10 Best Suburbs to Live in Mildura for Students: A Complete Guide

If you like sunshine, good wine, and a break from busy city life, Mildura could be just what you’re looking for. It may not be the first place you think of when searching for student accommodation in Australia, but this riverside town on the Murray River is famous for its citrus farms, wineries, and relaxed atmosphere. Mildura is also home to a La Trobe University campus with over 36,000 students, including more than 7,000 from over 110 countries.

In this guide, you’ll explore the 10 best suburbs in Mildura for students, along with some useful tips to help you pick the right one for your lifestyle.

Top 10 Suburbs in Mildura: Quick Overview

Top 10 Suburbs in Mildura for Students

Mildura (CBD)

Do you know why Mildura (CBD) is one of the best suburbs in Mildura? Simply because you’re living in the middle of everything. If you’re hungry, they’ve got restaurants and cafes like Blk.MLK Speciality Coffee, Andy’s Kitchen and local supermarkets are all close by. You have gyms, a family-friendly water play park, and so many more entertainment spots nearby that you’ll rarely feel bored. But the reason of them all is that La Trobe University is only about 3 to 5 km away. So you can easily take a bus or bike your way to the university. 

Also, you can easily find good student accommodation in Mildura for AU$250 per week with fully furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, and shared spaces. 

Mildura South

If you’re thinking about where to live in Mildura as a student, Mildura South is your go-to option, and here’s why: the city is quite bike-friendly, so many students cycle along local bike paths and reach campus within 10–15 minutes. More than 1,000 students live in Mildura South because they want to be near La Trobe University’s Mildura Campus. If you need another reason why it’s considered one of the best suburbs in Mildura, that is because it’s often cited as the safest neighbourhood for students. You also have the Central Mildura Shopping Centre to easily pick up groceries, clothes, and everyday things. Not to mention, this area also has good sports facilities, an indoor stadium with six courts, a large AFL football oval, a big entertainment centre with about 3,000 seats, and spaces for squash and other activities.

Mildura West

You can say Mildura West is always in its “do not disturb” era, which makes it one of the quietest suburban areas and also one of the best suburbs in Mildura. This is mostly a residential area and has a very relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for students who prefer less noise. Rents here usually range between $360–$430 per week, which is why many students share houses to split the cost. Because of this, it’s often considered an affordable suburbs in Mildura for students. Even though it’s not right in the city centre, it’s still just a short drive, about 10 -12 minutes from La Trobe University and shopping areas. On the weekends, you can easily spend time at the Mildura Arts Centre or Murray Riverfront.

Irymple

Irymple is your answer to student-friendly suburbs in Mildura, Australia, on the internet and is often listed among the best suburbs in Mildura for students. Known for its citrus farms and vineyards, Irymple is 7 km south of Mildura. If you’re staying here, at the Irymple Hub, you’ll find a supermarket, bakery, and medical services, so it’s easy to pick up groceries or other essentials nearby. Also, you can easily get to La Trobe campus by car through the main roads or take the Route 401 bus, which many students use for daily travel. It’s a nice place for nature lovers, with walking trails, bird watching, and the historic Psyche Bend Pumping Station, where you can see a steam engine from the 1800s.

Buronga (NSW)

Even though Buronga is technically in New South Wales, it sits just across the Murray River from Mildura. If you’re searching for cheap places to live in Mildura, Australia, Buronga is your best option. Here, rent is cheaper, which is perfect for students trying to save money. The  Route 450 buses run through the area and connect students across the river to Mildura and nearby education centres. If you want to commute by car or a bike to reach Mildura CBD and La Trobe University, it will take you about 10–15 minutes. On the weekends, you can check out local fishing competitions, visit the botanical gardens, or cross the river to Mildura for live music and theatre.

Where should I live (pls help decide) – r/LaTrobe from r/LaTrobe

Nichols Point

Nichols Point is a quiet suburb just outside the main city area, and has ample green spaces. Even though it’s quieter than central Mildura, students can still reach campus easily. La Trobe University and Mildura CBD are about 10–15 minutes away, and Route 401 buses also connect the area to the city. This suburb also has a very active outdoor lifestyle. The Nichols Point Soccer Club welcomes players of all ages and focuses on teamwork and skill development. You can also enjoy spending time at Kings Billabong, where you can go bushwalking, cycling, or watch local wildlife. The local council also encourages young people to get involved in the community through the Nichols Point Community Plan, giving students a chance to share ideas and help shape the future of the area, making this place one of the best suburbs in Mildura.

