Meet the warm and friendly chef at Cafeneion in Torrens. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Torrens is a peaceful established suburb in Woden, at the foot of one side of Mount Taylor and near Mawson, Farrer and Pearce. It is popular with people who want it all: nature nearby, a convenient location, an easy commute, and proximity to major shops and services.
Its well-established, leafy neighbourhoods and quality homes mean Torrens has much to offer those who live there. While the neighbourhood is relatively quiet, it’s an easy stroll to the shops and restaurants of Southlands Mawson and a short drive to the services and facilities of Westfield Woden.
The tightly-held area is family-friendly with a great mix of young families and older residents who have called Torrens home for decades. It attracts people from all walks of life – from those who appreciate living close to their workplaces in Woden and Tuggeranong through to retirees looking to downsize without compromising on lifestyle or location.
Thinking about visiting or moving to Torrens? Here’s what you need to know.
Torrens local shops. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
History
Torrens is a suburb in the Woden Valley, named after former Premier of South Australia Sir Robert Torrens. Its streets are named after contemporaries of Sir Robert Torrens and South Australian pioneers and politicians. It was gazetted in 1966 and sits on Woden’s southern edge.
Shops
Meet the friendly chef at Smogue Cafe. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
There is a small shopping centre in the suburb, with a hairdresser and a few other outlets. When it comes to dining, Cafeneion is an eclectic cafe with great food and exquisite coffee while Torrens Takeaway serves traditional fish and chips, burgers and the usual takeaway fare.
Torrens residents just need to step across the suburb’s border to be at Southlands Mawson, which is home to an interesting range of independent shops including Jabal Halal, a local go-to for fresh produce. Let’s Be Natural has a plethora of organic, eco-friendly products and Southlands Quality Meats is renowned for its lamb koftas.
Also at Southlands, the Austrian Club and The Mawson Club have a loyal following and offer several dining options between them. Saigon Bakery & Espresso is well-known for its banh mi, while California Café serves up American-style food – with American-sized portions. And for dessert? Bruno’s Truffels is renowned for its exquisite, hand-made chocolates as well as artisan sourdough breads, pastries, cakes and handmade Swiss chocolate confectionery.
And for more shopping and dining, Westfield Woden is an easy drive away.
Places of interest and things to do
Go for a stroll up Mt Taylor. Photo: Region Media.
- Climb Mt Taylor. On the edge of Torrens, Mt Taylor is one of the Southside’s hidden treasures, and you’re guaranteed spectacular vistas over Woden, Tuggeranong and the Brindabellas from the top of the mountain. There are often kangaroos to be seen hopping around, as well as plenty of other flora and fauna.
- Discover a dining precinct almost on your doorstep. Woden’s dining scene was rejuvenated in 2019 with the launch of Westfield’s Bradley Street dining precinct, featuring six new places to eat. Westfield Woden is also a great spot for enjoying international cuisine – from zucchini balls at Turkish Pide House to beef madras at Flavours of India.
Be sure to check out Bradley St dining precinct at Westfield Woden. Photo: George Tsotsos.
Parks and playgrounds
Torrens is ideally located for residents who enjoy getting into nature. It backs onto Mount Taylor Nature Reserve (part of Canberra Nature Park) to the south, and also has a neighbourhood oval and small tennis club.
There’s a new nature play space on the way at Torrens shops, where kids will be able to enjoy a climbing net, log steppers and basketball court as well as unconstructed outdoor play opportunities, tactile experiences and a connection to nature. There are numerous smaller parks and green spaces throughout the suburb.
Getting around
Whether you’re a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist, it’s easy to get around Canberra when you live in Torrens. Residents enjoy easy access to Canberra’s network of arterial roads, including Yamba Drive and Athllon Drive. The city is an easy 11km drive away.
Catching buses is a breeze, with several bus routes running past the suburb. Torrens residents have several options. Transport Canberra’s route R4 travels between Tuggeranong, Woden, the City and Belconnen, via Torrens. R5 runs through Lanyon, Calwell, Erindale, Woden and the City, while Route 62 runs a loop service through Lyons, Chifley, Pearce, Southlands, and Woden.
The Canberra Saiva Temple is a bright, colourful place of worship in Torrens. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Schools
Torrens Primary School in Ritchie Street is the only school in Torrens, but there are several others nearby.
Sacred Heart Primary School, Marist College Canberra and Melrose High School are all in the vicinity.
Why the locals love it
Quick facts
- Median age: 41 years
- Median weekly household income: $2,217
- Median weekly rent: $380
- Houses vs. apartments: 86.4% houses; 1.4% apartments
- Suburb sales record (excludes land sales): $1,540,000 in 2019
Source: 2016 Census.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Torrens? Zango can help you find them:
Do you live, or have you previously lived, in Torrens? 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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