From Parks to Playgrounds: These Are the Best Places to Raise Kids in Australia

If leafy parks, excellent schools and a community vibe top your list of family must-haves, you’re not alone. A recent national study by iSelect has crunched the numbers to uncover the best places across Australia to raise a family — and it turns out some of the country’s most liveable suburbs are also its most family-friendly.

Analysing more than 300 local areas nationwide, the study ranked regions based on everything from early childhood development and fertility rates to childcare availability, affordability, and healthcare access. The verdict? The ACT’s South Canberra came out on top — thanks to its blend of green space, proximity to the CBD, and standout services for growing families.

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Coming in close behind is the Dural–Wisemans Ferry region in New South Wales, known for its slower pace of life and semi-rural charm, yet with close access to Sydney’s northwest growth corridor. It’s the kind of place where kids can still climb trees in the backyard, but you’re never too far from great coffee or a decent local grocer.

Also making a strong case for Sydney’s family credentials is Leichhardt, which landed in third position nationally. Often described as Sydney’s Little Italy, Leichhardt blends strong community spirit with excellent public transport, high-performing schools, and some of the best babyccinos in the Inner West. No surprise that it ranked high for early childhood development outcomes.

Elsewhere across Sydney, a host of other suburbs made the top ten: leafy Ku-ring-gai (5th), the well-connected Chatswood–Lane Cove pocket (7th), and breezy beachside Manly (10th), all of which offer that sweet spot between lifestyle and liveability. Whether it’s a front yard for the trampoline or a local café that remembers your name, these are suburbs where community still matters — and raising a family feels just that little bit easier.

While Melbourne’s Inner South (think: Brighton, Elwood and South Melbourne) and Hobart’s North East also ranked highly, it’s Sydney and Canberra that have stolen the spotlight. Half of the top 10 suburbs on the list are in Sydney, suggesting the Harbour City still has plenty of charm for families — despite its soaring house prices and fast pace. See the top 10 below.

These are the best places to raise a family in Australia

1. South Canberra, ACT
2. Dural-Wisemans Ferry, NSW
3. Leichhardt, NSW
4. Bayside, VIC
5. Ku-ring-gai, NSW
6. Kenmore – Brookfield – Moggill, QLD
7. Chatswood-Lane Cove, NSW
8. Cottesloe-Claremont, WA
9. Stonnington-East, VIC
10. Manly, NSW

Whether you’re planning a move or simply curious about how your suburb stacks up, the research offers a refreshing reminder: when it comes to raising a family, it’s often the little things — like local parks, community spirit, and strong neighbourhood support — that matter most.

Doing your research on the best suburbs to live and looking for more helpful property advice? Head straight to your friend in property, The Sitch. From Home Design advice and Home Tour inspo, to property advice, we’ve got you covered.