they get it trouble. So it's all about making money here...

It's way worse for Australians though. They have more and more laws that go against the constitution from what I have heard.

I am no expert on the topic obviously. I can just say that I will be happy to leave soon. Still looking forward to Stereosonic though

[Hooligan Harry]

Bro, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the world, arguably one of the best standards of living and a very good quality of life.

You can keep your gun toting constitution when its safe for me to walk most places at night. Its a nanny state at times, but people here respect the law.

Long may it continue.

[Pilgrim37]

(11-25-2011 04:20 AM)bface Wrote:  

(11-24-2011 09:45 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

This is solid info on Perth. I'm quite tempted to spend some time in Australia so the info here has been of high interest to me.
Bface, when you wrote that Perth is a police state, in what ways? Tough liquor laws with bars closing at 9pm? Not allowed to drink outside on the street/walking with your drink in your hand? Last but not least, how widspread is feminism and its ugly by products in Perth?

I can only speak for Gold Coast and Brisbane, but I have met quite a few Australians from all over the place and it seems to be the same everywhere.

Starts with the worst Immigration ever (Not been to the USA yet though...). Cops everywhere, not allowed to walk around with a drink etc... A friends' friend is in the police here and they have to make x profit per week or they get it trouble. So it's all about making money here...

It's way worse for Australians though. They have more and more laws that go against the constitution from what I have heard.

I am no expert on the topic obviously. I can just say that I will be happy to leave soon. Still looking forward to Stereosonic though

Coming from the UK...there's much to be said for "the Worst immigration ever" as you put it .
If we'd implemented Aussie immigration procedure earlier we might not be in the mess we are now!

[bface]

(11-25-2011 05:58 AM)Hooligan Harry Wrote:  

Bro, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the world, arguably one of the best standards of living and a very good quality of life.

You can keep your gun toting constitution when its safe for me to walk most places at night. Its a nanny state at times, but people here respect the law.

Long may it continue.

Then why are there so many fights every weekend?

I feel much safer in Switzerland, where you are allowed to carry knifes and almost everyone has a gun at home. I think I have seen maybe 1 or 2 fights in all the years I have been going out. I see more in a single night in Australia...

2/3 times I entered Oz I got treated like a criminal. I am from Switzerland , have plenty of money in my bank account and don't think I look suspicious... I got interrogated for hours, stuff searched etc...They didn't believe me that I don't work even though I really don't have to...

Apparently Australian's don't get treated better. Just too many immigration officers on a power trip I guess...

Kinda funny if you think that Australia started as a nation of criminals...

But hey, I don't want to pick on anyone's country. Just sharing the experience I had so far.

[garygroundwork]

i have to admit after living abroad and travelling for over 12 years the only place i see fights is on friday saturday nights in bars in australia. everyone gets so drunk and alot of the guys just turn into fucktards.

as for australian customs and immigration yes they are a pack of cunts aswell.

having said all that besides the fighting it is a safe, clean and great standard of living.

[Hooligan Harry]

No one said we are a classy people and I dont know where you got that impression. Aussies drink and fight. It goes together like chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. But the difference is that we dont shoot up our schools or stab each other in parks all that often, we just have a bit of a bashup when we are on the piss. We still have one of the lowest crime rates in the world even though the vast majority of people here are immigrants and its multicultural. There is a reason why this country ranks as high as it does on almost every single humanity index there is, and that is because laws are enforced. While Europe left wings itself into oblivion, this country prospers because it remains as pragmatic as it can be in its law making.

All due respect, but Australia is not about to open its borders to waves and waves of immigrants looking for a free ride. Yes border controls are strict, but I hope they stay that way even if it inconveniences everyone. You dont have half of third world Asia on your doorstep in Switzerland, and last I checked the path to residency in Switzerland is nothing short of impossible for most people. Here in Australia, immigration is managed well and most people who contribute have a path to residency within 3-4 years. Legal immigrants are coming here in droves and they are welcome to come. We need them. Australia is far more open to foreigners than Switzerland ever was.

