Neighbourhood: Deakin
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One of the best things about Canberra is its multitude of neighbourhoods – each with its own individual charm and attractions. And whether you’re looking to make that suburb your home or just explore its offerings, it’s always good to have an expert guide to show you around.
That’s where our Neighbourhood series comes in. In collaboration with our friends at HIVE, we’ll help you discover the soul of Canberra’s suburbs.
Our first cab off the rank is Deakin – a suburb that caters well to its discerning residents. From one of Canberra’s most beautiful shoe boutiques, to one of the city’s best Italian restaurants and plenty of good coffee, there is always a cosmopolitan bustle drawing crowds from well beyond Deakin’s geographical boundaries that makes any visit worthwhile.
Sound like your kind of neighbourhood? Check out HIVE’s listings here.
Suburb snapshot
Nestled in Canberra’s inner south, Deakin is a prestigious residential suburb that’s home to The Lodge (the Prime Minister’s official residence) and the Royal Australian Mint. Located approximately 4km from the city centre, this leafy enclave attracts diplomats, professionals, and families who appreciate the finer things in life.
With a population of around 2,878 residents and a median age of 45 years, Deakin exudes sophistication with its tree-lined streets and heritage homes. The community is well-educated and multicultural. While property prices reflect its premium status, Canberrans love Deakin’s proximity to Parliament House and its stunning autumn foliage displays that transform the suburb into a golden wonderland each year.
Eat
Within the local shops proper, Locale Pizzeria (Shop 5 Hopetoun Circuit) is a great place for more approachable Italian food and has been feeding local families for years in an upmarket but always friendly corner position (with outdoor tables when the weather is good).
If you’re up for a coffee, then Deakin again delivers in spades. Doubleshot (Shop 7, Hopetoun Circuit) is an iconic local café that has been pumping out its own brand of coffee during morning peak hour for more than a decade. It also serves more relaxed and beautiful brunches and lunches for those with time, before getting busy again prior to school pick up with mums in need of caffeine (or perhaps a prosecco?!). With a reputation for delicious and healthy dishes (if you want to eat the rainbow, this is the place to come), this café is always popular.
Similarly, Café D’Lish (27 Hopetoun Circuit) is one of those old-style local cafes where sandwiches can be made to order and you can quietly read a newspaper over a sweet treat.
Meanwhile, a quick drive over to Deakin’s hospital precinct will get you to Deakin & Me (7 Geils Court) which does a roaring trade in hearty breakfasts, brunches and more substantial dishes and where you can happily secure a smoothie or a cocktail, depending on how your day is going.
Nearby on Strickland Crescent you’ll find Canberra’s cutest green van serving an impressive range of toasties and more. Streat Toast is also a sure bet for a great cup of coffee.
If you’re in need of something quick, head on over to EQ Café and Bakehouse (70 Kent Street) next door to the John James Hospital. Used to providing a wide variety of meals for the busy health professionals, you can choose from overstuffed rolls, pies and sweet bakery treats to grab and go, or find a table for something more substantial.
Shop
The well-heeled women of Canberra can invariably be found seated on the green velvet sofa of Sissa Sorella (Shop 1, 18-36 Duff Place), trying on this season’s latest shoes direct from Milan where Kate Dawson has hand-picked the season’s must-haves. Tip: You may find it difficult to walk past the range of bags, scarves and other accessories, so please don’t assume this boutique is something you can glance at quickly while you wait for your coffee order next door at Double Shot.
If you are in need of a bit of personal grooming, Deakin is also home to one of Canberra’s eyebrow queens, Amy Capeda (Shop 20/18 Duff Place) while the co-located La Bella Beauty will take care of the rest of your face and body.
For more prosaic shopping, the Deakin Supaexpress (25 Hopetoun Circuit) is the local supermarket with a touch of elegance. Forget the big chain operators, here you can get local and regional gourmet products along with your bread and milk (make that organic and locally baked). Meanwhile, there is the Deakin Pharmacy (Shop 2, 6 Duff Place) and Deakin Newsagency (29/31 Hopetoun Circuit) for all your urgent reading and Australia Post-related requirements.
Play
If fitness is your bag, then Deakin may well be your suburb. Gym junkies can get their fix at one of two fully-equipped gyms, Fitness First (81 McGregor Street) next to the shops or The Den (70 Kent Street) which is over near John James.
Keen walkers and runners will revel in the incredible walking paths in and around Red Hill – there’s even a replica of Dr Who’s tardis to be discovered! The views from the lookout near the peak are worth the climb.
Swimmers can be found doing laps of Kingswim Deakin indoor pool (2 King Street) or perhaps booking in for a water aerobics session. Team players can join any number of community sports played at the local sports fields, off Denison Street, or maybe you can take a slow introduction to a fitter, better you, by simply walking around the glorious and tree-lined avenues of this stately suburb.
Does this neighbourhood sound like home?
Check out these homes from HIVE.
70 MacGregor Street, Deakin
Modern design fundamentals underpinned by a generous floor plan, offering a low-maintenance, lock-up-and-leave lifestyle. This stylish home not only provides a welcoming entry into the sought after inner-south but also delivers on practicality and efficiency. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious master bedroom on the ground floor, complemented by a north-facing living space with high ceilings that flood the area with natural light, while outside, private front and back yards beckon relaxation and outdoor gatherings.
See the full listing here.
18/6 Grose Street, Deakin
A north-facing living area, private courtyard, and a ground-floor master suite with an ensuite. Upstairs, two bedrooms plus a versatile multipurpose room, perfect for separate living or a spacious fourth bedroom. Positioned across from Deakin Stadium, with shops, cafés, schools, and major amenities all within easy reach.
See the full listing here.
8 Jervois Street, Deakin
Your chance to create your own value in a suburb known for its prestige. On a flat block with North to the long side, offering optimal livability, design flexibility, and a premium location. A home designed for growth, set in a street where families stay for generations.
See the full listing here.
