With the median house price approximately $1M lower than neighbouring suburbs Griffith and Red Hill, Narrabundah represents great value for money for those looking for an Inner South lifestyle in a more affordable price range.
Licensed agent Christine Shaw from Blackshaw Manuka is well qualified to talk about the suburb with two recent awards under her belt – an ‘Agent of the Year for Narrabundah’ award and a ‘Top Ten Agents in the ACT’ award. Christine sees a great future for Narrabundah.
“Narrabundah will undergo the greatest transformation compared to any other Inner South suburb over the next decade, with so many houses being renovated in so many streets, as well as knock-down rebuild opportunities aplenty,’ she says.
“The regeneration of the suburb will make it look completely different in years to come, and I think buyers will regret not getting in now. There is definitely something for everyone with units and apartments starting at around $485,000.”
Narrabundah consists of three distinct areas. The area closest to the shops was established in the late 1940s and includes many of the cottages that were built to house an influx of construction and printing workers from the UK.
“This part of the suburb is quintessential Narrabundah, with the old character houses interspersed with newer homes and townhouses. There is even a Sekesui house not far from the shops showing how confident newer Narrabundah residents are of its capital growth into the future,” says Christine. “Recent sales have been between $905,000 to $927,000 for entry level three-bedroom homes”.
The second area of Narrabundah is a small pocket bordered by Sturt Avenue and Captain Cook Crescent and very close to Griffith shops. The housing in this area comprises quaint old homes as well as new houses and apartments.
“Residents of this part of Narrabundah are just a stroll away from Griffith shops with its focus on natural health outlets such as Mountain Creek, Organic Energy and the Hierophant, as well as renowned pub The Gryphon and several popular restaurants” says Christine.
“A recent sale at 51 Strzelecki Crescent Narrabundah achieved $1,405,000 as a renovation entry level home”.
The third area is on the opposite side of Captain Cook Crescent and is sometimes referred to as Upper Narrabundah, or the Griffith end of Narrabundah. It was established in the 1960s and it ascends quite steeply to meet Red Hill with some of the houses in the highest streets enjoying panoramic views of the city and Black Mountain.
For the bird lovers among us, the streets closest to Red Hill are home to the Narrabundah peafowls, routinely seen strutting around the reserves near Caley Crescent, Brockman Street and Hamelin Crescent.
“In 2023, this third area achieved the record price for Narrabundah with 13 Finniss Crescent selling for $3.625M and four of the five $3M plus sales in Narrabundah occurring in this pocket,” says Christine.
Whichever part of Narrabundah takes your fancy, its leafy streets, wide roads and green spaces provide a peaceful suburban environment just a moments drive to a whole host of amenities such as Kingston and Manuka shops, Kingston railway station and the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets.
The name Narrabundah is a local aboriginal word said to mean ‘small hawk’. A public artwork to celebrate the name and mark the site is located in the park opposite the Narrabundah shops.
EAT
D’Browes
D’Browes has been a fine-dining establishment at Narrabundah shops since 2005. The menu is European-based with a strong Asian influence. Enjoy traditional dining, candle-lit tables, crisp linen and designer decor. D’Browes is a BYO restaurant.
La Cantina
Roman style brick walls and classic Italian oil paintings create a ‘cellar feel’ at Italian restaurant La Cantina. The menu features traditional and modern Italian fare, with hearty family recipes among the favourites.
Kita
Kita is a nocturnal hotspot offering quality food and coffee beyond traditional opening hours. Open from 6pm to 6am, Kita is an alcohol free space which serves Australian and Indonesian dishes.
Danny’s Bakery
Danny’s Bakery sells a range of sourdough bread, pies and old-fashioned Aussie cakes (think vanilla slices, lamingtons and more). In their own words they are ‘legendary sourdough whisperers baking the world a better place’.
SHOP
IGA – For all your supermarket needs.
Vinnies – A treasure trove of pre-loved and reasonably-priced clothing and household items.
The Locker Room Barbershop – A barbershop also dedicated to men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Narrabundah Shops is also home to 3 hairdressers, 2 additional cafes, a pharmacy, a convenience store and Laurrie Scheele Real Estate.
PLAY
Parks – Narrabundah has a range of playgrounds, parks and ovals including Rocky Knoll in upper Narrabundah where if you are lucky you might see some of the peacocks which have made their home in the surrounding streets.
Tennis courts – Narrabundah tennis courts are available for booking by the general public. They include a clubhouse, BBQ and lights on the centre court.
Capital Public Golf Course – An18 hole golf course with carts available for hire, picnic tables and Phat Boy Burgers food truck.
Canberra International Golf Centre – A 64 bay double-storey driving range, 18 hole pitch and putt course, mini golf and one of Australia’s largest golf retail stores.
Narrabundah Wetlands – The 420m long wetland is a haven for wildlife and favourite with locals. It can be accessed from Matina Street.
