Studying at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth means you have some of the city’s best tourist and leisure spots right on your doorstep. From beautiful parks and beaches to cultural markets and wildlife experiences, there are plenty of things to do in Perth on the weekends without venturing far from campus. Below, we introduce some top attractions near UWA’s Perth campus – perfect for day trips or short weekend outings. Each destination is easily accessible (often by public transport or a short drive) and offers a taste of what Perth has to offer, from stunning natural scenery to local food and fun activities.
Enjoy these Perth attractions near the university and make the most of your time as an international student at UWA!
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the first places to visit is the iconic Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which is among the world’s largest inner-city parks at over 400 hectares . Kings Park sits atop Mount Eliza, just a few kilometers from UWA, offering panoramic views of Perth’s skyline and the Swan River. It’s actually so close to UWA that many students walk or cycle there – or you can hop on a bus for a 5-10 minute ride. Entry is free and the park is open 24/7, making it an ideal spot for both daytime picnics and evening strolls to see the city lights twinkling.
What to do: Explore the lush Western Australian Botanic Garden, which showcases over 3,000 species of native flora . Take a walk along bushland trails or the elevated Lotterywest Federation Walkway through the treetops. Don’t miss the State War Memorial for a dose of history and a prime lookout over the city. Kings Park has plenty of lawns and picnic areas – perfect for a weekend barbecue or a study break in nature. Cafés and kiosks in the park offer coffee, ice cream, and light meals if you didn’t BYO picnic. In spring (September), the park comes alive with a spectacular wildflower festival, and year-round you can join free guided walking tours. With playgrounds for kids and peaceful corners for relaxation, Kings Park Perth truly has something for everyone. It’s no wonder it’s often the first recommendation for UWA weekend trips and a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike .
Matilda Bay & the Crawley Edge “Blue Boat House”
Right next to the UWA Perth campus is the lovely Matilda Bay, a tranquil Swan River foreshore area perfect for relaxing between classes or on weekends. Matilda Bay Reserve offers grassy lawns shaded by fig trees, BBQ facilities, and views of black swans gliding on the river (yes, the Swan River is named for these native swans!). It’s common to see students and locals having picnics, jogging along the water, or even kayaking and paddle-boarding from the small beach. If you’re up early, this is a beautiful spot for sunrise, and in the evenings you’ll catch stunning reflections of the sunset on the water.
One landmark at Matilda Bay you must visit is the Crawley Edge Boatshed, famously known as the Blue Boat House. This small bright-blue wooden shed on a jetty has become Perth’s most popular Insta-photo spot . In fact, it’s considered the most photographed attraction in Perth, even more than landmarks like Elizabeth Quay . The boatshed, originally built in the 1930s, sits at the end of a short boardwalk right into the river – you can walk out to the shed (when it’s not too crowded) and get a fantastic photo with the Swan River and city backdrop. Pro tip: go early in the morning on a weekend to beat the crowds of tourists and wedding couples who flock here for that perfect shot.
What to do: Snap your own picture at the Blue Boat House (and don’t forget to hashtag #blueboathouse). Enjoy a lazy afternoon on the Matilda Bay lawns – you could bring fish and chips or coffee from nearby Broadway eateries. Look out for the life-sized bronze statue of Eliza out in the river (a woman diving – another quirky photo op). If you have access to a kayak or join UWA’s outdoor club, paddling on the Swan River is a fun way to spend a warm day. Also nearby is Matilda Bay Restaurant and the cheaper Bayside Café, where you can dine with river views. This area is literally adjacent to campus (the UWA Boat Club is on Matilda Bay), so it’s the easiest mini-getaway when you need a break from study. And best of all – it’s free and open anytime.
Cottesloe Beach
When the weekend rolls around and the weather’s fine, do as the locals do and head to the beach! Cottesloe Beach (affectionately “Cott”) is one of Perth’s most famous beaches and it’s conveniently close to UWA – only about 7 km away. In fact, you can jump on a bus from outside campus and be at Cottesloe in around 20 minutes (fare ~$2 for students). The beach is renowned for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing with a book. In late afternoon, Cottesloe offers arguably the best sunset in Perth, as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean – often with people clapping as the last sliver disappears!
Cottesloe Beach is also known for its picturesque setting. Along the shore, tall Norfolk pine trees and terraced grassy lawns provide shade and a place to relax or kick a soccer ball around . Overlooking the beach is the historic Indiana Tea House building (you’ve probably seen it in photos), which now houses a restaurant/café – a great spot for brunch or fish and chips. Across the road, you’ll find a strip of casual eateries, ice cream shops, and pubs. On Sunday afternoons, some beachside bars have live music and a lively atmosphere (the famous “Sunday Session”). Don’t forget to stroll out on the groyne (breakwater) for a panoramic view of the coastline and to watch surfers catching waves. During summertime, keep an eye out for events – for many years Cottesloe hosted the Sculpture by the Sea outdoor art exhibition in March, which saw giant sculptures installed on the sand (a very Instagrammable event). Even if that’s not on, Cott is always buzzing in summer with swimmers and families enjoying the Indian Ocean.
