Ever wondered what living in Moncrieff might be like? Read below to find out. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
What makes Moncrieff great? If you ask the locals, who for the most part are couples and young families, they’ll probably tell you they love the views, playgrounds and convenient access to some of Gungahlin’s best amenities (Gungahlin Town Square is just a five-minute drive away).
Located near the established suburbs of Ngunnawal and Amaroo, Moncrieff was planned to make the most of the surrounding hilltops, ridges and open spaces. Walking trails, ponds, a group centre and more community facilities are on the way, so there will soon be even more on offer for those keen to snap up a brand-new home in a new suburb.
Moncrieff Community Recreation Park on Bon Scott Cres. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Moncrieff is also appealing because housing is relatively affordable. Its median house price is $730,000, which is just under the ACT median house price of $745,000.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Moncrieff? Here’s what you need to know.
History
Moncrieff is a newly-built suburb in Gungahlin, 25 minutes north of the city centre. It takes its name from soprano Gladys Lillian Moncrieff, while the streets are music themed (yes, there’s even a Bon Scott Crescent).
Construction began in Moncrieff in 2014. All single residential blocks have been sold, though parts of the suburb, including apartment buildings, are still under development.
Moncrieff is one of Canberra’s fastest-growing suburbs. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1800 residents moved in during the 2017-18 financial year.
Shops and eateries
Many Moncrieff residents choose to make the short trip out to Gungahlin Town Centre to do their shopping. Photo: Region Media.
If you’re feeling peckish or want to stock up on groceries, you’ll need to leave Moncrieff.
Many residents choose to do their shopping at Gungahlin Town Centre. Marketplace Gungahlin and Gungahlin Village are both on Hibberson Street, while Cornerstone Café and Bar on Hinder Street is popular among locals for its friendly staff and pub food.
Casey Market Town is also nearby, and has great cafes and shops. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
The recently completed Casey Market Town shopping precinct is also nearby, with eateries including the ever-popular Casey Jones (try the gumbo or the creole hot dog), Pixie and Bear Cafe (we’re told the eggs benny is worth sampling) or native Myanmar eatery Myanmar Corner.
A group shopping centre is planned for the intersection of Horse Park Drive and Mirrabei Drive, and will include a supermarket and other retailers.
Places of interest and things to do
Locals love the Moncrieff Community Recreation Park. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
- Get your body moving with the Live Life Get Active crew. Struggling to find the motivation to exercise? In Moncrieff, free fitness camps are right on your doorstep. Run by Live Life Get Active and held at Moncrieff Community Recreation Park, classes range from yoga and cross training and boxing.
- Take part in a community event. Moncrieff Mingle is a program facilitated by the Suburban Land Agency that aims to build a vibrant community. Its activities – from Easter egg hunts to astronomy nights – encourage new residents to get to know each other, feel part of their community and become involved in community life. For the latest events, follow Moncrieff Mingle on Facebook.
- Walk to Amaroo via the Wagi Bridge. Opened in 2018, Wagi Bridge is a 55-metre pedestrian bridge that connects Moncrieff and Amaroo. It crosses the traditional water line that Ngunnawal people followed for thousands of years.
Playgrounds and parks
Moncrieff is home to one of Canberra’s newest and biggest playgrounds: Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.
Located in the heart of Moncrieff, the colourful, award-winning playground has quickly become a community hub. The park is a beacon for the local kids – in large part because the big, bright equipment is positioned on top of a hill and can be seen from all over the suburb. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, because everything you need is there, from toilets to picnic tables.
It’s not hard to see why the locals love Moncrieff Community Recreation Park on Bon Scott Crescent. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Other popular parks and playgrounds include:
- Dawson Park (access via Slim Dusty Crescent). Opened in 2017, Dawson Park is a play and recreation space with views of the surrounding area. There is playground equipment and a shaded play area.
- Yunggaballi Park/Moncrieff Neighbourhood Park (access via Crackajack Way). With great views of the city, plenty of modern play equipment, musical play, a basketball court and fitness equipment for adults, you’ll have to get in bright and early to have the park to yourself.
Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
Schools
Moncrieff doesn’t have any schools, though an independent school may be built in the suburb eventually.
Margaret Hendry School in Taylor, which is also Canberra’s first zero-emissions school, caters for primary school aged students including those from Moncrieff.
Other nearby schools include Good Shepherd Primary School Amaroo, Amaroo School (kindergarten to Year 10) and Gungahlin College (Years 11 and 12).
Why the locals love it
“Moncrieff is special to me because we have great neighbours, a great view and we are starting to build a close knit community. I feel safe in my neighbourhood. My kids can ride their bikes out the front and my neighbours wave as they drive past. It gives you a great feeling living here.” – Moncrieff resident in the latest Moncrieff community survey.
Quick facts
- Median age: 30.8 years
- Median weekly household income: $1,312
- Median weekly rent: No census data available
- Houses vs. apartments: No census data available
- Suburb sales record (excludes land sales): $1,010,000 in 2019
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Moncrieff? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Moncrieff? 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.
Loading ...