Gol Gol (NSW)

If you decide to live in Gol Gol, remember that daylight saving time can be different across the border to Victoria, so always double-check the time for early morning classes or exams. Many students in border towns have made that mistake at least once! One of the best things about the area is the riverbank along the Murray River. Many students like grabbing a coffee from a nearby cafe and sitting by the river to relax, especially during stressful exam time. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Gol Gol is great for rowing, kayaking, cycling, or sunset runs along the riverside trails. Even though it’s in New South Wales, it’s actually very close to Mildura. In fact, it’s sometimes closer to the Mildura CBD than some suburbs within Mildura, and you can reach the library or university in about 10 minutes by car, making Gol Gol one of the best suburbs in Mildura.

Red Cliffs

Red Cliffs, 20 minutes from Mildura, is a small town.  Reasons one can consider it the best suburb in Mildura include its affordable housing. Here, the rent is generally lower compared to central Mildura. They also have a Route 200 bus that runs every hour, which connects Red Cliffs to the Mildura CBD in about 25 minutes. One of the biggest local events is Lunarfest in March, which celebrates the grape harvest with a street parade, live music, and outdoor movie screenings. For a weekend break, you can visit the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, known for its 70-metre-high orange cliffs and the Murray River boardwalk, which is great for walks and scenic, blissful views.

Merbein

Merbein is surrounded by farms and vineyards, so life here feels easy and rural. You can easily commute to Mildura for classes with a straightforward bus ride or drive. It’s about 15-20 mins long. What makes it the best suburbs in Mildura is its affordability for student housing while still being close to the city. Weekly rent in Merbein is often around $300–$350, which is usually cheaper than central Mildura. Chaffey Park, the Merbein riverfront, and local weekend markets are your go-to spots on the weekend here. If you want to get groceries or grab a bite with your roomie, Commercial Street has local shops and cafes, so you don’t always have to head into Mildura to get things done.

Cabarita

Cabarita is another student-friendly suburb in Mildura that often appears on lists of the best suburbs in Mildura for students. Located about 8 km from Mildura, this small and peaceful area offers a quiet environment while still being close to the city. Students prefer Cabarita because it has affordable housing options and plenty of open green spaces, making it one of the best suburbs in Mildura. You can take a short bus ride to La Trobe University’s Mildura campus in about 10–15 minutes. The suburb is also close to the Murray River, so students often spend time outdoors, going for walks, cycling, or relaxing by the river after classes. With its calm and convenient location and easy access to nature, Cabarita is becoming a great option for Mildura student housing, especially for students looking for a quieter place to live.

Cost of Living in Mildura for Students

Let’s be real, money is usually the first thing students worry about when moving to a new city. Rent, groceries, transport, coffee runs… it all adds up.  The good news is that student accommodation in Mildura is generally cheaper than in bigger cities, which makes it easier to manage your monthly expenses. Here’s a quick breakdown of expenses.

Tips on How to Choose the Right Suburb in Mildura

Consider Your Lifestyle

Start by asking yourself a simple question: Do you want a lively area, or somewhere quiet and relaxed? Pick suburbs like Mildura CBD or Mildura South where there are cafes, supermarkets, and social spots nearby, so you’re close to everything and commuting to campus is easy. But if you want quieter and calmer areas, go for suburbs like Nichols Point, Irymple, or Merbein, which might be a better fit.

Check Property Prices

Rent is one of the biggest things students worry about, and it’s important to look at property prices before deciding where to live in Mildura as a student. There are plenty of cheap places to live in Mildura, Australia, especially if you’re willing to share a house with other students. But it also depends on your choice of room type, that is, studio, university halls, or private apartments; the rents differ. In such cases, platforms like UniAcco make this easier by offering private student apartments and shared housing options for every budget, helping you compare prices and find accommodation that suits your needs.

Proximity to Work and Schools

One more important factor is how close the suburb is to your university. We know students prefer living closer to campus to save time and money on transport when choosing student accommodation in Mildura. But if you’re planning to also work part-time as well, living closer to the city centre makes it easier to get to your workplace. Accordingly, think and pick your accommodation to avoid any inconveniences in the future.

Look for nearby Amenities and Transport

Don’t underestimate how helpful it is to have supermarkets, parks, cafes, and shopping centres nearby. Suburbs closer to the city centre often have better access to these amenities. Transport is another thing to consider. While Mildura is quite easy to get around, some suburbs rely more on cars or buses. 

Check for a safe neighbourhood

We already told which suburbs and neighbourhoods are safe in Mildura, well, most of these suburbs are considered safe. But suburbs like Irymple, Nichols Point, and Mildura South are more popular with families and students because they tend to be quiet and welcoming. If you prefer living in such neighbourhoods, know that it will make a huge difference to your overall university experience, especially if you’re moving to the city for the first time.

Conclusion

To wrap up, each suburb has its own pros. However, the good thing about Mildura is that most suburbs are only 10–20 minutes from campus, so commuting gets simple. Also, make sure to factor in rent, transport, amenities, and safety aspects. But if you still have doubts, we are here to help. UniAcco can help you find your perfect accommodation

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