Policing Switzerland is far easier considering the size of the place, In Australia it is not hard to disappear at all. If we were lax with border controls this country would be crawling with illegals.

Also, the ecology in Australia is unique. A lot of the border protection has to do with ensuring that foreign plant material and bugs are not brought into the country. This is a major thing here and in New Zealand. Its why they search you head to toe at the airports. Its environmental controls predominantly. We have to do it. Australia was isolated for so long that the environment is quite fragile. We cant even take food interstate, so when you come in from a foreign country they have to make sure you have declared everything.

Seriously though. It sounds like the liberty of Europe is far more agreeable. Please make sure the door does not hit your ass on the way out as you return to utopia. Perhaps your next report can come from France or the UK. You can tell us how lax border controls and a non existent police force are working out for them.

[morebetterforever]

I heard the western coast of Australia (Perth, Cottesloe included) has beaches very similar to SoCal beaches? Fact or fiction? Does anyone know?

[expat26]

Hell yes

[Vacancier Permanent]

Bface,
Do you look Arabic? Do you have Arabic sounding name or were you born in a country that's not on the friendly list of the Anglosphere countries?
If yes, then that can explain why you were treated badly upon entering OZ. The only places I've heard that treats people badly upon entering at immigration are the US (by far the worst!), the UK (specially at London Heathtrow), OZ and at times in Canada. I also heard that Schipol in Amsterdam can be tense at times too...

(11-25-2011 11:49 AM)bface Wrote:  

2/3 times I entered Oz I got treated like a criminal. I am from Switzerland , have plenty of money in my bank account and don't think I look suspicious... I got interrogated for hours, stuff searched etc...They didn't believe me that I don't work even though I really don't have to...

Apparently Australian's don't get treated better. Just too many immigration officers on a power trip I guess...

[Vacancier Permanent]

T and A,
My man, you're the man bro for taking the time to not only answer my questions but drop invaluable intell on the topic! Much appreciated!

Smoking laws do not apply to me nor do I care about them as I am non smoker.

Good to hear that in Perth, women are very DTF. Btw, your comment that Perth being 2nd only to Glasgow in terms of the women's willingness to DTF peaked my curiosity. Would love to see you drop a data sheet on Glasgow.

Now visa wise, I just turned 31 last month so I guess the work holiday visa is out of the window for me. What would be my options now in terms of securing a work visa if I were to go to Perth?

Damn, just read that article on guys who do laundry offshore earning over 400k and cooks over 400k...holly shit! These guys must be laughing all the way to the bank!

Btw, the WSJ article featuring that guy working at the mine making over 220k, is that you? If yes awesome stuff man!

So say someone with no prior experience in the gas and oil industry were to come to Perth and get an entry job as an assistant driller making 80k, now how far does that 80k go in that area?

Also, in a nutshell, what is the tax system in Australia? Flat or progressive? Say on a 80-120k salary, what would be the tax rate?

Since I want to base myself in Asia for the next few years, I'm strongly considering Australia as a place to "settle down" when the time comes and to raise a family as I can't stand the cold in Canada any more. Plus Australia is just on the door steps of Asia where I plan on spending a lot of time anyways.

Again, thanks T & A and everyone else in here who has been kind to contribute valuable data on Australia and living there.

Cheers guys.

[T and A Man]

(11-26-2011 06:26 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Good to hear that in Perth, women are very DTF. Btw, your comment that Perth being 2nd only to Glasgow in terms of the women's willingness to DTF peaked my curiosity. Would love to see you drop a data sheet on Glasgow.

My information would not be that relevant anymore, I was in Glasgow in 1998. My position arose out of meeting a couple of Scottish backpackers in the Czech Republic. My schengen visa ran out, so I had to forfeit travel to Spain and elected Scotland instead. I hooked up with them.

So I can't say I know the best areas anymore, or the fashion, or vibe, i.e. all the contemporary information, but Scottish girls are notoriously easy to humourous guys. That's the part that's constant.

