The Chifley Grocer is known for their freshly baked bread and for serving awesome coffee. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Chifley is one of Canberra’s up-and-coming suburbs with its central location in Woden Valley and proximity to the Mount Taylor nature reserve. The large blocks and tree-lined streets are just part of the charm of this family-friendly suburb.
Chifley is ideally located for anyone who is keen to live close to essential services, sporting facilities and public transport, as well as those who seek a fast commute to Woden’s government offices.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Chifley? Here’s what you need to know.
History
Chifley is named after former Prime Minister Joseph Benedict Chifley. Photo: Region Media.
Chifley was established on 12 May 1966, which was around the same time that the Woden Valley was also established, thus making it one of the original settlement spots in the southern part of Canberra.
It is named after former Prime Minister Joseph Benedict Chifley and its streets are named after famous scientists and educationalists.
Shops and eateries
Chifley Shops is located on Eggleston Crescent in the centre of the suburb. The centre features a specialty grocer, bottle shop, chiropractor and the well-known café A Bite To Eat. Fitted out with retro mismatching furniture, vintage style carpet and a big wall of photos and postcards, this weekend cafe hotspot has a homely vibe and great food.
The Chifley Grocer the is another one of the neighbourhood’s well-kept secrets. It has an in-house bakery, and their coffee comes highly recommended. The shelves are stocked with local gourmet products and there’s always new foodie delights to discover alongside the everyday grocery items.
Catering to big and small groups, a Bite to Eat at the Chifley shops is a favourite amongst locals. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
The Pearce Shops are also nearby, with a similar range of stores and the local favourite Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant.
Just over the road in Phillip are several places popular with locals. The industrial area has some cool cafes and eateries including Lava Espresso and Wheat and Oats Café . And don’t miss the chance to grab one of Keith’s home-made pies from the Wattle Snack Bar.
Just a little further from home, Westfield Woden is a five-minute drive or 13-minute walk from Chifley.
Places of interest and things to do
The lil street library in Chifley at the local shops. Photography: Daniella Jukic – We Are Found.
- Take the kids for a play at Chifley oval and playground. The Chifley oval and playground are conveniently located next to Chifley Shops, so the adults can enjoy a coffee while the kids burn off energy on the play equipment.
- Hike up Mount Taylor. Mount Taylor Nature Reserve is one of Canberra’s highest southside suburban peaks, popular with dog walkers, fitness fanatics and families alike. Following Waldock Street from Chifley will take you to a picnic area, with plenty of walking trails within easy reach.
Playgrounds and parks
Chifley Play Space is a favourite amongst the local children. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
When it comes to playgrounds, Chifley Play Space, right next to the shops, is the place to go. There are towering walls of climbing ropes, rock climbing and ladders well suited to older children, and another area geared towards younger kids which has climbing challenges including steps with a handrail, large platforms and a slide, and a train tunnel.
Anyone looking to have a barbecue or run around with the football will be well catered for here as well. Chifley oval (including a basketball court) backs up to the playground and provides a safe green space for little ones to run around. The barbecue areas are complete with tables and chairs, bins and great shade. If you forget your snacks, don’t despair as the Chifley shops are just metres away. There are conveniently located bins and toilets at the park.
Mt Taylor Nature Reserve offers walking trails that reward you with panoramic views of Canberra. Photo: Region Media.
Parts of Chifley back onto the Mt Taylor Nature Reserve, and a walk up the trails to the top of the hill will reward you with one of the best panoramic views of Canberra and beyond that you’ll get anywhere.
Getting around
Whether your preferred mode of transport is car, bus, bike or on foot, chances are you’ll have no trouble getting around if you live in Chifley.
Chifley has two major roads forming part of its boundaries – Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive. While these arterial roads are busy during peak hour, they are easy to access and will get you the city and around Canberra smoothly.
Chifley is served by Transport Canberra’s bus route 62. Woden Bus Interchange is just a short walk away. From there, regular express services run to Tuggeranong, Civic and Belconnen, as do services to other suburbs in the area.
A major cycle path runs through Chifley, which goes all the way through to the city. For more information, download the ACT Government’s guide to walking and cycling in Woden Town Centre.
The local Chifley Grocer is dog friendly. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Schools
There are no schools in Chifley, but several in the vicinity.
Students living in Chifley are in a priority enrolment area for these public schools:
- Torrens Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6)
- Melrose High School (Years 7 to 10)
- Canberra College (Years 11 and 12)
Nearby schools include:
- Marist College – a Catholic school for boys in Year 4 to Year 12 located in Pearce.
- Sacred Heart Primary School – a Catholic school for Kindergarten to Year 6 students located in Pearce.
- Mawson Primary School – a public bilingual (Mandarin) school for preschool to Year 6.
Why the locals love it
Maddi from A Bite to Eat praises owner Steve’s menu. The menu is almost all gluten free and can also be tweaked for vegans. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
“It’s an exciting time to be living in Chifley. There’s lots of development going on at the moment, which has breathed new life into the established suburb. We love that it’s an easy walk or bike ride to Woden. The local shopping centre with its fantastic cafe and supermarket used to be a well-kept secret but these days buzzes with activity, especially on the weekends. We love being part of a growing, thriving community and being so close to everything we need.” – Gus and Ollie, Chifley residents for ten years.
Quick facts
- Median age: 37 years
- Median weekly household income: $1,843
- Median weekly rent: $361
- Houses vs. apartments: 69.2% houses; 24.3% townhouses, 6.5% apartments
- Suburb sales record (excludes land sales): $1.495 million in 2016
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Chifley? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Chifley? 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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