🔍

Charnwood

ACT 2615 • Australian Capital Territory

3,055
Population (2021)
$49,296
Median Income
1.86 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlySuburbanCommuter BeltAffordableEstablished

About Charnwood

Charnwood is a suburban locality in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 16 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic). Established in the early 1970s as part of Canberra's planned expansion into the Belconnen satellite city, the suburb covers around 1.9 square kilometres at an elevation of 583 metres. With a population of 3,055 and a median age of 35, Charnwood is a family-oriented community reflecting Canberra's characteristically planned residential character. The median household income of around $94,500 annually places it within the mid-range of the ACT's suburban areas.

Charnwood has a local shopping centre providing everyday retail and services, and is well connected to the broader Belconnen town centre — including Westfield Belconnen, the Belconnen Arts Centre, and Lake Ginninderra — all within a short drive. The suburb is served by Canberra's ACTION bus network, with routes along Ginninderra Drive and Tillyard Drive linking residents to the city and surrounding districts. Quiet residential streets, open reserves, and proximity to Belconnen's extensive parklands and recreational facilities attract young families and working couples seeking affordable living within Canberra's north-west corridor.

Charnwood falls under postcode 2615 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ginninderra electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2615
Urban Area
Belconnen
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Fenner
State Electorate
Ginninderra
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.20°, 149.03°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.86 km²
Elevation
583m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • ACTION Route 51, 52, 54 — Belconnen Town Centre / Canberra City (Civic) 25-40 min to City

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
16 km
By Train
No direct train service; light rail does not serve Belconnen
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Bus via Belconnen Town Centre is the primary public transport option. Ginninderra Drive provides direct road access.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car, though local shopping and bus connections are accessible on foot from most parts of the suburb.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Charnwood Place Charnwood 2615 ACT

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,755
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
14.9%

163 state housing + 11 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,979
Census 2021
3,055
▲ 2.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$38,844
Income 2021
$49,296
▲ 26.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,272
Born Overseas 660

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Philippines 66
  • 2. England 64
  • 3. India 55
  • 4. New Zealand 30
  • 5. Vietnam 27
  • 6. China 21
  • 7. Pakistan 18
  • 8. Germany 16
  • 9. Scotland 16
  • 10. Thailand 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,123
Australian 1,078
Irish 356
Scottish 299
German 147
Australian Aboriginal 126
Italian 92
Filipino 89
Chinese 73
Dutch 61

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,621
Both parents born in Australia
868
Both parents born overseas
423
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.2%
Christianity
40.9%
Islam
3.5%
Buddhism
1.7%
Hinduism
1.5%
Sikhism
1.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
220 (7.2%)
5-14 years
424 (13.9%)
15-19 years
170 (5.6%)
20-24 years
158 (5.2%)
25-34 years
495 (16.2%)
35-44 years
505 (16.5%)
45-54 years
391 (12.8%)
55-64 years
293 (9.6%)
65-74 years
241 (7.9%)
75-84 years
111 (3.6%)
85+ years
30 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charnwood known for? +

Charnwood is known as a quiet, family-friendly suburb within Canberra's Belconnen district, offering affordable housing and easy access to the recreational amenities of Lake Ginninderra and Westfield Belconnen shopping centre.

How far is Charnwood from Canberra CBD? +

Charnwood is approximately 16 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic), making it a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic conditions.

Does Charnwood have public transport? +

Charnwood is served by Canberra's ACTION bus network, with services connecting to Belconnen Town Centre and the Canberra City bus interchange. There is no light rail or commuter rail service to the suburb.

What is the population of Charnwood? +

According to the 2021 Census, Charnwood has a population of 3,055 residents, with a median age of 35 — reflecting its appeal to young families and working-age adults.

Is Charnwood a good place to live? +

Charnwood offers a relaxed suburban lifestyle with the benefits of proximity to Belconnen's extensive retail, recreational, and educational facilities, making it a practical choice for families and those seeking affordable living within Canberra.

What is the postcode for Charnwood? +

The postcode for Charnwood, ACT is 2615.