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Regional and rural accommodation 

This page provides an overview of accommodation available through The University of Western Australia at its regional and rural locations. Whether you're enrolled at UWA Albany, completing a placement or term with the WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) or the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA), or visiting a regional campus, this is your starting point.

Explore short- and long-term accommodation options offering convenience, support, and a sense of community across Western Australia.

On this page

Albany campus

Albany is approximately 415 km southeast of Perth (a 4.5–5-hour drive or 1-hour flight). The city is beautifully situated between rolling hills, pristine beaches, and the Southern Ocean, offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle without sacrificing access to essential services and amenities. Whether you're relocating for study, work, or research, Albany offers a unique blend of lifestyle benefits that make it a welcoming and inspiring place to live.

Inclusions

Accommodation Provider Utilities Internet Meals Long Stay Friendly Short Stay Friendly Pricing Range
Advance Housing Yes Yes No Yes No Contact provider
Australian Homestay Network Yes Yes Yes upon request Yes Yes minimum 2 weeks $300 - $430 per week
Mandala Ace Albany Yes Yes Yes upon request Yes Yes $132 per night to $159 per night
Merrifield Real Estate No No No Yes No Check listings

 

  • Advanced Housing Student Accommodation in Albany

    UWA has partnered up with Advance Housing that provides dedicated student accommodation facilities within the heart of Albany.

    Student Accommodation offers independent living with the comfort of modern, fully furnished apartments and the flexibility to live your own way, while still being part of a student community – designed specifically for students!

    Features and Facilities:

    • Fully furnished - including semi-equipped kitchen and access to laundry facilities
    • Ideally located in the heart of Albany
    • Stable, high-speed internet on tap
    • Enjoy peace of mind and privacy
    • Welcoming communal spaces

    Visit the Advanced Housing website to find out more information and apply. 

  • Australian Homestay Network

    The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) provides a structured and supportive homestay experience for both international students and their hosts at UWA Albany. Whether you’re studying full-time, part-time, or on placement, homestay provides a welcoming environment to help you feel at home while studying in Albany. This also offers students and hosts a rewarding opportunity to engage with one another as well as showcase the Albany community and environment.

    What’s Homestay?

    Starting university in a new country or region can be challenging, and Homestay offers a safe, supportive way to settle in. With UWA Hosted Accommodation, you’ll live with a local host in a welcoming home environment.

    Pricing depends on your age, room type (private or shared), and chosen meal package. Traditional Homestay includes dinner and breakfast daily, weekend lunches, a fully furnished room, linen, utilities, and internet—all bundled for convenience and peace of mind.

    Visit the Homestay website for more information and to apply. 

  • Mandala Ace Albany

    Comfortable, self-contained accommodation with Wi-Fi, free parking, and tailored rates for UWA students, staff, researchers and guests. Suitable for short visits or longer academic terms. Located in the historic town of Albany, just 2km from the Albany central business district at 314 Albany Hwy, Albany WA 6330.

    Short Stay (1+ night)

    • Standard Room (1 Queen + 1 Single) from $149/night
    • Deluxe Room (1 Queen + 1 Single) from $159/night

    Long Stay (2+ nights)

    • Deluxe room: $132/night
    • Executive Queen Suite: $140/night
    • Executive King Suite: $140/night

    Visit the website for more information. 

    Or contact them directly to book

    +61 (08) 9841 2911

    [email protected]

    Describe your affiliation to UWA, state your desired stay dates and the Mandala Ace team will confirm available room types and UWA-exclusive rates.

  • Merrifield Real Estate

    Finding a rental can be challenging, but we’re here to help! Merrifield Real Estate has partnered with UWA to support students in exploring the private rental market with confidence.

    What’s a rental partner?

    UWA has partnered up with reputable real estate agency to explore the private rental market with you.

    Merrifield offers a range of rental properties for students comfortable with independent living. Their partnership with UWA ensures a supportive experience.

