Feeling under the pump at university? Completing your degree can be stressful, especially during exam season and those weeks when it feels like all of your assessments are due at once.
If you are in need of some stress relief in Perth look no further. From spa treatments to riverside picnics, we’ve rounded up the most relaxing things to do in Perth, along with more active ways to de-stress.
Go for a leisurely walk or hike in nature
If you are feeling stressed, lace up your walking shoes and go for a leisurely walk in one of Perth’s inner-city parks or along the bush trails in the Perth Hills. Research has found that just 20 minutes in nature can reduce your stress hormone levels, so just a quick walk during your study break is all that’s needed to help you relax.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. Here you’ll find plenty of walking trails that take you past wildflowers, native flora and sweeping views of the city skyline and Swan River. Other beautiful parks in the city include Hyde Park and Bold Park.
If you have a bit more time, venture out of the city to one of Perth’s nearby bush walks. East of the city in the Perth Hills and Swan Valley are Lesmurdie Falls, Bells Rapids River Walk and Noble Falls Walk Trail, and just south of the city is Kitty’s Gorge in Serpentine.
Unwind with a spa treatment
One of the most relaxing things to do in Perth is treat yourself to a spa day. Whether it’s a massage, facial or full body scrub, you can’t help but leave the treatment in a meditative state. Check out Bodhi, Manusa Day Spa or endota spa. Hint: students can even get a 10% discount on treatments at endota’s Perth CBD location via the Student Beans app!
If a spa treatment is out of your budget, try a self-care night at home. Dim the lights, put on a relaxing playlist, light a candle and treat yourself to a face mask, eye mask, body scrub and hair mask – whatever you fancy!
Have a picnic on the Swan River
Perth’s Swan River meanders all the way from the Swan Valley to Fremantle, so there are plenty of grassy spots to set up for a riverside picnic. Gather a group of friends and pack your bags with yummy picnic snacks, such as dips, bread, fruit and cheese. Relax as you soak up the serenity of the river, maybe spotting a few iconic black swans as you do so!
One of the best spots to lay down your picnic rug is the South Perth Foreshore. Facing the city skyline, this grassy area treats you to views of Perth’s skyscrapers, which are especially spectacular as they slowly light up at dusk.
Other scenic picnic areas along the Swan River include Matilda Bay Reserve in Crawley, Heathcote Reserve in Applecross, John Tonkin Reserve in East Fremantle, Point Walter Reserve in Bicton and Kings Park.
Go axe throwing or 10-pin bowling
While not exactly relaxing, axe throwing or 10-pin bowling are great sources of stress relief in Perth.
Try axe throwing at Lumber Punks, MANIAX or Maxed Out Axe Throwing, we promise there isn’t anything quite as satisfying as hurtling an axe against a wall as hard as you can! If 10-pin bowling is more your style, check out Strike Bowling in Carousel, Karrinyup and the CBD, or Rosemount Bowl.
Both are fun group activities to do with your friends, and you might leave feeling more relaxed after releasing all that pent-up stress.
Head to the beach
Western Australia is blessed with some of the best beaches in the country. Perth alone has 19 sandy white beaches, perfect for snorkelling, swimming and surfing. Better yet, Perth’s west-facing beaches mean incredible sunsets each night over the Indian Ocean. Being near or in the ocean is great for your mental health because it’s a ‘blue space’, known to lower stress and anxiety.
The most popular beaches in Perth are Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach. It’s also worth checking out Leighton Beach, South Beach and Mettams Pool. Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth and is full of pristine turquoise beaches.
Take yourself to the cinema
How does sitting back in a comfortable armchair with popcorn and a new release movie sound? There are some great cinemas in Perth, showing the latest flicks as well as indie films and international film festivals.
Palace Cinema in the CBD, Luna Cinemas in Leederville and Fremantle and Windsor Cinema in Nedlands are worth checking out, and there are HOYTS cinemas dotted all over the city.
Outdoor cinemas also pop up in Perth over the warmer months (usually October to April) including Rooftop Movies, Moonlight Cinema and Telethon Community Cinemas. Here you can enjoy the fresh air and a starry night sky as you settle in to watch the movie.
Hit up a farmer’s market
Kick-start your weekend with a wholesome morning at one of Perth’s farmer’s markets. A Saturday morning spent wandering around a market with a coffee in hand, sampling fresh produce and buying tasty pastries is sure to help you relax after a busy week of study.
Head down to Subi Farmer’s Market, Mount Claremont Farmer’s Market, Stirling Farmer’s Market, Freo Farmer’s Market or Perth City Farm to get your dose of live music, homemade wares, coffee, and local fruit and veggies.
Image courtesy of the Tourism Western Australia Image Gallery.
