Top 10 Things to Do Around Macquarie Park for Students
Words by: Kashis Agrawal
Reading Time - 7 mins
If you’re kicking off classes at Macquarie University or just moved into the area, you’re in luck. This Sydney suburb blends everything students love: leafy parks, great food, shopping, and easy transport, all within walking distance or a short Metro ride.
Whether you’re after a nature escape, a study break, or a fun night out, this guide highlights the top 10 things to do around Macquarie Park for students. All affordable, all accessible, and all part of the uni experience.
Macquarie Park isn’t just for students, though. The suburb has become a favourite among young professionals and co-living residents who enjoy its balance of convenience and community. From flexible apartments to shared living hubs like The Switch, the area attracts people who want social, modern and affordable city living.
How We Picked These Spots
Each spot on this list ticks at least one of three boxes:
- Walkable or easily reached by public transport
- Budget-friendly or free
- Perfect for students: social, scenic, or stress-relieving
We also considered how these places appeal to young professionals living in shared accommodation or co-living spaces nearby, ideal for unwinding after work or networking with neighbours.
Let’s dive in.
Nature & Outdoors
1. Lane Cove National Park
Just 10 minutes from MQ Uni, Lane Cove National Park is Sydney’s hidden bushland gem. Think riverside picnic spots, walking trails, and kayak hire for weekend adventures.
Why students love it: It’s quiet, green, and perfect for clearing your head after exams. Bring snacks, walk the Great North Walk section, or hire a paddleboat with friends.
Getting there: Catch a bus to Delhi Road or drive down Lady Game Drive.
Pro tip: Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds.
2. Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is part café, part plant nursery, part art space. You can stroll through the landscaped gardens, grab lunch at the café, or attend one of their art workshops.
Cost: Free (you just pay for food or workshops).Vibe: Relaxed, aesthetic, and very “Sydney Sunday.”
3. Shrimptons Creek Trail
For an easy bike or jog route, the Shrimptons Creek walking trail runs right through Macquarie Park, connecting to the university and nearby parks.
Why it’s great: Safe, shaded, and right outside your door.Perfect for: Morning runs, rejuvenation walks, or weekend cycling.
Sports, Exercise & Unique Hobbies
4. Macquarie Ice Rink
Located inside Macquarie Centre, the Ice Rink is iconic. Generations of Sydney students have fallen (literally) here. Currently under renovation (check reopening dates), it’s set to return even better.
Why students love it: It’s a fun, different way to hang out that beats the usual café catch-up.Cost: Around $30 for entry + skate hire.Getting there: 5-minute walk from campus.
5. Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre
This one’s basically on campus, offering a gym, pool, group classes, and social sports leagues.
Why students love it: Affordable memberships and a great way to meet people outside class.Pro tip: Join a casual basketball or volleyball night, it’s one of the easiest ways to make friends early in the semester and rewind with some sports.
6. Climb Fit Macquarie
Feeling adventurous? Climb Fit in St Leonards (20 minutes by train) has top-notch indoor rock climbing and bouldering.
Cost: Around $25 per session.Bonus: Student discounts available midweek.
Entertainment, Games & Indoor Fun
7. Event Cinemas Macquarie Centre
Sometimes, all you need is popcorn and a good film. The Event Cinemas inside Macquarie Centre screens everything from Marvel blockbusters to indie flicks.
Why students love it: Discount student tickets and late-night sessions.Tip: Use the Student Edge card for deals on snacks.
8. Strike Bowling & Holey Moley Mini Golf
Same building, double the fun. Strike Bowling and Holey Moley Mini Golf bring instant energy to your Friday nights.
Why it’s perfect: You can bowl, mini golf, and grab pizza all in one spot.Budget tip: Go on Mondays or Wednesdays for discount nights.
For young professionals living in co-living apartments nearby, these venues double as great spots for after-work socials or weekend hangouts.
