What makes Lyneham so sought-after? Read on to find out. Photo: Region Media.
Lyneham is a north Canberra suburb that doesn’t have to try hard to be cool. Like many older suburbs, it has wide leafy streets, well-maintained cycle paths and close proximity to nature. But it also has a thriving cafe culture and a creative undercurrent that makes it popular with artists, hipsters and young people.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Lyneham? Here’s what you need to know.
History
Lyneham is one of Canberra’s older suburbs. It was gazetted in the 1920s, but development only started in the late 1950s. On theme with the inner north suburb’s artistic and creative vibe, many of Lyneham’s streets are named after artists.
Shops and eateries
Adam and Alex serve their beverages with a smile at the Old Canberra Inn, in Lyneham. Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
There are two sets of local shops in Lyneham. The first is on Wattle Street and has an IGA, takeaway, bottle shop and chemist. The local kebab shop, Turkish Pide and Kebabs Lyneham, is of such renown that residents of Canberra’s deep south have been known to make the journey north for a kebab roll or two.
The second set of shops is in North Lyneham, on Montford Crescent. It has a supermarket, casual Chinese restaurant China Tea Club and organic produce shop Choku Bai Jo.
Tilley’s is a local favourite. Photo: Region Media.
Art and creativity are synonymous with Lyneham. The suburb has a couple of cafes to keep those creative juices flowing, including:
- Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery. Tilley’s is a well-known café named after Tilly Devine, an English Australian gangster. Originally designed as a women-only space, Tilley’s became popular with Canberra’s LGBT community. Today, it’s known for its jazz nights, all-day dining and creative atmosphere.
- The Front. The Front has gained a cult following in Canberra for its strong ties with the local arts scene. In addition to having great coffee and food on offer, the Front has a creative team that manages art exhibitions, live music and other events that showcase Canberra’s artists.
Owner Ben and son Jules outside the Old Canberra Inn in Lyneham. “This pub was built in 1857 and I like to keep it authentic with the interiors and quality of food we offer,’ said Ben. Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
The nearby O’Connor Shops have a similar offering with an IGA, chemist and well-known watering hole, The Duxton.
Dickson Shops are a five minute drive from Lyneham. There you’ll find a wide range of amenities (supermarket, chemist, petrol station and much more) as well as some of Canberra’s most loved restaurants and eateries.
Places of interest and things to do
- Visit Lyneham Commons. Lyneham Commons is a community-run public food forest behind the Lyneham Shops. It’s a place for locals to grow their own food using sustainable organic methods and permaculture principles. The Commons has regular working bees and events for like-minded garden enthusiasts.
- See what’s on at Exhibition Park. From Summernats and the Canberra Show to weekly farmers markets and quarterly Handmade Markets, there’s something for everyone at EPIC, which is located in Lyneham.
- Stop by Canberra’s second-oldest church. Opened in 1873, St Ninian’s Uniting Church on Brigalow Street is one of the oldest in Canberra.
Owner of Book Lore Michael and his son Willoughby believe there is still a genuine place for books. “Our customers come from all over Canberra, this store has almost been here for forty years,” said Michael. “I can’t pick a favourite author [but] I’m currently reading Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
Playgrounds and parks
If you want a serious nature fix, part of Lyneham backs onto O’Connor Ridge Nature Reserve (access via Dryandra Street). It’s a great spot for hiking or mountain biking, with lots of trails to explore.
Playgrounds within Lyneham include:
- Lyneham Wetland. The scenic Lyneham Wetland was built in 2012 to improve water quality and enhance urban biodiversity. It has bike paths, nice views and a playground.
- Montford Crescent Playground. Tucked behind the North Lyneham Shops, the Montford Crescent playground has newer-style equipment that is suitable for both younger and older children.
- Lambert Place Playground. This playground has a small set of play equipment and a basketball court, as well as a grassed area for kids to play.
Getting around
Transport Canberra bus routes R1, R9, 30, 31, 50 and 51 service Lyneham. There are multiple light rail stops along Nortbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway that pass Lyneham.
North Lyneham is right on the Federal Highway, so it’s a much shorter drive to Sydney than if you’re travelling from further south. Heading the other way, the same road will take you past Dickson and Braddon into Civic.
Photo: Region Media.
Schools
Lyneham has its share of public and private schools, including:
- Lyneham Primary School is a public school for preschool to Year 6.
- Lyneham High School is a public school for Year 7 to Year 10 students. It’s renowned for its award-winning band and music program, enriched academic program for gifted and talented students, and sporting excellence program.
- Brindabella Christian College is a private non-denominational primary and secondary school with 700 students from preschool to Year 12
Why the locals love it
With an artsy vibe, cafe culture and rich history, locals say there’s plenty to love about the established suburb of Lyneham. It’s close to the city, while being far enough away from the hustle and bustle that kids can ride their bikes on the quieter streets.
Families are welcome at the Old Canberra Inn, in Lyneham. Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
Quick facts
- Median age: 35 years
- Median weekly household income: $1708
- Median weekly rent: $261
- Houses vs. apartments: 28.8% houses; 33.1% apartments and 37.7% townhouses
- Suburb sales record (excludes land sales): $1,345,000 in 2016
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Lyneham? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Lyneham? 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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