Popular Weekend Attractions Near University of Western Australia for Students

When international students who have just arrived at the University of Western Australia (UWA) finish a busy week of study, they often ask the same question: Where should we go for fun on the weekend? UWA is located in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Besides the learning centre, it also offers students a range of attractions including long stretches of beaches, vibrant markets, historic towns, and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you are a surfing enthusiast who loves the beach, a trendy young person who enjoys shopping, or an explorer who is interested in food and culture, the popular attractions around UWA can meet your needs and allow you to have a happy and unforgettable weekend.

Matilda Bay

Opposite the University of Western Australia, Matilda Bay is across the street. It is the "spiritual home" in the hearts of every UWA student. If your UWA accommodation is just located close to the campus, then it will be very convenient for you to go to Matilda Bay.

Matilda Bay is where the swans and dolphins are most frequently seen. On a weekend morning, order a cup of coffee from Bayside Kitchen and sit on the pier. There is a high chance that you will be able to see these adorable creatures playing in the water within just ten meters of you. The symbol of Western Australia - the black swan - can be seen everywhere here. They walk in groups on the lawn and you can observe them up close, but remember not to feed them randomly. The Blue Boat House is a globally popular photo spot. Although in the eyes of locals, it is just a simple pump boat house, its lonely and serene beauty is perfect for posting a charming friend circle photo on a weekend.

Kings Park

Take the free Purple CAT from the UWA campus entrance and it will take less than ten minutes to reach one of the largest urban parks in the world - King Park. Its area even exceeds that of Central Park in New York.

Here is an excellent viewpoint for overlooking the Perth CBD, the Swan River and South Perth. Strolling on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway glass bridge at tree-top height within King Park, you can observe the unique plant species of Western Australia from a brand new perspective. Every September, the entire park transforms into a sea of colors, and various strange wildflowers will leave you in awe of nature's extraordinary craftsmanship.

If you rent an apartment in Subiaco or West Perth through uhomes.com, then King Park would be your "backyard". You can make an appointment with the matching roommates on the platform who share your interests, bring along some simple sandwiches and fruits, and spend the whole afternoon sitting under the huge baobab trees.

Fremantle

If the Perth CBD is modern, then "Freo" (the local name for it) is old-fashioned yet romantic. Starting from UWA, you can take a bus and then transfer to a train, and it will take about half an hour to reach there.

The Fremantle Markets began in 1897 and are only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Here, you can find the best seafood paella in Perth, exotic handicrafts, and wonderful performances by street artists. The Fremantle Prison is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Australia. Joining a "torch tour" or an "underground passage exploration", and listening to the tour guide tell the stories of the prisoners back then, is definitely an unforgettable cultural experience.

If you enjoy this Renaissance-style living environment, there are also some short-term or full-term rental apartments available in the Fremantle area on uhomes.com. Although they are a little farther from the campus, the student apartments provided by uhomes.com are all closely connected to public transportation, which greatly facilitates the your commutes.

Cottesloe Beach

In Perth, a study-abroad experience would be incomplete without visiting the beach. Cottesloe Beach, one of the closest and most famous beaches to UWA, is just a 10-minute drive away.

The sand here is as white and fine as flour, and the sea water has a layered, deep blue color. I highly recommend that everyone come here around 3 or 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. First, go swimming or snorkeling in the sea, and then sit on the lawn in front of the iconic Indiana Tea House when the sun sets. For students of the University of Western Australia who live in Nedlands, this is the best place to relax on the weekend.

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is regarded as the "dream vacation destination" by UWA international students. Although the cost for a trip there is relatively higher (about AU$70 - AU$90 for a ferry ticket), the experiences and sights you get during this trip are definitely worth it.

On Rottnest Island, you will encounter the Quokka Selfie. These little creatures, which only live on the island, naturally have a smiling face and are the favored subjects for international students to take group photos. Remember, they are protected animals and must not be touched or fed. Besides, there are no private cars on the island. The best way to explore is to rent a bicycle and cycle around the island. You can ride on the winding coastal road and every snap you take will be a great shot. Additionally, The Basin on the island is a natural swimming pool. The water is shallow and clear, making it perfect for beginners to try snorkeling.

Swan Valley

If you are a food lover, you must invite your friends to visit Swan Valley on the weekend. This is the oldest wine region in Western Australia, and it is only about 25-minute drive from the city centre. In Swan Valley, there is a chocolate factory (Margaret River Chocolate Company), which offers free tastings of various flavors of chocolate. It is truly a paradise for sweet food enthusiasts. Besides, the famous wildlife park (Caversham Wildlife Park) is also located in Swan Valley. This park is more interactive than ordinary zoos. You can feed kangaroos and have close contact with koalas.

Conclusion

The scenery and popular attractions around the University of Western Australia may not immediately strike a chord of awe. However, they are more like a rich and full-bodied red wine that requires careful savoring. Their beauty is scattered in the sea breeze on every weekend and hidden along every road leading to the outskirts.

The significance of studying abroad lies partly in the classroom and partly in the real world. When you have dealt with mundane matters like renting a house and choosing courses - especially when you have settled down at a reliable platform like uhomes.com and no longer worry about moving, apartment quality, deposits, or contract traps - you will truly be in the mood to embrace the starry skies and vast sea surrounding the University of Western Australia.

May every student of the University of Western Australia be able to, in the days to come, enjoy weekends just like the locals do, setting up a picnic blanket, inviting a few friends, and chasing that never-ending sunset.