15 of the Most Family-Friendly Suburbs in Brisbane
We pick out the best family-friendly suburbs in Brisbane for those looking to put down roots.
Brisbane is known for being super liveable. Whether you've got strong feelings about living north or south, or you're a city mouse at heart, there are plenty of suburbs across the city that can suit your lifestyle. Family-friendly suburbs in Brisbane are spread well around Brisbane, offering a diverse range of opportunities for differing lifestyles.
With access to great schools, green open spaces and a strong community heart, here are fifteen of the most liveable suburbs in Brisbane for raising a family.
Carina Heights
The walkable suburb of Carina Heights offers young families everything they need on their doorstep. There are excellent childcare options and schooling, a local library and beautiful parks and playgrounds where kids can keep active. Locals love the relaxed, suburban lifestyle, while the CBD is an easy 20-minute drive away.
Daily essentials are taken care of with shops dotted along Old Cleveland Road and Westfield Carindale right next door.
Alderley
Often considered Brisbane’s most liveable suburb for families, Alderley boasts walkable, leafy streets lined with character-filled homes. It’s conveniently positioned just five kilometres from the city centre while offering residents access to gorgeous parks and walking tracks to immerse themselves in nature. There are abundant shopping options, a railway station catering to commuters and highly regarded schools nearby.
Ascot
Exclusive Ascot is known for its plentiful parks, rich racing history and distinguished homes that have enticed affluent families for generations. It offers residents a charmed lifestyle, just 10 minutes from the city centre and surrounded by top schools.
There are pretty playgrounds as well as local cafés, grocery stores and boutiques lining Racecourse Road. Ascot is known for its friendly and supportive village-like atmosphere.
Chermside West
The peaceful, leafy suburb of Chermside West is a popular pick for families, with fantastic community amenities meeting your every need. There are breathtaking parks and bushland including the expansive Raven Street Reserve, childcare centres and day-to-day shopping and entertainment at Westfield Chermside.
There are several excellent private schools nearby and enough express city buses to ensure you'll have a seamless commute into town.
Wilston
A haven for families seeking open space, café culture and access to public transport, Wilston is easy living at its best. Its streets showcase a mix of architecture, from classic Queenslanders to modern designer homes, catering to discerning buyers.
Residents can keep fit with bike paths, sporting grounds and the Newmarket Pool just minutes away. By night and day, Wilston Village hums with shops, eateries and bars.
Kalinga
Nestled between Clayfield and Wooloowin, the stately inner-city pocket of Kalinga couples proximity to the CBD with a truly serene setting, that makes it one of Brisbane’s most desirable postcodes. Property here is tightly held, with numerous high-end homes being passed down between generations. Kalinga is bordered by Kedron Brook, along which sits the heritage-listed Kalinga Park with a playground, sports fields, tennis courts and picnic area.
Sandgate
Once dominated by retirees, Sandgate is now high on the list for young families wanting to soak up the laid-back lifestyle. The bayside suburb offers a vibrant village community with a handful of cafés and restaurants, specialty stores and a library.
Locals enjoy water sports, an aquatic centre and numerous walking and cycle paths connecting the foreshore. When the city calls, it’s an easy 30-minute drive away.
Ferny Grove
With bush tracks, bike paths, water play area areas and skating bowls, there’s plenty to keep kids busy in Ferny Grove. This north-west suburb has a real community-centric spirit, with most residents being within walking distance of schools and essential shops. Houses here tend to sit on generous, low-maintenance blocks appealing to modern families. From Ferny Grove station it’s a 40-minute train ride into the CBD.
Grange
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, the northern neighbourhood of Grange is home to a wealth of green spaces and picturesque heritage homes that make it the envy of Brisbane families.
It has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with sporting clubs, popular cafés and a highly sought-after school catchment. On weekends, families can get out on the Kedron Brook Bikeway, stopping for a creek-side picnic.
Wakerley
Surrounded by local amenities, the family-dominated suburb of Wakerley is known for its spacious, quality homes and strong community pride. This is the type of place where kids ride bikes down the streets and neighbours gather for weekend barbecues. Young families are moving in for its access to public and private schools, pretty parks and playgrounds, while being minutes to the Manly foreshore and major shopping hubs.
Bardon
Sitting alongside the Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, Bardon is an enviable suburb, boasting excellent schools and childcare facilities, making it one of the best Brisbane suburbs for families.
There are plentiful opportunities for the outdoorsy types, with hiking and biking trails, botanical gardens and scenic lookouts. The shopaholics in the family will love the boutiques in the vicinity, and with easy access to Paddington’s thriving foodie scene and Petrie Terrace’s nightlife areas, there’s plenty to keep the parents occupied on date night.
Click here to check out the Bardon suburb guide.
Kenmore
Nestled in Brisbane’s western suburbs, Kenmore is the perfect blend of suburban tranquillity and urban amenities. Known for its excellent schools and educational facilities, the suburb is a magnet for families prioritizing education.
As you wind through the leafy streets you’ll happen upon plenty of community spaces, parks, restaurants and shopping centres that make living in this suburb a breeze. Public transport is readily accessible, and the city is a short 20-minute drive.
Camp Hill
Camp Hill is beloved by Brisbane Southsiders for a myriad of reasons. It’s a short six kilometres from the city centre, yet you feel miles away from the bustle of inner-city living. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy, including the White Hill Reserve which offers plenty of room for picnics, a game of cricket or a day at the playground.
There’s a beautiful mix of homes in the area, from classic Queenslanders to modern apartments designed to suit a range of lifestyles. Camp Hill is home to a wide range of primary and secondary schools and numerous childcare centres, making it one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Brisbane.
Holland Park
Not to be overlooked when considering the most family-friendly suburbs in Brisbane is Holland Park, found in Brisbane’s southeast. Known for its community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere, this suburb is equipped with parks and green spaces, most notably Glindemann Park.
There are multiple local schooling options, as well as a whole hosts of shops and dining venues along Logan Road, meaning there’s always plenty to do in this bustling Brissie ‘burb.
Holland Park’s mix of charming post-war homes and modern residences, along with its welcoming community, makes it a fantastic option for families looking to settle down.
Keperra
Keperra is the hidden gem of Brisbane’s northwest, offering the perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity for families. Outdoor activities are always on the agenda here, with parks and bushlands in close proximity, including the popular Enoggera Reservoir.
Your shopping and dining needs are catered to, with convenient and well-equipped shopping centres covering your retail needs. There’s easy access to Brisbane’s inner suburbs either via a short commute, or accessible public transport, making Keperra a top pick for family living.
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