What to do: Swim between the patrolled flags (always swim where lifeguards supervise, as Australian beaches can have strong currents). Try snorkeling around the rocky areas – you might spot fish near the reefs. Grab a takeaway fish & chips or gelato and picnic on the lawn under a pine tree . In the evening, join the crowd on the steps or sand to watch the sunset over the ocean – a quintessential Perth experience. Active on weekends? You can walk north or south along the beach pathway for scenic coastal views; south leads toward Mosman Beach and north toward Swanbourne. Cottesloe is also great for a morning swim followed by coffee at a beachside café. Whenever you go, ‘Cott’ lives up to its reputation as “one of Perth’s most popular spots for swimming, surfing and ocean sunsets” – a must-visit during your time at UWA.
Fremantle – Markets, History and Food Galore
Fancy a dose of culture and history? Head to Fremantle (or “Freo” as locals say), a vibrant port city about 13 km southwest of UWA. Fremantle is only a 30-minute ride by bus or train from the university, but it has a totally different vibe from the CBD – more historic, artsy, and laid-back. In fact, Fremantle is renowned as “Perth’s Old Town,” full of vibrancy, color and culture . It’s one of the favorite weekend hangouts for students, offering everything from bustling markets and street music to museums and seaside dining.
What to do: A must-visit is the Fremantle Markets, operating since 1897. Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, these markets are packed with stalls selling fresh produce, artisan foods, clothes, souvenirs, and more. The atmosphere is lively with buskers performing and enticing smells of international cuisines in the food hall. It’s a great place to pick up locally made products or just people-watch while sipping a freshly squeezed juice. For history buffs, Fremantle has several significant sites: you can tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison (day tours and even spooky nighttime torchlight tours are available), or visit the WA Maritime Museum to see maritime history and famous boats (like Australia II, the America’s Cup winner).
Make sure to wander the “Cappuccino Strip” on South Terrace – a stretch of cafés, restaurants, and pubs where you can enjoy everything from Italian pizza to Aussie craft beer. Fremantle has a strong café culture, so it’s perfect for a leisurely brunch or coffee with friends while soaking up the street ambience . Another highlight is Fishing Boat Harbour: here you can feast on classic fish and chips at spots like Cicerello’s or Kailis, then walk it off by strolling over to Bathers Beach – a small beach right in town – or around the harbor boardwalk. If you’re into craft beer, Little Creatures Brewery by the harbour is an iconic Freo spot for a pint and pizza in a converted boat shed. Art lovers will enjoy the Fremantle Arts Centre (often free exhibits and a lovely courtyard café) and the numerous street art murals scattered around town. On weekends, you might catch street festivals or live music – Freo is known for its festivals and bohemian spirit.
Why go: Fremantle offers a mix of history and modern fun. You’ll experience the heritage architecture (like the beautiful old Fremantle Train Station and Victorian-era buildings) alongside a youthful energy from buskers and boutique shops. It’s a bit like stepping back in time and into a cool indie neighborhood at once. No wonder Fremantle consistently ranks high in things to do in Perth lists – it’s a student favorite for its markets, beach vibes, and nightlife. Plus, if you’re interested in going to Rottnest Island (see below), you’ll likely depart from Fremantle’s B-Shed Ferry Terminal, so you can pair a morning in Fremantle with an afternoon ferry ride.
Swan Valley – Wineries and Fruit Picking Fun
Ready to escape the city for a day? The Swan Valley is Perth’s own wine and gourmet food region, and it’s close enough for a fantastic day trip. Located about 25–30 minutes’ drive northeast of UWA (roughly 25 km), Swan Valley is one of the world’s closest wine regions to a capital city . It’s actually Western Australia’s oldest wine-growing region (vineyards here date back over 180 years) and is packed with more than 150 attractions including wineries, boutique breweries, artisan food shops, cafes, and galleries . For international students, Swan Valley offers a taste of Aussie country life – think rolling vineyards, farms where you can pick fresh fruit, and plenty of delicious samples!
Wine & Dine: Even if you’re not a wine expert, visiting a couple of Swan Valley wineries can be great fun. Many have beautiful cellar doors where you can taste their wines (often for free or a small fee) – popular ones include Sandalford, Mandoon Estate, and Lancaster Wines. Some wineries also have restaurants or picnic areas, so you can enjoy lunch among the vines. Don’t worry if wine isn’t your thing; the valley also boasts chocolate factories, nougat and honey farms, breweries and cider houses. For example, the Margaret River Chocolate Company has a Swan Valley outlet with free chocolate tastings, and the House of Honey lets you sample different types of honey. Be sure to try local produce like gourmet cheeses, jams, and ice cream as you hop between stops. Swan Valley truly is known as the “Valley of Taste.”