Quote:

Now visa wise, I just turned 31 last month so I guess the work holiday visa is out of the window for me. What would be my options now in terms of securing a work visa if I were to go to Perth?

If you're Canadian, go to this Fort Mac place others here have spoken about and then work for around 12-18 months for some trade certificates, then get sponsored by 457 for in demand skills. That's the blunt truth. This age of 31 is a magic barrier sorry.

It's such a pity because many guys don't learn game until this age.

Quote:

Damn, just read that article on guys who do laundry offshore earning over 400k and cooks over 400k...holly shit! These guys must be laughing all the way to the bank!

Btw, the WSJ article featuring that guy working at the mine making over 220k, is that you? If yes awesome stuff man!

Hehe, no. I did the other thing, went to university to get a 'good' job, only to find I'm a cubicle jockey competing against thousands and feel I've been lied to. My frustration has led to serious consideration of shifting, I look at this guy and see that you can make something and do REAL work.

Quote:

So say someone with no prior experience in the gas and oil industry were to come to Perth and get an entry job as an assistant driller making 80k, now how far does that 80k go in that area?

Depending on your life style, it can do plenty, but then you can find it insufficient. After tax you'll get around $62k.

Working on camps means you have ZERO expenses. 24 hour a day kitchens serving up steak, eggs, salad, whatever. A FIFO experience can be very good for game sans-access to women.

You work 12 hour days, they tend to have gyms on site. So work hard, eat right, work out, sleep, then rinse-repeat.

Your expenses come from going back to the city. You'll need a place to go back to, and have 6 days off. What you do there will dictate if $80k is sufficient.

Logic dictates shared accomodation, and that'll set you back $600 to $1,200 per month.

My first post said there are only 2 social outlets, day time sports/adventure and binge drinking. Now if you want to play day game, go to the gym and your leisure time activity is surfing and fishing and the like, then you won't spend much.

A pint of beer is around $10, so binge drinking will be very expensive

Quote:

Also, in a nutshell, what is the tax system in Australia? Flat or progressive? Say on a 80-120k salary, what would be the tax rate?

Australia has a progressive tax rate

0 - $,6000 p.a. = 0%
$6,001 - $37,000 = 16.5%
$37,001 - $80,000 = 31.5%
$80,001 - $180,000 = 38.5%
$180,001+ = 46.5%

Quote:

Since I want to base myself in Asia for the next few years, I'm strongly considering Australia as a place to "settle down" when the time comes and to raise a family as I can't stand the cold in Canada any more. Plus Australia is just on the door steps of Asia where I plan on spending a lot of time anyways.

A good option. The two areas of risk for that are.

One, Australia still has a nation wide housing bubble. Two, if the commodity boom busts, exploration roles are retrenched immediately. This means jobs like I have described. Drillers (assistants), blast crew (assistants), survey assistants.

I prescribed getting a heavy vehicle license earlier. These jobs will stay as production continues through a downturn. It's good to have as a back up, and they are on around $70-$110k.

Jobs in the production side of mining tend to cap around $110k.

The nature of Australia has changed dramatically in the last 15 years. Before it used to be a country where you'd get wages approx 75% of similar positions of the rest of the world, but cheaper everything. The loss was no real cultural outlets that are abundant in Europe, or the diverse market place of the U.S.

Now it is probably the richest per capita country in the world, and an entire generation who has grown up not knowing any different.

Thus most young Aussies people meet are now obnoxious, un-sophisticated boors drowning in hubris, ala the Kuta Aussie.

An economic crash should restore things back to the way they used to be, and there will always be work here as long as Australia has 40%+ of the worlds known Iron Ore reserves, and China and India go through their industrial revolution. This ride may be volatile, but they will pursue it regardless.

The proximity to Asia makes a work hard, play hard, paid heaps opportunity like mining in Australia right now a good option.

Quote:

Again, thanks T & A and everyone else in here who has been kind to contribute valuable data on Australia and living there.

Cheers guys.

No worries, as Harry said, Contributors to our society are always welcome.

