It is about 7 kilometres (4 mi) from the Perth CBD via either Thomas Street or Mounts Bay Road.

The Peace Memorial Rose Garden on Stirling Highway commemorates lives lost in war.

The federal seat has traditionally been regarded as a safe seat, being continually retained by the Liberal Party with the exception of former Liberal Party member Allan Rocher as an independent politician between 1996 and 1998, but was won by independent politician Kate Chaney at the 2022 Australian federal election.

For the parliament of Western Australia, the state electoral district of Nedlands is held by Labor member Katrina Stratton.

Due to its elevation, Nedlands is slightly cooler and wetter than the Perth central business district.