Top 12 Safest Suburbs in Perth: Student Picks for 2026

12 safest suburbs in Perth for students

1. Dalkeith

Dalkeith is a leafy riverside suburb that might suit students looking for a quieter environment. It’s close to the University of Western Australia so you can keep your commute manageable, while living away from the busiest parts of Perth.

It is a suburb known for its tranquil streets, parks and views of the Swan River. It’s also one of the more upscale options on this list, so check your accommodation budget before you choose it.

Best for: Quiet living close to UWA

2. Floreat

Floreat gives you a mix of green spaces, local amenities and easy access to the city and coast. You will find cafés, parks and shopping facilities around the suburb, while Perry Lakes and nearby sporting areas give you plenty of outdoor space.

It is also reasonably close to UWA, making it a practical option if you want a quieter neighbourhood without being too far from campus.

Best for: Green spaces and a relaxed lifestyle

3. Churchlands

Churchlands is a leafy suburb with a quiet residential feel to it. Close to Herdsman Lake and local shopping facilities so you have everyday essentials within reach.

The suburb is ideal for students who want somewhere quieter to come home after classes. The public transport links also give you access to the city and nearby university areas.

Best for: Peaceful surroundings and convenience

4. Crawley

If you are studying at UWA, Crawley deserves a place on your shortlist. The university is right next to the suburb, which can make your daily commute much easier.

Crawley also has cafés, riverside spaces and walking paths around Matilda Bay. You can get around on foot for many everyday activities, while the location gives you easy access to other parts of Perth.

Best for: UWA students who want to live close to campus

5. Applecross

Applecross sits along the Swan River and offers a more relaxed setting while remaining connected to the rest of Perth.

The suburb has cafes, green spaces and the Swan River foreshore. Canning Bridge Station and bus links make commuting that much easier, especially if you’re studying at Murdoch University or heading toward the CBD.

Best for Riverside living and good transport links

6. Leederville

If you want something a little more lively, Leederville is a good choice. The suburb is well known for its cafes, restaurants, shops and nightlife so there will be plenty to do when you’re not at uni.

It’s also close to Perth CBD and has good public transport links. It’s a great location for students at Edith Cowan University’s Mount Lawley campus.

Best for: Social life, food and nite life

7. Ellenbrook

Ellenbrook is further out of central Perth but has more of a suburban lifestyle. There are shopping centers, cafés, parks, libraries and community spaces, so you can take care of lots of everyday errands close to home.

The suburb has also been significantly developed, giving it a more modern feel. It is worth considering if you want more space and a quieter environment.

Best for: Suburban life and modern conveniences

8. Rossmoyne

Rossmoyne is a quiet suburb in the south of Perth, on the banks of the Canning River and surrounded by green space.

If you want to escape the busy city environment after classes, its quieter streets and riverside setting make it appealing. Buses travel to Perth and the surrounding suburbs from the area.

Rossmoyne is also a good option for students studying in southern Perth as it’s just a short commute to Murdoch University.

Best for: Quiet lifestyle close to nature

9. Winthrop

Winthrop is another well-planned suburb in Perth’s south-west. It has parks, bike paths and local amenities, giving you a fairly self-contained neighbourhood to live in.

Its location near Murdoch University and Murdoch Station can also make the daily commute easier for students.

If you prefer a quiet residential area to a bustling inner-city suburb, Winthrop is worth a look.

Best for: Peaceful living near Murdoch University

10. Piara Waters

Piara Waters is a newer suburb located about 20 km southeast of Perth CBD. The area has seen rapid growth with newer homes, parks and local amenities developing along with the residential areas.

It can be a good choice if you like modern housing and more suburban surroundings. There are also public transport links to places like Cockburn Central.

Best for: Newer housing and growing neighbourhoods

11. Baldivis

Baldivis is another growing suburb, located further south of Perth. It has newer housing developments, parks, shops and community facilities.

The suburb can appeal to students who want to keep accommodation costs more manageable and do not mind living further from central Perth. Murdoch University’s Rockingham campus is also within the wider southern corridor.

Best for: More affordable suburban living

12. Alkimos

Alkimos is a coastal suburb where you can combine a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the beach. The area has newer residential developments, local shops and the Alkimos Beach precinct.

Butler Station and bus connections provide links to other parts of Perth, while Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup campus is within commuting distance.

Best for: Students who prefer coastal living

How to choose a safe suburb in Perth as a student

Safety is important, but it should not be the only thing you consider when choosing where to live. Your university location, rent, transport options and daily routine can make just as much difference to your experience.

For example, Crawley and Churchlands can make sense if you are studying at UWA, while Winthrop and Applecross may be more convenient for students heading towards Murdoch University. Leederville works well if you want a more active social life, while suburbs such as Rossmoyne and Dalkeith are better suited to a quieter routine.

You should also check the commute from your specific accommodation rather than relying only on the suburb’s general location. Two properties in the same suburb can have very different access to buses, trains and university campuses.