Our Favourite Places to Relax in Perth

Between lectures, assignments, and exam prep, student life can feel overwhelming at times. If you are finding that you're in need of some self-care and relaxation, you've come to the right place.

Breaking away from your studies and taking a breath of fresh air is the perfect cure to wind down and escape the stresses of student life. From beaches to parks, there is an abundance of relaxing places in Perth to help you slow down and prioritise your mental wellbeing.

Here are our favourite places to relax in Perth.

Matilda Bay Reserve (Crawley)

Just across the road from the University of Western Australia (UWA) campus, Matilda Bay Reserve is the ultimate study break sanctuary. This tranquil riverside spot offers expansive grassed areas shaded by mature trees, perfect for spreading out a blanket and watching sailboats drift across the Swan River. The calm water laps gently at the small beach, creating a soothing soundtrack that's worlds away from lecture hall acoustics. The combination of river views, accessible facilities, and proximity to campus makes Matilda Bay an effortless choice when you need to reset your mind.

Getting there: Direct bus access from Perth city, or a 5-minute walk from UWA campus.

Hyde Park (Highgate)

Hyde Park is Perth's oldest park (189) and one of its most beloved urban green spaces. What makes this park special is its unique design, two ornamental lakes connected by waterways that create an infinity loop shape when viewed from above. These tranquil water features are home to families of ducks and provide a focal points for peaceful contemplation. The park's mature trees create shaded pockets perfect for reading or studying outdoors, while the open lawns invite you to simply lie back and decompress. With the city skyline visible in the distances yet feeling wonderfully removed from urban hustle, Hyde Park strikes that perfect balance between accessible and peaceful.

Getting there: Multiple bus routes, or a 30-minute walk from Perth city.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden (West Perth)

While Kings Park hardly needs an introduction, its 400 hectares of parkland, bushland, and botanical gardens deserve a spot on any relaxation list. The secluded bushland trails offer peaceful solitude among native wildflowers while the elevates lookouts provide expansive views across Perth's skyline and the Swan River that help put exam stress into perspective. The popular grassed areas near Fraser Avenue are perfect for group picnics with friends. The Western Australian Botanic Garden showcases over 3,000 species of native flora, providing an educational yet calming walk. Simply find a shaded bench and watch the world go by.

Getting there: Free Blue CAT bus, multiple Transperth bus routes, or a 20-minute walk from Elizabeth Quay station.

John Oldham Park (Perth city)

John Oldham Park is a hidden gem that many discover by accident but return to repeatedly. This beautiful landscaped park features tranquil ponds with resident ducks, winding pathways through manicured gardens, and plenty of shaded seating areas perfect for solo relaxation. You can hear the gentle rustle of leaves rather than traffic noise. The park feels intimate and peaceful rather than overwhelming. It's particularly lovely in the late afternoon when golden light filters through the trees and reflects off the ponds. The park connects to the riverside paths, so you can extend your relaxation with a stroll along the Swan River.

Getting there: 15-minute walk from Elizabeth Quay station.

Point Walter Reserve (Bicton)

Situated in the southern suburb of Bicton where the Swan River bends, Point Walter Reserve offers something truly special, a genuine sense of escape without leaving the metropolitan area. This expansive riverside reserve features a sandy beach, grassed areas shaded by towering pines, and walking paths that wind along the water's edge. You can swim in the calm river waters, walk barefoot on the beach, or simply claim a patch of grass under the pines and lose track of time. The reserve includes a café, playground, and excellent facilities, making it suitable for solo relaxation or group hangouts.

Getting there: Bus from Fremantle or Perth.

South Beach (South Fremantle)

Hoping to take a quick dip to lower your stress levels? Then South Beach is the place to be. Known as one of the most relaxing beaches in Perth due to its calm waters, you can float in the bright blue waters or relax under the Norfolk Island Pine trees, taking in the superb views of Rottnest, Carnac, and Garden islands. It's also got a pontoon to swim out to, a basketball court, and a lovely cafe to grab a coffee or some lunch, or you can walk over to Marine Terrace for an abundance of cafés and quirky lunch spots!

Getting there: Bus routes to South Fremantle. 

Wireless Hill Park (Ardross)

Wireless Hill Park offers stunning elevated views across the city skyline and Swan River while providing a peaceful retreat into nature. This former telecommunications site has been transformed into a beautiful park featuring wildflower meadows, established gardens, and interpretive trails that explore both Aboriginal history and the site's communication heritage. The panoramic views from the summit are particularly spectabular at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle in the distance. It's also wonderfully quiet, rarely crowded, and offers both sun and shade options depending on your preference.

Getting there: Bus routes from Perth city or Fremantle, or a 30-minute cycle from Curtin University.

Lesmurdie Falls

When you need a complete escape from city life, Lesmurdie Falls in the Perth Hills offers a rejuvenating natural retreat just 30 kms from Perth city. Located within Mundy Regional Park, these are the largest waterfalls in the Perth Hills, cascading down the Darling Range escarpment during winter and spring. Even when water flow is reduced in summer, the elevated lookout platforms provide breathtaking views across the entire Swan Coastal Plain. On clear days, you can see all the way to Rottnest Island. The fresh, eucalyptus-scented air, birdsong, and sense of elevation combine to create a powerfully restorative environment. The drive itself through the hills is scenic and therapeutic. While it requires slightly more planning than inner-city parks, Lesmurdie Falls rewards the effort with a profound sense of escape and perspective that's hard to find elsewhere.

Getting there: 40-minute drive from Perth city.