10 Best Suburbs to Live Near Canberra’s CBD
Immerse yourself in all that Canberra has to offer from these top 10 neighbourhoods close to the city centre.
Having undergone a cultural and culinary renaissance over the past few years, Australia’s capital city is booming. Striking the perfect balance between work and play, it offers a vibrant mix of art, dining and the great outdoors. For those wanting to be in the heart of the action, here are the top spots to live close to Canberra’s CBD.
Barton
Set in the heart of the parliamentary triangle, Barton hums with activity both at weekends and during the week. Catering to hundreds of government employees, there are plenty of foodie hotspots and places to keep you caffeinated. Pretty Telopea Park encourages the lunch hour outdoors. One of Canberra’s first suburbs, today Barton contrasts historic homes with high-demand executive style apartments.
Manuka
Considered one of Canberra’s best lifestyle locales, historic Manuka boasts a flourishing café scene and boutique shopping in Manuka village. Foodies are spoilt for choice with on-trend brunch spots and restaurants, while the art deco Manuka Pool is perfect for cooling off during summer. Nestled in Canberra’s inner south, Manuka lies less than 10 minutes’ drive from the CBD.
Ainslie
Bordered by Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, the sought-after suburb of Ainslie lures those looking for an alfresco and active lifestyle within minutes of the city centre. Its picturesque streets are lined with heritage homes, while the local shopping strip offers a handful of notable restaurants and cafes. Ainslie appeals to families thanks to its fantastic community amenities and proximity to esteemed schools.
Turner
Close to Civic and the Australian National University, inner-north Turner offers upscale apartment living close to Canberra’s major shopping and dining precincts. It has large green spaces with plenty of bike paths and is walking distance to the heritage-listed Botanic Gardens. Turner is a popular pick among students and young professionals with developers keenly taking note.
Acton
Positioned on the northern foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, the central suburb of Acton boasts beautiful parkland, much-loved walking trails and cultural institutions that have well and truly put Canberra on the map. It has a dynamic student atmosphere thanks to its Australian National University campus and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. The suburb is home to the arts and design precinct of NewActon as well as the National Museum of Australia.
Braddon
Bustling Braddon is often considered the city’s food and entertainment epicentre and is just a short walk from the CBD. Along Lonsdale Street you’ll find back-to-back cafes and boutique shops, intertwined with trendy new apartment blocks that entice professionals and discerning young buyers. It has easy access to parks and Canberra’s arts and culture just moments away.
Red Hill
The prestigious, inner south suburb of Red Hill is just 10 minutes from the CBD and home to Canberra’s “Golden Mile” featuring some of the most desired property in the state. It’s known for its scenic bushwalking through Red Hill Nature Reserve, with notable lookouts framing stunning views across the city. Larger, stately homes coupled with access to excellent schools has made Red Hill a popular choice among affluent families.
Dickson
Five minutes’ drive north of the CBD, Dickson is known for its multicultural food scene, centred along Woolley Street. There’s a shopping hub catering to your everyday essentials and sports fields, playgrounds and an aquatic centre where locals can keep active. Residents can enjoy easy access to public transport, and quality schools, making this a popular pocket for families and professionals working in the city.
O’Connor
Bounded by some of the city’s best schools and community amenities, O’Connor is one of Canberra’s most coveted suburbs close to the CBD. It has O’Connor Ridge on its doorstep with beautiful bushland walking trails and native wildlife, while houses here tend to occupy larger blocks with leafy back gardens. Residents can walk or cycle straight into Civic and enjoy the convenience of a local shopping village.
Deakin
On the border of Capital Hill, Deakin is a peaceful suburb home to international embassies, the official residence of the Prime Minister, as well as the Royal Australian Mint. This well-heeled neighbourhood lies roughly five minutes’ drive form the city centre, with nature reserves, galleries and cosy cafes and restaurants. Deakin truly shines during autumn, when its streets are transformed in a coloured spectacle.
