Belconnen isn’t just a place to visit as our team at Contemporary Plumbing know only too well, it’s a place to live, grow, and thrive. Located in Canberra’s north-west, this well-established district offers a unique blend of lakeside tranquillity, urban convenience, and community-focused living. Whether you’re a young professional, student, family, or retiree, Belconnen caters to a wide range of lifestyles and stages of life, making everyday living a breeze.
A Lifestyle on the Lake
At the heart of Belconnen is Lake Ginninderra, a defining feature of the area and a major drawcard for locals. Many residents live within walking distance of the lake, enjoying daily walks, bike rides, or paddleboarding sessions right on their doorstep. The lakeside paths, shaded picnic areas, and playgrounds make it ideal for active families and outdoor lovers.
Apartments along Emu Bank and Chandler Street offer stunning lake views and modern living, while leafy suburban streets just minutes away provide detached homes and quiet cul-de-sacs perfect for raising a family. This variety of housing options empowers you to choose the perfect home for your needs.
Amenities That Make Life Easy
Living in Belconnen means having everything you need close by. Westfield Belconnen is one of Canberra’s major shopping areas, with the usual supermarkets, retail stores, health services, cafes, and cinemas all under one roof. It’s a convenient, one-stop destination for everything from your weekly grocery shop to catching a movie or grabbing a coffee.
Just across the road, Belconnen Markets now known as Capital Food Markets, a long-time favourite among locals, is currently undergoing an exciting redevelopment. Once completed, the upgraded markets are set to become a revitalised hub for fresh food, specialty retailers, and artisan goods. The vision is to create a vibrant, European-style market atmosphere where you can buy your weekly produce, enjoy a coffee, and explore stalls run by Canberra-based producers and makers.
Even during the redevelopment phase, the markets are still partially operating, and when fully open, they’ll offer butchers, seafood vendors, delis, bakeries, international grocery stores, and much more. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a place to connect with your community and support local businesses. The market includes a new 5,500-square-meter market hall and a residential and hotel development next door.
Healthcare is well covered with nearby Calvary Hospital, Belconnen Community Health Centre, and various private medical clinics. Getting around is easy, too; Belconnen is one of the most well-connected districts in Canberra, with excellent bus routes and direct access to major roads. It’s also one of the most bike-friendly areas in the ACT, with a network of shared paths linking suburbs, parks, and the city.
Education and Employment
The presence of the University of Canberra in neighbouring Bruce makes Belconnen a popular base for students, researchers, and young professionals. The district also has excellent public and private schools, including Radford College, Kaleen High, and Macquarie Primary.
Employment opportunities are strong, with government departments, health services, education providers, and retail all represented in the area. It’s also well-connected for those who work in the city or Gungahlin corridor.
A Diverse and Growing Community
Belconnen is one of the most culturally diverse parts of Canberra, and that’s reflected in its food, festivals, and neighbourhood events. You’ll find everything from authentic Korean BBQ to Vietnamese pho and Ethiopian injera at local favourites around Emu Bank and Lathlain Street.
The Belconnen Arts Centre adds a cultural heart to the district, offering exhibitions, workshops, and events that bring people together. Families love the local libraries, community centres, and sports clubs, while fitness enthusiasts make the most of CISAC, one of Canberra’s largest aquatic and gym facilities.
What About the Surrounding Suburbs?
Belconnen isn’t just one suburb; it’s a district made up of many unique neighbourhoods, each with its own personality:
- Bruce – Close to UC, Calvary Hospital, and sporting facilities. It’s a hub for education and healthcare professionals, with plenty of modern housing options.
- Kaleen – A well-established suburb with excellent schools, spacious parks, and a strong community feel. Great for families.
- Lawson – One of Belconnen’s newest suburbs with modern townhouses, proximity to the lake, and easy transport links.
- Macquarie – Quiet and leafy with a community vibe, home to Jamison Centre and regular weekend markets.
- Cook and Weetangera – Peaceful, green suburbs with larger blocks and a semi-rural feel, ideal for those who want space without sacrificing convenience.
Why People Choose to Live in Belconnen
Belconnen offers that rare balance of lifestyle, location, and liveability. You’re close enough to the city to enjoy its benefits but far enough away to feel the peace of suburban life. With a strong sense of community, excellent schools, access to nature, and a wide range of housing styles, it’s easy to see why so many people call Belconnen home.
Whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing, or moving in with a growing family, Belconnen offers flexibility, diversity, and a genuine sense of belonging.
