🇨🇳 Top 10 Suburbs for Chinese in Australia
Chinese Australians are one of the country's oldest and largest migrant communities, with roots stretching back to the 1850s gold rush. Today, over 1.2 million Australians claim Chinese ancestry, forming vibrant communities across every capital city. This national ranking uses ABS Census 2021 ancestry data to reveal where Chinese heritage is most concentrated.
Eastwood NSW 2122
Australia's most Chinese suburb, where nearly half the population claims Chinese ancestry. Eastwood's main street is a bustling strip of Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and herbal medicine shops. The suburb has earned its reputation as Sydney's unofficial second Chinatown, with a thriving food scene that draws visitors from across the city.
Burwood NSW 2134
Burwood's transformation into a Chinese cultural hub has been dramatic — nearly half its 18,000+ residents identify with Chinese ancestry. The Burwood Road strip is packed with hotpot restaurants, bubble tea shops, and Asian supermarkets. Its central location on the T1/T2 train lines and proximity to universities make it a magnet for students and young professionals.
Hurstville NSW 2220
With over 14,600 Chinese-ancestry residents, Hurstville has the largest absolute Chinese population on this list. The suburb's Forest Road precinct is a major Chinese dining and shopping destination. Its own train station, established schools, and diverse housing stock attract families who want a complete suburban package with strong cultural connections.
East Killara NSW 2071
This quiet, leafy upper North Shore pocket surprises at #4 nationally with 46.7% Chinese ancestry. Despite its small population, East Killara attracts affluent Chinese families drawn to the prestigious school catchments, spacious homes, and proximity to Chatswood's Asian amenities. It's the premium end of Chinese-Australian suburban life.
Box Hill VIC 3128
Melbourne's Chinese heartland, Box Hill is the only Victorian suburb in the national top 10. Its station area features a dense cluster of Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, and services that rival any capital city Chinatown. The suburb's 46.6% Chinese ancestry concentration makes it Melbourne's most significant Chinese community hub, with cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Rhodes NSW 2138
This harbour-front suburb has been transformed by high-rise development, attracting a large Chinese community (43.2%). Rhodes Shopping Centre and surrounding apartments have created a modern, walkable neighbourhood popular with young Chinese-Australian professionals and families. The suburb offers waterfront living with direct train access to the CBD.
Chatswood NSW 2067
One of Sydney's most important Chinese commercial centres, Chatswood combines major shopping centres with a vibrant Asian food scene. Over 10,800 Chinese-ancestry residents call it home, and the suburb's dual train stations (T1 and Metro) make it one of the most connected on this list. Chatswood is where corporate Australia meets Chinese-Australian culture.
Rochedale QLD 4123
Brisbane's representative in the national top 10, Rochedale leads Queensland with 41.0% Chinese ancestry. This relatively quiet suburb near Springwood has attracted Chinese families with its newer homes, proximity to the Gateway Motorway, and access to Sunnybank's famous Asian dining precinct — considered Brisbane's Chinatown.
Haymarket NSW 2000
Home to Sydney's original Chinatown, Haymarket is where Chinese-Australian history lives. Dixon Street's iconic gates, restaurants, and markets have been a cultural landmark since the 19th century. Today, 40.9% of its diverse inner-city population identifies with Chinese ancestry, surrounded by universities, Central Station, and the CBD.
Carlingford NSW 2118
Rounding out the national top 10, Carlingford has quietly built one of Sydney's largest Chinese communities with over 11,300 residents of Chinese ancestry. The suburb offers quality schools (including the selective James Ruse Agricultural High), spacious family homes, and a growing number of Chinese businesses along Carlingford Road.
📊 Methodology
Rankings are based on the proportion of residents who reported Chinese ancestry in the ABS Census 2021. Only suburbs within the Greater Australia area with a population of 500+ were included. "Chinese ancestry" refers to self-reported ancestry, which may differ from country of birth. A person can report up to two ancestries in the Census.