Fruit Picking: One of the most enjoyable activities, especially in summer and autumn, is fruit picking. Swan Valley is famous for table grapes, and several farms let you pick your own fruit when it’s in season. From about December through March (the Aussie summer), you can wander vineyards and fill a basket with sweet grapes straight off the vine . Depending on the time of year, there may also be opportunities to pick oranges, strawberries or stone fruits at nearby orchards (in surrounding areas like Bullsbrook or Wanneroo). It’s a fun, hands-on way to experience local agriculture – and you get tasty fruit to take home! Check out places like Swan Valley Fresh Fruit, Kafarela’s Vineyard, or Edgecombe Brothers for their picking seasons – a quick look at the Swan Valley tourism website will tell you what’s ripe when. Nothing beats the taste of fruit you picked yourself, and it makes for great photos too.
Other attractions: If you love animals, don’t miss Caversham Wildlife Park (located in Whiteman Park, at the edge of Swan Valley). It’s a fantastic place to meet Australian wildlife – you can hand-feed kangaroos, take photos with koalas, and see wombats, emus, and more. It’s a hit with international students wanting that classic kangaroo selfie. The park charges an entry fee, but it’s well worth it for the up-close encounters. Additionally, the Swan Valley has art galleries, a heritage trail, and even a couple of mini-golf courses if you’re in the mood for some lighthearted fun. For a unique experience, some tour operators offer Swan Valley wine cruises – you can take a boat from Perth city up the Swan River to the valley, enjoy wineries, then cruise back (a relaxing way to spend a day).
Rottnest Island – Quokkas and Beaches (Bonus Trip)
Finally, if you’re looking for a slightly longer day trip (or an overnight adventure), Rottnest Island is an absolute must-see. While not “next door” to UWA, this car-free island paradise is easily accessible via a short ferry ride from Fremantle – and it’s a favorite weekend getaway for both locals and international students. Rottnest (affectionately “Rotto”) is famous for its quokkas – those small, super-friendly marsupials that have been dubbed “the world’s happiest animals” because of their smile-like expressions. In fact, Rottnest’s main attraction is its very cute and friendly quokkas who roam freely and love to pose for photos . But that’s not all – the island boasts 63 stunning beaches and bays with crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
Getting there: From Fremantle (B-Shed or Rous Head terminals), ferries to Rottnest Island take only about 25 minutes . There are also ferry departures from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty (90 minutes via the Swan River) or from Hillarys in the northern suburbs, but Fremantle is closest to UWA. Student deals are sometimes available, but expect to pay around AUD $30–$50 each way (prices vary by operator/season). Tip: book online in advance, and consider weekday trips for cheaper fares. Once on Rottnest, you can rent a bicycle (the most popular way to get around since there are no private cars) or use the Island Explorer hop-on-hop-off bus that circles the island.
What to do: The quokka selfie is a rite of passage – find a friendly quokka (they’re everywhere, especially near the main settlement and cafes), squat down and snap a selfie without touching or feeding them (both are against rules). They’re so accustomed to people that you’ll likely get an adorable close-up . Beyond quokka-spotting, Rottnest is all about enjoying nature. Some top beaches include The Basin (a famous snorkel spot five minutes from the main jetty), Salmon Bay and Little Parakeet Bay (gorgeous white sand and turquoise water), and Pinky Beach (near Bathurst Lighthouse, great for swimming). Bring or rent snorkel gear – the reefs around Rotto are teeming with colorful fish and even the occasional turtle. If you surf, Strickland Bay on the south side is a renowned surf break. Other activities: hike or bike to Oliver Hill to check out WWII-era tunnels and guns, visit the Rottnest Island Museum to learn about the island’s history, or simply grab an ice cream and relax under the pine trees in Thomson Bay.
Why go: Rottnest truly feels like a tropical getaway yet it’s right off Perth’s coast. With no cars and limited development, the island has a chill, carefree vibe. You’ll see people biking with surfboards, kids eating ice cream after a swim, and quokkas hopping about underfoot. It’s a fantastic trip to do with a group of uni friends – pack a day bag and picnic and explore. If one day isn’t enough, you can stay overnight in cabins, camping or hostel accommodation on the island and catch the ferry back the next day. Many UWA students make memories on Rottnest from beach days and barbecues to whale watching (in season) and of course the famous quokka selfies that even celebrities like Roger Federer and Chris Hemsworth have taken. It’s an iconic Western Australian experience you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.
As you can see, UWA is perfectly situated for students to enjoy the best of Perth on their weekends. From the serene greenery of Kings Park to the sandy shores of Cottesloe Beach, the lively streets of Fremantle, and the tasty trails of Swan Valley, there’s always something exciting nearby. These locations are not only close to the university but also budget-friendly and accessible, which is great when you’re an international student possibly without a car. So make a checklist of these Perth attractions near UWA, gather some friends, and start exploring! Each of these spots will give you a deeper appreciation of Western Australia’s beauty and culture – and a well-deserved break from studies. Enjoy your weekend adventures, stay safe (always swim between the flags and slip-slop-slap in the sun), and make the most of your time in Perth. Happy exploring!