Housing Near Murdoch University: Campus Insights, City Context, and Your Options
Murdoch University’s main campus sits at 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia – a suburban pocket roughly 15 km south of Perth’s city centre. With a global QS ranking of 423 and a Google rating of 4.3 from 536 reviews, the university draws students who appreciate its natural setting and solid academic reputation. Understanding what current students say about the campus and the surrounding area can help you choose accommodation that fits your study routine and lifestyle.
What Campus Reviews Reveal
Students consistently highlight the campus environment and convenience.
“Love the vibe, awesome lecturers in creative arts Media Department, best part is the nature surrounds, lush, tranquil, green, friendly easy going vibe. Old buildings needs overhaul, coffee is great, iga handy,” writes Annette McCubbin (5-star review, 2 months ago). The mention of an IGA supermarket on campus is a practical detail – having a grocery store within walking distance reduces the need for frequent trips off campus.
“Very pleased to see the environment and the campus. Felt that students would love to study and learn from such nice University environment,” says Mohammad Aminul Hasan (5-star, a month ago). The emphasis on “nature surrounds” and a “nice environment” means that students who live near campus can enjoy the greenery daily, whether walking between classes or taking a break.
“It is a beautiful and huge campus, well maintained. It has excellent public transportation connectivity,” notes Sateesh (5-star, 4 months ago). The public transport link is a key factor for students who may not live within walking distance.
Yamuna Powdel adds: “This college provides a strong academic foundation with dedicated faculty and well-structured programs. The campus is clean, resources are easily accessible, and student support services are reliable. It has been a beneficial and enriching experience.” (5-star, 7 months ago).
Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of a campus that is spacious, green, well-connected by public transport, and has basic amenities like a café and a small supermarket. The “old buildings needs overhaul” comment suggests that some facilities are dated, but the overall vibe remains positive.
City Context: Perth and Murdoch
Perth is Australia’s fourth-most populous city, known for its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and relatively high living costs compared to other Australian cities. Murdoch is a residential suburb in the City of Melville, dominated by low-rise houses and duplexes. The university sits adjacent to the Murdoch train station on the Mandurah line, which connects to Perth’s CBD in about 20 minutes. Buses also run along South Street and nearby routes.
The immediate area around the university is not a dense student quarter like some other Australian campuses. Instead, students tend to live in surrounding suburbs such as Murdoch, Kardinya, Winthrop, Bull Creek, Leeming, or further north in suburbs like Fremantle (about 10 minutes by train). Fremantle offers a livelier nightlife, cafés, and the harbour, while staying closer to campus gives a quieter, study-focused environment.
Budget Bands (Indicative – Confirm with the Operator)
Housing costs in the Murdoch area vary depending on property type, distance to campus, and whether you rent privately or use purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The following are broad indicative ranges for the 2026/2027 academic year. Always verify current prices directly with the landlord or operator.
- Low budget (shared housing): Renting a room in a shared house or apartment in suburbs like Kardinya, Bull Creek, or Leeming typically costs AUD 180–280 per week. This includes bills in some cases but not always. You will likely need to sign a lease for 6–12 months.
- Medium budget (studio or better location): For a private studio or a room in a newer apartment closer to campus or in Fremantle, expect AUD 300–450 per week. Some PBSA properties in the vicinity (though not directly on campus) offer furnished studios with bills included.
- High budget (premium or fully independent): A one-bedroom apartment within walking distance of campus or in a prime location like Fremantle may cost AUD 450–700 per week. This option suits those who value maximum privacy and convenience.
Note that purpose-built student accommodation near Murdoch University is limited compared to downtown Perth. Most students rely on private rental properties, share houses, or homestays. The university’s own accommodation services can help with options.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
The decision between walking distance and commuting via public transport depends on your budget and lifestyle priorities.
Walking distance (approx. 0–2 km from campus):
- Suburbs: Murdoch itself, parts of Kardinya (south of South Street), and Winthrop (north of the campus).
- Pros: You can roll out of bed and be in class in 10–15 minutes. You have easy access to the campus library, sports facilities, and the on-campus IGA. No transport costs or timetables to manage.