Shopping, Food & Café Culture
9. Macquarie Centre
The heart of the neighbourhood, Macquarie Centre has everything: food courts, fashion, supermarkets, cinemas, and even ice skating. It’s your one-stop student hub.
Highlights:
- Try Thai Riffic, Guzman y Gomez, or Chatime between classes.
- Stock up on essentials from Woolworths or Kmart.
- Visit Muji or Uniqlo for minimalist student fits.
Getting there: Directly across from Macquarie University Station.
The centre’s mix of dining and retail also makes it popular among young professionals working in nearby offices or living in shared apartments. Many locals drop by for quick lunches or late-night grocery runs.
10. Local Cafés & Eats
Macquarie Park’s café scene is seriously underrated. A few local favourites:
- The Vogue Café (Macquarie Centre) – famous for its over-the-top milkshakes.
- Bondi Chai Bar (Waterloo Road) – budget-friendly brekkie and chill study vibe.
- Greenhouse Asian Salads (near Lane Cove Road) – light lunch option for health-conscious students.
Pro tip: Many local spots give 10% off for students, always ask politely!
These cafés are also favourites among co-living residents and professionals who work remotely, perfect spots to grab a flat white and catch up on emails.
Culture, Events & Study Break Spots
Macquarie University Campus Life
Keep an eye on the Macquarie University events calendar for student festivals, cultural nights, and pop-up gigs. It’s one of Sydney’s most active campuses, and many events are free.
Don’t miss: O-Week festivals, movie nights on the lawn, and language exchange sessions.
Local Markets
Ryde and Eastwood often host weekend markets with vintage finds, local produce, and street food.
Check out:
- Eastwood Night Markets (monthly)
- North Ryde Common Markets
They’re great for cheap eats and friendly local vibes.
Study & Chill Spots
If you need a quiet space outside your room, try:
- Macquarie University Library – plenty of group rooms and café nearby.
- The Switch communal spaces – rooftop, lounge, or kitchen meetups.
- Café Zest (Macquarie Centre) – relaxed, laptop-friendly spot with reliable Wi-Fi.
If you live in shared accommodation or a co-living apartment, take advantage of coworking lounges or rooftop areas, these modern setups are designed for both study sessions and casual after-work hangouts.
Bonus Ideas & Easy Day Trips
If you’ve ticked off everything in Macquarie Park, here are a few nearby adventures worth a weekend ride:
- Chatswood – 10 minutes by train, packed with Asian restaurants, karaoke, and the Mandarin Centre arcade.
- Sydney CBD – 25 minutes on the Metro; visit Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or the Art Gallery of NSW.
- Manly Beach – take the train + ferry for an affordable beach day.
- Top Ryde Shopping Centre – for rooftop dining and live music events.
Map It Out
To make exploring easy, create a custom Google Map marking all 10 locations from Lane Cove National Park to Macquarie Centre, so you can plan your weekends in advance.
Tips for Students Living in Macquarie Park
- Get an Opal card for easy bus and Metro access (off-peak hour discounts and weekly caps).
- Go off-peak: Parks and cafés are quieter before 10am or after 3pm.
- Join uni clubs: Many social trips explore these same spots.
- Bring reusable bottles and keep cups: Most cafés reward eco-friendly habits.
And if you’re part of a co-living community or shared housing setup, take the time to explore with your flatmates — weekend group outings are a great way to connect with people beyond your building.
How to Spend a Perfect Weekend
Saturday: Morning coffee at The Vogue Café → Explore Lane Cove → Dinner and a movie at Macquarie Centre.Sunday: Study session at The Switch study space → Lunch at Eden Gardens → Chill walk on Shrimptons Creek trail.
Macquarie Park may be smaller than the Sydney CBD, but it’s packed with personality. From green escapes to hidden hangouts, there’s always something to discover, right near your new home at The Switch Macquarie Park.
It’s not just a student suburb but it’s also one of Sydney’s most liveable areas for young professionals and co-living residents. With modern apartments, shared amenities, and a friendly community vibe, Macquarie Park makes weekday life as enjoyable as the weekends.