Acton
ACT 2601 • Australian Capital Territory
About Acton
Acton is a suburb of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, situated approximately 2 kilometres west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) and bordered by Black Mountain to the west and Lake Burley Griffin to the south. The suburb is dominated by the Australian National University (ANU) campus, which covers the majority of its 6 square kilometres. With a population of around 2,848 in the 2021 census — predominantly university students — Acton has one of the youngest median ages of any suburb in Australia at just 19 years.
As home to the ANU campus, Acton buzzes with student life, academic activity, and cultural institutions. The suburb hosts notable venues including the National Film and Sound Archive, the ANU School of Art and Design, and Kambri — the university's vibrant cultural and retail precinct. Its proximity to Lake Burley Griffin provides access to cycling and walking paths, while the CBD's restaurants, bars, and entertainment are within easy walking distance. The area is deeply multicultural, reflecting ANU's large international student cohort from China, India, South-East Asia, and beyond.
Acton falls under postcode 2601 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Route 3, 7, 56 — Canberra City (Civic) 5-10 min
- Route 3, 300s — Woden Town Centre 25-35 min
Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)
🛣️ Very close to CBD; cycling and walking are practical options
Extensive pedestrian paths across the ANU campus and around Lake Burley Griffin; CBD within easy walking distance
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.
Housing 2021 Census
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. China 149
- 2. England 113
- 3. India 87
- 4. United States 38
- 5. Singapore 33
- 6. New Zealand 29
- 7. Malaysia 27
- 8. South Africa 23
- 9. Hong Kong 18
- 10. Indonesia 18
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)