[bface]

(11-26-2011 05:58 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Bface,
Do you look Arabic? Do you have Arabic sounding name or were you born in a country that's not on the friendly list of the Anglosphere countries?
If yes, then that can explain why you were treated badly upon entering OZ. The only places I've heard that treats people badly upon entering at immigration are the US (by far the worst!), the UK (specially at London Heathtrow), OZ and at times in Canada. I also heard that Schipol in Amsterdam can be tense at times too...

No I am Caucasian, french last name and born in Switzerland...

I obviously can't judge European countries as Switzerland is part of Schengen.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/man-w...6207119947
This is basically right around the corner from where I am at the moment...

I am just not a big fan of too much control. But if that's not a problem for someone then Australia is probably a great place to live (if you can deal with living costs and high taxes).

I might sound a bit harsh, but I just wanted to show the sides that are usually not talked about. Australia definitely has plenty of good sides as well.

[scotian]

If the labour market in Oz is similar to Canada (I bet is is), even though its busy as hell, these huge money jobs, especially for unskilled labour, generally will go to local people and long term residents. Also, depending on how the unions run down there (T and A Man can probably comment on this), the job market isn't always as easy to crack into!

It would probably be challenging to get one of these jobs on a working holiday visa, especially a job which requires any significant amount of training, due to the visa restrictions. Why would an employer train up a foreign guy who is only allowed to work for the company for a limited amount of time, like 6 months, then he has to leave?

I would suggest looking at getting a skilled worker's visa because you will look more serious to potential employers, rather than someone who is just passing through for a few months. Plus, when you are a skilled worked, you can start working right away in your trade or profession.

VP, you should look into finding work with an Australian company with operations in Canada (EX: Transfield Services, Bradken, etc) or a Canadian company with operations in Australia (SNC-Lavalin, Hatch Engineering). There are also tonnes of international engineering forms with operations all over the world (Bechtel, KBR, Flour, Kent,etc)

Check out the job postings on their websites, if you don't have a skill set they're looking for, look into going back to school. Then you can use that skill ALL OVER THE WORLD! A career in resource extraction (mining, oil and gas, etc) will take you to many places and pay big bucks!

[Aliblahba]

http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/#vw=%23a_intro

The visa wizard is telling me I ain't gonna get shit. This may be harder than I thought.

[worldwidetraveler]

(03-29-2012 10:32 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  

http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/#vw=%23a_intro

The visa wizard is telling me I ain't gonna get shit. This may be harder than I thought.

I wouldn't worry too much about the visa wizard since your employer would take care of it.

[T and A Man]

If you have the (sought-after) skills, your employer will take care of it.

[scotian]

Between re-reading this thread and talking to my buddy who has been living in Perth for about 6 months, it looks like I may be relocating to Perth this fall. I'm turning 30 in October so if I'm ever going to do it, this year would be the best time so I can qualify for the working holiday visa.

My buddy has been working offshore, 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off and is currently in Thailand on his days off. He pretty much confirms everything said on this thread, Perth is a very nice city with lots of outdoor activities and great weather, although the nightlife can get a bit boring. Its also a lot more expensive than Canada for things like restaurants, booze, etc but the wages are higher so that makes up for it.

Anyway, great thread and thanks again T and A man and all you other Aussie guys posting solid info on here.

[Lukey]

As someone who also currently lives in Perth, I’d like to second everything T&A man has said. I also work in the resources and construction industry, and at the present time, there is nowhere in the world like it is right here, right now for a young professional go getter. If you have a unique skillset that is industry relevant, the money is great. When I graduated from Uni, I was getting offers of circa $150-200k off the bat for a 40 hr a week role in the city, which I think speaks volumes of the opportunities for professionals here. It is quite similar to the industry that was booming in Dubai during the early 2000’s.

As aforementioned though, there are a number of cons. The price of living here is one of the highest in the world. Think prices comparable to Paris or Tokyo. The price of living in London, Sao Paulo or the US is a bargain compared to here at the moment. Consequently, you are either a part of the mining/construction/resources game, or you’re not, and if you are not, I feel sorry for you because it can be tough to keep up.