    Rental enquiries and viewings:

    [email protected]

    +61 (08) 9841 4022

    Register your interest

    Apply for a rental

WA Centre for Rural Health

The Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) is a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) within the UWA focused on improving rural, remote, and Aboriginal health through:

  • Education
  • Student Placement Support
  • Research
  • Community Service - WACRH supports clinical placements and accommodation for allied health and nursing students from all Australian universities, in various towns across the Midwest, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

Find out more

  • Applying for Accommodation

    To enhance the rural placement experience, WACRH can provides:

    • Subsidised, fully furnished shared co-ed accommodation
    • Cultural training, on country learning and Clinical Yarning (site specific – not all sites)
    • Community engagement opportunities
    • professional supervision.
    • Pastoral support, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
    • IPL / Multidisciplinary collaboration

    Contact the relevant staff based on location to check availability and receive application instructions - you’ll need an authorised code to complete your application.

    General enquiries

    Midwest placements

    Pilbara placements

Midwest

The Midwest region of WA covers nearly one-fifth of Western Australia and is known for its natural beauty, offering diverse attractions including the iconic Nature's Window and Pink Lake, along with historical sites, and cultural experiences.

With accommodation in Geraldton, Morawa and Mt. Magnet, students can experience the full range of a rural and remote lifestyle, with stretches of white shores, rugged gorges, wildflowers and scenic sand plains accompanied by friendly locals and a relaxed lifestyle.

Geraldton is part of the Noongar and Yamatji cultural regions. Students in the Midwest learn about their traditions, including their history, beliefs, and customs through the on country Miyarnuwimanha Cultural Orientation and Cultural Yarning sessions.

  • Geraldton

    Geraldton is a coastal city located around 420 kms north of Perth with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, great cafes and varied activities. Students may experience a wide range of placements including with community, in hospital, aged care, student clinics, private practise, schools and more.

    Accommodation:

    • Dorothy St. - 3 x 4/5-bedroom, 2-bathroom units with open plan kitchen/diner/lounge room.
    • Milford St. - 12 x 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units with open plan kitchen/diner/lounge.

    All units have one king single bed in each bedroom and linen is not provided, beds are supplied with a mattress protector only. All units have reverse cycle air conditioners, flat screen TV, stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, basic pots and pans and cutlery, and free wireless internet is available in all properties.

  • Mullewa

    Mullewa is situated around 100 kms east of Geraldton in the heart of wildflower country, and springs to life in a burst of colour from July to October. This is a transitional zone between mulga and eucalypt woodland and forms part of the largest collection of wildflowers on Earth.

    Mullewa is a small town with a population of around 450, and students from Geraldton may spend part of their placement with the local community in Mullewa.

    Accommodation:

    • Mills St. - 3 x 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, fully equipped shared units comprising of an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge room with flat screen TV, a bathroom and a laundry. All bedrooms have king single twin beds. Bed linen and towels can be provided for this accommodation. Free wireless internet is available.
  • Mt. Magnet

    Mt. Magnet – the ‘magnetic’ centre of the outback, so called for its magnetic rocks, has a rich gold mining history and is the oldest continuous gold mining settlement in Western Australia. A small town with a population of approx. 580, it is situated 560km north-east of Perth and 340km east of Geraldton.

    Students completing placements in Mt. Magnet relish the close-knit community and appreciate the opportunity to engage in meaningful interaction with First Nations communities, being able to learn about Aboriginal culture and health first hand, as well as exploring the beautiful natural environments.

    Accommodation:

    • Laurie St. - One modern 6-bedroom, fully equipped shared house, comprised of a kitchen/dining room, lounge room with flat screen TV, two bathrooms and a laundry. Each of the 6 single bedrooms has a king single bed, study desk, inbuilt robe and reverse cycle air conditioner. All bed linen and towels are included in this accommodation. Free wireless internet is available.
  • Gascoyne

    Remote wilderness experiences and exceptional climate are the main drawcards of the Gascoyne region. The area’s natural attractions are world class and boast two UNESCO World Heritage areas: Shark Bay, including Monkey Mia in the south and Ningaloo Coast in the north.

    At 260km in length, the Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringing coral reefs and is home to thousands of species of marine life and megafauna including migrating whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales. Shark Bay features vast sea-grass beds, dugong and stromatolites. The Kennedy Range and Mount Augustus National Parks to the east round off the trifecta of spectacular natural features characteristic of the Gascoyne.

  • Carnarvon

    Sitting on the edge of the Gascoyne River delta, Carnarvon lies around 900km north of Perth. The fertile soil, availability of water and sub-tropical climate provide ideal growing conditions, and Carnarvon is famous for its plantations of bananas and mangoes, as well as a thriving fishing industry.

