Manuka Suburb Profile 

A foodie’s delight within walking distance of the nation’s democratic pulse, living in Manuka offers a unique blend of urban charm and suburban tranquility. From its vast selection of on-trend cafés and bars to its iconic sporting facilities, this compact suburb has a lot to boast about. 

Even with Kingston’s sparkling new foreshore district moments away, Manuka remains high on everyone’s radar, and has been since the 1920s. Anchored by an affluent village that consumes Franklin and Bougainville streets, Manuka’s cafés and eateries are real crowd-pleasers. You can find everything here, from Mediterranean to Asian to Middle Eastern. And the trendy cafés, boutique bars, designer stores, and arthouse cinema are all part of the parcel. 

In sports-mad Canberra, Manuka is also a standout favourite, with Manuka Oval and the much-loved art deco swimming baths. One of the most popular places to be when the weather warms up, Manuka Oval and pool boast impressive greenspace, all shaded by a canopy of trees. 

With its unwavering popularity and compact size, living in Manuka often means vying for a limited number of homes. Low-density apartments and modern townhouses around Manuka Oval sit in striking contrast to the trees that change colour with the season. For those seeking roomier digs, neighbouring suburbs offer a selection of large family homes with lush gardens to match—all within walking distance of Manuka’s ever-popular bar and dining district. 

Area Features

Bar & Restaurants

A hotspot on Canberra’s social scene, Manuka boasts some of Canberra’s favourite eats and late-night bars. It’s where the country’s pollies and Canberra’s professional crowd come to rub shoulders over long boozy lunches.

Manuka Oval

A local landmark – this old-school sporting ground with a low-level grandstand shines bright on the local AFL scene, with cricket also getting a look in.

Manuka Pool

During the summer months, the art deco Manuka Pool takes centre stage with its 30-metre lap pool, toddler wading pool, shaded playground and café.

Schools

Within the bounds of Manuka, schools are non-existent, but that’s not to say families are left wanting. Far from it. Neighbouring suburbs boast some of Canberra’s top-performing schools – Narrabundah College, St Edmund’s College and St Clare’s College. Locals also get preference for Forrest Primary, Red Hill Primary and Telopea Park School.