Furthermore, I second T&A man’s assessment that Perth is devoid of culture. Here are two youtube videos that sum the situation up perfectly. I don’t expect most to appreciate the humour, although take it as pure sarcasm. It is a good representation of life here on the most part;

[video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDhmdbVk0l4 [/video]

[video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpW1dv6rTgk [/video]

The nightlife here is also pretty abysmal, however, instead of dwelling on the negatives, I will point out some good spots for any of those interested, visiting, relocating or lurkers viewing this thread. Take it as a mini-datasheet on nightlife of sorts;

AMBAR:
My personal favourite club in Perth. It is a staple of quality electronic music here (breaks, DnB, dubstep, tech, electro etc). A lot of good international touring acts come here for shows. It reminds me of a mini version of Fabric in London, however much smaller, although the vibe is there. Girls wise its not too bad, although most of them are off their heads, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view. http://www.boomtick.com.au/ambar/

GEISHA:
A late night haunt that is primarily techno & house. A bit past its prime however still has good nights and goes until 6am. Same type of crowd to Ambar, however more shady characters come here (bikies etc). I still recommend the venue for kicking on after 12. http://www.geishabar.com.au/

CAPITOL:
This spot has a lot of younger birds and is more of a commercial club. It does pack out however and is a good place to pick up. Bouncers can be real pricks if there are too many guys, however I think of it as a happy medium for girls, music and vibe for a night out on a Friday and Saturday. Out the back is a place attached called Amplifier which is a hipster joint. Lots of pierced and tatted up girls in there if that’s your calling. http://www.amplifiercapitol.com.au/home

MINT, THE DEEN & THE PARAMOUNT:
I have grouped these spots together as they are in Northbridge which is essentially the nightlife district and they are all almost identical in vibe, crowd and music. Think young girls (18-21), top 40 and a lot of really smashed people. Lots of fights and the guys are usually your typical bogan affair (bogan is the equivalent to a chav in the UK, or trailer trash in the US). Can be fun if you are looking to go beastmode, however can go really well or really bad depending on your luck. http://www.mintclub.net.au/ http://www.paramountnightclub.com.au/ http://www.thedeen.com.au/

CLUB BAYVIEW &/or THE CLAREMONT HOTEL:
This is a Thursday night staple for University girls. A lot of smashed, young birds who are up for anything. I used to love this place during Uni. Its grimy, stinks and anything goes. Great for the young gamers ages 18-21.

PUBS & BARS of interest:
Some of my favourite bars to look out for include;

THE FLYING SCOTSMAN – bit of a hipster vibe but great beers and really chill. Not the best place to swoop, but a good hangout with your mates.
FIVE BAR – plenty of hot girls here, except high bitch shields and $20/drink
THE BRISBANE – great place for picking up. Lots of birds and a nice setting. A lot of egos here too though, but if you are dressed the part eg. After work drinks, no problem.
EZRA POUND – cool vibe, alleyway bar. Good for a drink anytime.
BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ – awesome beers, can have hot birds. Casual vibe and nice beer garden. Pretty expensive drinks though @ $15/beer.
THE WINDSOR – south of Perth, but in a really nice suburb and setting. Nice beer garden. Good for picking up on Friday nights after work.

There are many more joints around town, however I believe this represents a good cross section of what is on offer.

The one thing I don’t agree with though that has been said in this thread is that girls for SNL are up there with the easiest anywhere. I do agree that this may be the case with 6-6.5’s, but Perth is a very small place with what constantly seems to be 2 degrees of separation. As a result, everyone here is extremely insular and cautious of ruining their social status. Therefore, quality birds (8+) take a lot of work. My mates and I have a joke that if I throw a rock, it will hit someone one of us knows, and I think that is a very accurate assertion. Therefore, for the players that want to go for the top shelf birds, you will need to build a social circle and exhibit status within a group. Word of mouth is unfortunately the key to the hearts of the shallow lizards here.

If any of you gentlemen would like more information on work, venues or information on life here, feel free to PM with any queries.