    Students in Carnarvon take part in Cultural orientation with local Indigenous people, and placement sites may include aged care, hospital and private practice.

    Accommodation:

    • Olivia Terrace – Located on the fascine, Olivia Tce has 4 x 1-bedroom and 2 x 2-bedroom units. Each unit is fully equipped with 1 bathroom, kitchen, lounge/dining area, washing machine, dishwasher and air conditioner to the main areas. Bed linen, towels and free wireless internet is available in all units.

Pilbara

The Pilbara region offers a unique gateway to life and learning in remote Western Australia. With towns like Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman, and Roebourne, the area blends rich cultural heritage, thriving industry, and stunning natural landscapes. Students and visitors gain first hand experience in regional communities shaped by mining, Aboriginal culture, and coastal living, making the Pilbara a dynamic setting for education, exploration, and professional growth.

To assist students in accessing rural placements, WACRH provides fully furnished, co-ed shared accommodation in the following Pilbara towns:

  • Karratha

    Karratha is a modern regional city in the heart of the Pilbara. It serves as a major hub for industry, particularly mining and energy, and offers a range of services, amenities, and recreational opportunities. With a population of over 20,000, Karratha combines urban convenience with access to stunning natural attractions like the Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago.

    Accommodation options:

    Apartments

    Fully furnished, self-contained apartment featuring three air-conditioned bedrooms (one with ensuite), study desks, and built-in robes (BIR), located centrally in a secure complex.

    Shared houses

    Two modern, fully furnished, self-contained air-conditioned houses in Baynton West, each divided into two suites:

    • Suite A: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
    • Suite B: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

    Each suite includes a kitchen, lounge, dining area, laundry, and patio. All bedrooms have queen beds, built-in robes, and study areas.

    Additionally, a two-storey, fully furnished, self-contained house is available, featuring three air-conditioned bedrooms, each with an ensuite, study desk, and BIR. The upstairs is its own suite with separate living and kitchen area.

  • Roebourne

    Located about 40 km east of Karratha along the North West Coastal Highway, Roebourne is the oldest town in the North West. Rich in Aboriginal heritage and colonial history, it features beautifully restored heritage buildings and sits on the banks of the Harding River. Roebourne plays a key role in cultural preservation and community development in the region.

    Accommodation:

    Roebourne offers newly constructed, fully furnished, self-contained student accommodation in a secure complex. The house features eight air-conditioned bedrooms, each equipped with a study desk and built-in robe (BIR), and four shared bathrooms. Wi-Fi is provided throughout, and all linen and bedding are included. Secure parking is available on-site, offering comfort and convenience for students during their placement.

  • Port Hedland

    Port Hedland is a key industrial town on the Pilbara coast, known for its massive port operations and role in global iron ore exports. With a strong connection to both industry and community, the town offers a unique blend of coastal living, cultural heritage, and economic activity. Its regional hospital, Aboriginal health services, and emergency facilities provide valuable hands-on experience for students and professionals working in remote health and community development.

    Accommodation options:

    Shared house

    The shared house in Port Hedland is fully furnished and self-contained, offering four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bedroom is equipped with air conditioning and a study desk, providing a comfortable and practical environment for students. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house, and all linen, bedding, and towels are provided.

    Units

    Port Hedland also offers a fully furnished, self-contained unit complex designed for both comfort and privacy. The complex includes six individual units, each featuring two king single beds, a TV, bar fridge, air conditioning, and a private ensuite with toilet. Units may occasionally be shared with another student. Shared facilities include a spacious communal kitchen with ample preparation and storage space, a recreation area with study desks, a lounge with a large TV, a communal laundry with two washing machines, and an outdoor patio with seating and ocean views. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and all linen, bedding, and towels are provided.

  • Newman

    Newman is a remote mining town located in the heart of the Pilbara, known for its proximity to the massive Mount Whaleback iron ore mine—one of the largest open-cut mines in the world. Surrounded by striking desert landscapes and close to natural attractions like Karijini National Park, Newman offers a unique blend of industrial activity and outback living. The town provides essential services, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for hands-on experience in remote health, education, and regional development.

    Accommodation:

    The house is fully furnished, and self contained and has five bedrooms and four bathrooms in total. Each bedroom has air conditioning, BIR’s and a study desk and chair. Wi-Fi available, and all linen, bedding and towels are provided.

