Yarralumla

ACT 2600 • Australian Capital Territory

3,120
Population (2021)
$82,732
Median Income
8.30 km²
Area
$547/wk
Median Rent
AffluentHistoricHarboursideLeafyPrestige

About Yarralumla

Yarralumla is one of Canberra's most prestigious and historically significant suburbs, situated approximately 4 kilometres south-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) along the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, within the ACT's unincorporated area administered directly by the ACT Government. With a population of 3,120 at the 2021 Census and a median age of 50, the suburb is home to an affluent, established community of professionals, diplomats, and retirees. Its median weekly household income of $3,327 far exceeds the national average, reflecting the area's exclusive character and desirable lakeside setting.

Yarralumla is best known as Canberra's diplomatic precinct, housing more than 70 foreign embassies and high commissions alongside Government House — the official Canberra residence of the Governor-General of Australia. The suburb borders Lake Burley Griffin, offering scenic walking and cycling paths, and is adjacent to the Royal Canberra Golf Club and a range of landscaped parklands. Its quiet, tree-lined streets, heritage-listed properties, and grand ambassadorial residences give Yarralumla a distinctive, stately character unlike any other Canberra suburb, attracting those who value privacy, prestige, and proximity to the nation's political heart.

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

📍 Location

Postcode
2600
Urban Area
Narrabundah - Weston
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.30°, 149.10°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
8.30 km²
Elevation
564m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • ACTION bus services — Canberra City (Civic) 10–20 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
4 km
By Train
No direct train service; Light Rail Stage 2 (City–Woden) is proposed
By Car (Peak)
8–15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5–10 min

🛣️ Well-connected by ACTION buses; short drive along Parkes Way or Adelaide Avenue to Civic

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car, though lakeside paths and the nearby Parliamentary Triangle are easily accessible on foot or by bike

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$547
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,425
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.6%

60 state housing + 9 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,890
Census 2021
3,120
8.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$70,044
Income 2021
$82,732
18.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,116
Born Overseas 885

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 159
  • 2. India 68
  • 3. United States 67
  • 4. China 52
  • 5. New Zealand 51
  • 6. South Africa 37
  • 7. Canada 31
  • 8. Germany 23
  • 9. Malaysia 22
  • 10. Vietnam 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,139
Australian 911
Irish 510
Scottish 397
Italian 137
Indian 135
Chinese 134
German 133
Dutch 64
Croatian 48

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,434
Both parents born in Australia
1,129
Both parents born overseas
441
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.3%
No Religion
43.0%
Hinduism
3.2%
Buddhism
1.6%
Islam
1.3%
Judaism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
123 (3.9%)
5-14 years
353 (11.3%)
15-19 years
181 (5.8%)
20-24 years
145 (4.6%)
25-34 years
209 (6.7%)
35-44 years
344 (11.0%)
45-54 years
416 (13.3%)
55-64 years
463 (14.8%)
65-74 years
529 (17.0%)
75-84 years
268 (8.6%)
85+ years
84 (2.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarralumla known for? +

Yarralumla is best known as Canberra's diplomatic precinct, home to more than 70 foreign embassies and high commissions, as well as Government House — the official Canberra residence of the Governor-General of Australia. It is also celebrated for its beautiful Lake Burley Griffin frontage and prestigious heritage properties.

How far is Yarralumla from Canberra CBD? +

Yarralumla is approximately 4 kilometres south-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic), making it a short 8–15 minute drive depending on traffic, or a scenic ride along the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore path.

Does Yarralumla have public transport? +

Yarralumla is served by ACTION bus services connecting it to the Canberra city centre and surrounding suburbs. There is no rail or light rail service currently in the suburb, though Light Rail Stage 2 (City–Woden) is a proposed future project for the broader area.

What is the population of Yarralumla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yarralumla has a population of 3,120 residents, up from 2,890 in 2016. The suburb has a median age of 50, reflecting a mature, established community.

Is Yarralumla a good place to live? +

Yarralumla is considered one of Canberra's most desirable addresses, offering a quiet, leafy atmosphere, Lake Burley Griffin access, and proximity to the city centre. It suits professionals, diplomats, and retirees seeking prestige and privacy, though housing costs reflect its exclusive status.

What is the postcode for Yarralumla? +

Yarralumla's postcode is 2600, which it shares with several other Canberra inner suburbs including Parkes and Deakin.