Hi there
To be close to UWA you will want to be in Nedlands , Claremont , Cottesloe or at a pinch North Fremantle to stay close to beaches and work.
That way you could ride to work along the river which is a pretty nice way to get to commute.There is no train line close to UWA but a pretty good bus service along Stirling Highway.
Perth is a town that you really need a car even for 3 months.
There are child care facilities in all those suburbs although I believe UWA has great facilities for pre primary kids
Will UWA be subsidising your accommodation?It's expensive to rent here although the local papers often have shorter term rentals for 3-6 months.Try "Subiaco Post" online classifieds.
Great windsurfing/kiting beaches close by but pretty much nothing surfwise at that (or any) time of year.That does not seem to stop hoards of frustrated longboarders paddling around at Cottesloe most of the year!

try sabaticalhomes.com

If you're happy with public transport, have a look at the 98 bus route. It is a massive circle route throughout Perth, and goes right out the front of the uni.
That opens up quite a few areas.
Also, whilst there are plenty of expensive houses near the uni, there are plenty of cheap ones too. Heaps of my mates (students) have/do live nearby.

Right about the traffic though. But once you learn the area and the bad times and what roads to avoid it isn't too bad.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. That certainly is going to help us (you can keep on posting though).

@ Base-curve: I have tried to find the Subiaco post classified page but I only found a single pdf page. Do you have a link?

We will look for a car but the idea was to use public transport to go to UWA.

As for sharks, well ... I'll try to stay alive and be cautious - I have been lucky so far, fingers crossed.

sl

I've heard if you rub dog food all over your body it will act as a shark repelant.

Except you need to be a zillionaire to afford a house on a street like that

jl said...

Cott or Swanbourne is the go. Marine Parade in Cottesloe, just south of the golf course. Great spot for a kite or a longboard. Close to stirling hwy for bike or bus access to the Uni.

And the golf course offer a great kite landing area!

I would also be doing a search for people wanting house sitters, you may have to feed the dog/cat etc but it is generally free rent. Depending on your own home there are also web sitesthat help with house swapping often even involves cars??

Dawn Patrol said...

If you're happy with public transport, have a look at the 98 bus route. It is a massive circle route throughout Perth, and goes right out the front of the uni.
That opens up quite a few areas.
Also, whilst there are plenty of expensive houses near the uni, there are plenty of cheap ones too. Heaps of my mates (students) have/do live nearby.

Right about the traffic though. But once you learn the area and the bad times and what roads to avoid it isn't too bad.

sl...I think Dawn Patrol...would have to be the one to ask...
as the only places I know around the uni...are expensive...
The actual suburbs around the uni...to a family are some of the most expensive in Perth.....So I hope 'DP' comes up with some good ideas for you..

Because...'not too expensive' and 'Perth' these days is an enigma to me..
good luck

Even a relatively modest furnished 2 bed furnished willl cost you upwards of $4-500 per week here (close to Uni) although you should be able to negotiate down.
As from July 2012 rent is no longer a tax deduction for foreign workers so things have soften up a bit at the upper end.
If you are on a tight budget the house sitting option might be a good one.You could try dropping an Ad in the local papers.

james987 said...

You don't say how much you can afford. Well if you don't care about the money go for Fremantle or even City like east Perth or south Perth. I would suggest looking around the Fremantle/White Gum Valley area. Western Suburbs - Claremont, Nedlands, Cottesloe etc.

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