- Cons: Properties within walking distance are in high demand and tend to be more expensive per week. The area is mostly residential with limited entertainment options; you may need to travel for supermarkets (beyond the IGA), restaurants, or social life.
Transit commute (10–30 minutes by train or bus):
- Suburbs: Bull Creek, Leeming, Bateman, Brentwood, and especially Fremantle (train direct from Murdoch station). Also consider parts of Booragoon and Willagee.
- Pros: You can access a wider range of housing at lower rents. Suburbs like Fremantle offer cafés, markets, and a beach lifestyle. The train is reliable and runs frequently during semester.
- Cons: You need to budget for transport (a SmartRider card; concession fares are about AUD 1.50 per trip within Zone 1). Peak-hour trains can be crowded. If you miss a connection, waiting time can add 15 minutes or more.
Reviews confirm the campus is well connected: Sateesh specifically praised “excellent public transportation connectivity.” The Murdoch train station is a 5-minute walk from the central campus area. Several bus routes also serve the university.
Shortlist Logic for Choosing Nearby Residences
Because the university does not have a large on-campus residential college, you will likely choose from a mix of private rentals and a small number of off-campus PBSA options. When shortlisting, consider these factors:
- Proximity to the train station vs. classroom buildings. The campus is large; if your faculty is near the west side (closer to South Street), a property near the train station may be a 15-minute walk to your lecture hall, not 5. Check the building locations for your classes.
- Lease flexibility. Private rentals usually require a 6- or 12-month lease. If you are in a short-term program or want to travel during breaks, look for accommodation that offers shorter terms or sublet possibilities.
- Inclusions. Ask whether rent covers utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet). Shared houses often split bills, while PBSA usually includes them. Confirm the internet speed if you rely on heavy online study.
- Amenities nearby. The campus has a café, IGA, and library. For other shopping, Garden City Shopping Centre (Booragoon) is about 5 km away by bus or car. Fremantle has a major Coles and Woolworths.
- Safety. Murdoch is a low-crime area, but always check street lighting and walk routes after dark. Student reviews mention a “friendly easy going vibe” on campus.
- Social opportunities. If you prefer to live where other students gather, consider shared houses in areas like Kardinya (popular with Murdoch students) or Fremantle (city lifestyle). For a quieter environment, standalone houses in Bull Creek or Leeming offer more space and privacy.
As an example shortlist (illustrative, not exhaustive):
- A room in a shared house on Leach Highway, Kardinya – 2 km from campus, frequent bus, medium budget.
- A studio apartment near Fremantle station – 10 min train to Murdoch, high budget, vibrant area.
- A purpose-built studio in South Perth (near CBD) – 20 min train, medium–high budget, more facilities.
Always inspect the property or use a trusted service to view photos and floor plans before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to live on campus at Murdoch University?
Murdoch University does have on-campus accommodation options (such as the Murdoch University Village), but capacity is limited and availability varies each year. Most students live off campus in private rentals or shared houses. The university website provides links to approved accommodation providers and a private rental noticeboard. For the 2026/2027 year, contact the university’s accommodation office directly to check availability and apply early.
2. What is the best suburb for walking to campus?
The suburb of Murdoch itself and the parts of Kardinya that are south of South Street offer the closest walking distance – roughly 10–20 minutes to central campus. Winthrop (north of the campus) is also within walking distance for most students (15–25 minutes). These suburbs mainly feature detached houses and townhouses. Rents in these areas tend to be higher than in suburbs that require a bus or train commute.
3. Do I need a car to study at Murdoch University?
No. The campus is well served by public transport: Murdoch train station is on the Mandurah line, which connects to Perth’s CBD, Fremantle, and other suburbs. Multiple bus routes (including 114, 115, 508, 513) stop near the university. Many students manage with a bicycle or walking plus a SmartRider card. However, a car can be useful for grocery shopping at larger supermarkets or for weekend trips, especially if you live in a less-connected suburb. Parking on campus is available but limited and requires a permit (cost varies).
Data-date: January 2026. All prices mentioned are indicative and should be confirmed directly with the property operator or landlord. Reviews quoted verbatim from Google Reviews as of the time of writing.
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