🔍

Barton

ACT 2600 • Australian Capital Territory

1,946
Population (2021)
$92,300
Median Income
2.15 km²
Area
$525/wk
Median Rent
AffluentCBD-AdjacentLeafyHistoricPrestige

About Barton

Barton is a prestigious inner suburb of Canberra, situated approximately 2 kilometres south-east of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the Parliamentary Triangle precinct. With a population of 1,946 and a median weekly household income of $2,462 — among the highest in the ACT — Barton is home to a concentration of senior public servants, diplomats, and professionals. The suburb has a median age of 39 and a predominantly apartment-based housing mix, reflecting its high-density, inner-city character.

Barton is known for its remarkable concentration of national and diplomatic institutions, including numerous embassies, the Australian Federal Police headquarters, and proximity to Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and the High Court. The suburb's tree-lined streets and lakeside setting along Lake Burley Griffin contribute to a distinguished, leafy atmosphere. Residents enjoy easy access to Kingston Foreshore's restaurants and bars, the Manuka shopping precinct, and regular bus services connecting to the Canberra CBD and surrounding suburbs.

Barton falls under postcode 2600 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2600
Urban Area
Narrabundah - Weston
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Canberra
State Electorate
Kurrajong
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.31°, 149.14°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
2.15 km²
Elevation
556m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • ACTION Route 3, 8, 80 — Canberra City (Civic) 8-15 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
2 km
By Train
No direct train service; Canberra does not have a suburban rail network
By Car (Peak)
5-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5-10 min

🛣️ Very close to CBD; Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue provide direct access

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Walkable to national institutions and Lake Burley Griffin foreshore; Kingston Foreshore dining is a short walk, though a car or bus is needed for major retail

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$525
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,015
Avg Household Size
1.7 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

4 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,439
Census 2021
1,946
▲ 35.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$81,952
Income 2021
$92,300
▲ 12.6% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,217
Born Overseas 503

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 81
  • 2. United States 36
  • 3. China 35
  • 4. New Zealand 31
  • 5. India 26
  • 6. Malaysia 17
  • 7. Germany 11
  • 8. South Korea 10
  • 9. Scotland 9
  • 10. South Africa 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 679
Australian 473
Irish 304
Scottish 240
German 104
Chinese 96
Italian 68
Indian 49
Greek 39
Welsh 32

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

833
Both parents born in Australia
591
Both parents born overseas
293
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.3%
Christianity
32.1%
Buddhism
1.7%
Islam
1.6%
Hinduism
1.3%
Judaism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
54 (2.8%)
5-14 years
89 (4.6%)
15-19 years
39 (2.0%)
20-24 years
128 (6.6%)
25-34 years
518 (26.6%)
35-44 years
292 (15.0%)
45-54 years
262 (13.5%)
55-64 years
241 (12.4%)
65-74 years
233 (12.0%)
75-84 years
87 (4.5%)
85+ years
12 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barton known for? +

Barton is best known as a hub of diplomatic and governmental activity in Canberra, housing numerous foreign embassies, the Australian Federal Police headquarters, and proximity to national landmarks including Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and the High Court. It is named after Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.

How far is Barton from Canberra CBD? +

Barton is approximately 2 kilometres south-east of the Canberra CBD (Civic), typically a 5-15 minute drive, or a short 15-20 minute walk via Commonwealth or Kings Avenue bridges over Lake Burley Griffin.

Does Barton have public transport? +

Barton is served by ACTION bus routes connecting it to Canberra City and surrounding suburbs. There is no suburban rail network in Canberra; the light rail system operates from the CBD northward to Gungahlin, not to Barton.

What is the population of Barton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Barton has a population of 1,946 — a significant increase from 1,439 in 2016, reflecting new apartment developments in the suburb in recent years.

Is Barton a good place to live? +

Barton is ideal for those seeking a prestigious, walkable location close to Canberra's national institutions, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Kingston Foreshore dining precinct. It particularly appeals to senior public servants, diplomats, and professionals, offering a refined inner-city lifestyle in one of Canberra's most significant precincts.

What is the postcode for Barton? +

The postcode for Barton, Australian Capital Territory is 2600.