Rural Clinical School of Western Australia

The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia (RCSWA) is a collaborative initiative between The University of Western Australia, The University of Notre Dame Australia, and Curtin University, established in 2002 to enhance healthcare delivery in rural and regional communities. RCSWA's commitment to rural health education plays a pivotal role in addressing workforce shortages and fostering sustainable healthcare solutions across the state.

Operating across 15 sites throughout Western Australia, RCSWA offers medical students immersive clinical placements in diverse settings, ranging from coastal towns to remote inland communities. Through these placements, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned rural clinicians, and opportunities to engage with local communities, all while contributing to the improvement of healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas.

  • Great Southern

    Located in the heart of the Great Southern, Albany is a vibrant coastal city offering a full suite of clinical training across hospital and community settings. As one of RCSWA’ longest-standing sites, Albany supports extended rural placements for medical students with access to high-quality supervision, multidisciplinary teams, and purpose-built accommodation. A thriving regional hub with strong clinical opportunities across primary and tertiary care.

    Accommodation: Multiple properties with ensuite rooms, group living, and beachfront options—fully furnished, close to the hospital, and designed for long-stay placements.

  • Kimberley

    The Kimberley is one of Australia’s most remote and culturally rich regions, offering students unparalleled exposure to Indigenous health, tropical medicine, and rural general practice. Through the WA Rural Clinical School (RCSWA) at UWA, medical students can undertake immersive clinical placements.

    Broome, Derby and Kununurra – Known for their rich cultural exposure and remote medicine experiences.

    Broome accommodation: Shared houses with study spaces, walking distance to the hospital.

    Derby accommodation: Furnished properties for up to four students, near clinical sites

    Kununurra accommodation: Furnished properties for up to four students, near clinical sites.

  • Pilbara

    The Pilbara offers students a front-row seat to rural and remote medicine in a resource-rich, fast-growing region of WA. RCSWA placements in Port Hedland and Karratha provide hands-on learning in regional hospitals, Aboriginal Medical Services, and emergency departments. Key industry towns offering varied clinical exposure.

    Port Hedland Accommodation: Two spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouses with modern amenities.

    Karratha Accommodation: RCSWA-provided housing near hospital facilities.

  • Midwest and Gascoyne

    Spanning towns such as Geraldton and Carnarvon, the Midwest and Gascoyne region is known for its coastal beauty and tight-knit medical communities. RCSWA students in this region engage in multidisciplinary training across GP clinics, hospitals, and outreach services. Coastal placements with close community engagement.

    Geraldton accommodation: Housing for up to 12 students in multiple fully equipped homes.

  • Goldfields

    Home to Kalgoorlie and Esperance, the Goldfields region offers students exposure to regional hospital care, Indigenous health, and emergency medicine across vast inland WA. Broad rural placements with access to secondary hospitals makes for an amazing opportunity.

    Kalgoorlie accommodation: Modern townhouses and apartments near the hospital and teaching centre.

    Esperance accommodation: Fully furnished accommodation near clinical placements.

  • Wheatbelt

    Northam and Narrogin form the core of RCSWA placements in the Wheatbelt - just a few hours from Perth but rich in rural health experience. Students live in shared accommodation and gain broad clinical exposure across general practice, aged care, emergency departments, and Aboriginal health settings, all while engaging in community life and building strong clinical confidence.

    Northam and Narrogin – Ideal for community-focused and generalist medicine exposure.

    Northam Accommodation: Housing for four students near hospital and amenities.

    Narrogin accommodation: Shared houses offering easy access to clinical placements.

  • South West

    With placements in Busselton, Bunbury, Collie, and Warren Blackwood (Bridgetown), the South West offers a diversity of rural clinical learning in some of WA’s most liveable towns. RCSWA students enjoy supportive teaching teams, modern shared accommodation, and placements tailored to a wide range of clinical interests - from general medicine and surgery to aged care and palliative care - while remaining connected to vibrant, growing regional centres.

    Bunbury accommodation: Three large homes close to hospital and teaching rooms.

    Busselton accommodation: Multiple student houses a short distance from the medical centre.

    Collie accommodation: Satellite site, featuring short term housing.

    Warren Blackwood accommodation: Two fully furnished houses with tutorial and study spaces.

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