Get to know your growers from the Apple Shed. Find them at the Southside Farmers Markets. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Want to live near Canberra’s geographic heart, close to essential services, sporting facilities and public transport? Ready to say goodbye to a long commute? Woden Town Centre could be the perfect place for you. It’s the main commercial hub of the Woden Valley district, and has an extensive variety of shops and amenities, numerous dining options, and several office blocks.
The town centre is currently undergoing extensive transformation, with a range of new residential developments and refreshed spaces like the Woden Experiment revitalising the once-tired area. A new bus interchange is on the way. The recent flurry of development in recent years has led to gentrification of the precinct, an influx of younger residents, and the expectation of more to come when the CIT’s new Woden campus draws thousands to Woden.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Woden? Here’s what you need to know.
Looking to test your skills on the ice rink? Phillip Ice Skating Rink is a great place to visit.
History
Woden Town Centre is located in the suburb of Phillip, and both were established in 1966. Woden was the Norse God of War, while Phillip is named after Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of NSW.
Street names in the Woden Town Centre are associated with the First, Second and Third Fleets.
The Bavarian at Woden Dining Precinct. Photo: George Tsotsos.
Shops and eateries
Whether you need to hit the shops or you’re feeling peckish, Woden has plenty of both to offer.
The town centre’s dining scene was rejuvenated in 2019 with the launch of Westfield’s Bradley Street dining precinct, featuring six new places to eat, including the popular Fenway Public House. Westfield Woden also offers an array of outlets offering international cuisine – from zucchini balls at Turkish Pide House to beef madras at Flavours of India.
As far as shopping goes, Westfield Woden is your best bet. Retailers include Country Road, Witchery, Bonds, Lorna Jane, Harry Hartog, Coles, Woolworths and Priceline.
Outside of the mall, Ginseng Chinese at the Hellenic Club does a mean yum cha, Belluci’s gives traditional Italian food a modern Australian twist, and Space Kitchen‘s culinary creations look more like works of art. If burgers and bowls piques your interest, try The Alby.
Places of interest and things to do
From enjoying gourmet produce to shopping and wellness, here are some of our favourite activities in and around Woden:
- Go ice skating at Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre. It’s the home of Canberra’s Australian Ice Hockey League team, CBR Brave, but you don’t need to be an ice skating pro to take to the ice. The skating rink is open year-round with public skating sessions daily.
- Visit the Southside Farmers Market for the freshest local produce. Open every Sunday from 8am to 11.30am, the Southside Farmers Market is more than a place to eat healthily while supporting local farmers. Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere (there’s often live music), good coffee and range of products – from artisan meats to eggs, fruit and vegetables.
- Head to the flicks. Hoyts Woden is an eight-screen cinema at Westfield Woden, featuring stadium seating and an XtremeScreen.
Playgrounds and parks
There are several playgrounds and parks just a short walk from the Woden Town Centre. Most of the green spaces are tucked away in the suburb’s northeast, where you’ll find Eddison Park, Woden Cemetery, Woden Park (an athletics track), and Phillip District Playing Fields.
- Eddison Park(access via Launceston Street) received an upgrade in 2019 with a new nature play area with equipment like climbing hills, rope bridges and tunnels. It also has a skate park, fitness equipment, a disc golf course and a fixed orienteering course.
- More a gateway to Eddison Park than an actual park (though there are a couple of picnic tables), Woden Town Park is a well-lit pedestrian link between Woden Town Centre and Eddison Park. It’s accessible from Callam Street.
The kids love Eddison Park Nature Play. Photo: File.
Getting around
Whether your preferred mode of transport is car, bus, bike or your own two feet, chances are you’ll have no trouble getting around Woden.
With Melrose Drive, Yamba Drive and Hindmarsh Drive all nearby, it’s an easy drive to Tuggeranong, Civic, Fyshwick and Weston Creek.
Woden Interchange is also located in Phillip, with regular express services to Tuggeranong, Civic and Belconnen.
Bike enthusiasts can take advantage of Phillip’s bike paths and on-road bike lanes to access many of Canberra’s popular routes. For more information about cycling in Phillip, download the ACT Government’s guide to walking and cycling in Woden Town Centre.
Schools
Canberra College, a public school for students in Years 11 and 12, is in Phillip. Neighbouring high schools include Marist College Canberra (Catholic boys school for Years 4 to 12) and Melrose High School (public high school), both in Pearce.
Nearby primary schools include Malkara School (a public school for children with additional needs), Sts Peter and Paul Primary School and Garran Primary School.
Woden Town Square. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Why the locals love it
“When we moved to Canberra to start a graduate program in the public service, Woden was a logical place to rent. We were thrilled to have several brand new apartment blocks to choose from that were close to our work. With the bus interchange right nearby, we don’t need a car to get around. We’re living in the Ivy complex and wouldn’t swap our apartment for anywhere else. It’s convenient, with everything we need (the gym, restaurants, ovals and more) just about on our doorstep” – Milly and Lucy.
Photo: George Tsotsos.
Quick facts
As Woden is not a suburb, statistics for the area are included in the suburb profile for Phillip.
- Median age: N/A
- Median weekly household income: N/A
- Median weekly rent: N/A
- Houses vs. apartments: N/A
- Suburb sales record: N/A
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Woden? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Woden? What are your favourite things about the suburb? What advice would you give to people considering moving there? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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