Local oz-tag competitions run all year at Kambah Playing Fields. Photo: Region Media.
According to urban legend, Kambah may be one of Australia’s biggest suburbs, but there’s more to this sprawling centre than meets the eye. Nestled among Mount Taylor and Urambi Hills, Kambah is an affordable suburb with good local amenities. And its profile is actually quite diverse, attracting a mix of families, professionals, retirees and students.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Kambah? Here’s what you need to know.
History
Kambah was one of the first suburbs to be built in Tuggeranong in the 1970s. At an impressive 1130 hectares, it is genuinely the biggest suburb in the nation’s capital – about four times the size of the Canberra average.
Kambah takes its name from the Kambah Homestead, which was originally located in Tuggeranong.
Shops and eateries
One of the good things about living in Kambah is that you’re never too far from the local shops. Kambah Village Shopping Centre on Drakeford Drive is the main shopping centre in the suburb, with a Woolies, petrol station and various small shops.
Further south on Jenke Circuit you’ll find a discount pharmacy, Hungry Jacks, Club Lime and swim school Aqua Harmony.
Aqua Harmony has a baby and toddler-friendly cafe, Toots Play Space and Cafe, which has heaps of play areas designed by early childhood educators, as well as good coffee.
You can find Lazarri Bros’ Espresso at the local Kambah shops. Photo: Region Media.
Small local shops are also dotted throughout Kambah on Castley Circuit, Carleton Street and Mannheim Street. Little Theo’s at the Carleton Street Shops has earned local renown for its pizzas (try the Hawaii 5-0 if you’re feeling adventurous!).
The closest shopping centre to Kambah is South Point in Tuggeranong, which is a six-minute drive.
Places of interest and things to do
As you might expect from a suburb surrounded by mountains, Kambah’s best attractions are centred around the great outdoors.
- Take a dip at Kambah Pool. The name can be a little misleading – Kambah Pool refers to a picturesque swimming spot in the Murrumbidgee River, rather than a swimming pool facility. It’s a great spot for swimming, fishing and bird-watching.
- Hike Mount Taylor. Mount Taylor offers stunning views over Tuggeranong and the Brindabellas to the south and Woden to the north. It has several walking tracks at varying levels of difficulty, as well as picnic and BBQ areas. A walk up Mount Taylor makes for a great day out with family or four-legged friends.
- Give BMX racing a try. Tuggeranong BMX Club in Kambah is the home track of Olympian and world champion Caroline Buchanan, but you don’t need to be a pro to get started. New members are always welcome, with races held every Saturday.
Parks and playgrounds
Kambah Adventure Playground is arguably the best in playground in Kambah. Photo: Region Media.
The biggest and best playground in Kambah is arguably Kambah Adventure Playground (access via Springbett Street). Located in the expansive Kambah District Park, it’s a particularly popular spot on weekends for kids’ birthday parties.
The playground has a flying fox, spider web, huge swings, climbing equipment and barbeque and picnic facilities. It’s the type of playground that caters to very small children as well as older kids looking for a little more adventure.
There are also smaller playgrounds on Pinkerton Circuit, Ferrett Circuit, Morant Circuit and behind the IGA on Boddington Crescent.
Getting around
Drakeford Drive, which turns into the Tuggeranong Parkway, runs through the centre of Kambah, so it’s an easy drive north to Civic or south to Tuggeranong. Kambah is also bordered on one side by Athllon Drive, which leads to Woden.
If you’d prefer to travel by bike, local cycle paths connect to Tuggeranong, Woden and (eventually) Civic.
Bus routes R4, 70, 71, 180 and 181 run through Kambah.
There are various walking tracks around Mt Taylor for you to explore. Photo: Region Media.
Schools
There are three schools in Kambah:
- Taylor Primary School is a public primary school for preschool to Year 6
- St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary school for Kindergarten to Year 6
- Namadgi School is a public school for students from preschool to Year 10
Why the locals love it
“Kambah didn’t exactly have the most glowing of reputations when I was growing up, but that’s changed as the suburb has matured. You can still pick up a bargain in Kambah if you don’t mind doing a little bit of work, but be warned: the more affordable homes – mostly older, smaller houses on decent blocks – go quickly, and often for more than the asking price. It’s competitive! Many of our neighbours are families that moved to Kambah because it was cheaper than buying over the road in Weston Creek, with basically the same benefits.” – Matt, 29.
Quick facts
- Median age: 40 years
- Median weekly household income: $1916
- Median weekly rent: $345
- Houses vs. apartments: 86.1% houses; 11.9% townhouses, <2% apartments
- Suburb sales record (excludes land sales): $1.4 million in 2017
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Kambah? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Kambah? 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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