Australian Capital Territory location profile
Forrest ACT 2603
Forrest is an affluent, leafy inner-south suburb of Canberra known for its garden-city layout, wide tree-lined streets and heritage character. It offers a quiet, diplomatic feel with grand homes and high-end apartments within easy reach of national institutions and premier dining precincts.
Explore schools in Forrest
Compare local schools using the BestSchools list and interactive map.
Why families consider Forrest
Predominantly professional and diplomatic residents, with a high-income demographic and a mix of heritage residences and luxury apartments. Lifestyle is refined and quiet, centred on nearby Manuka and Kingston for dining and retail, with excellent access to cultural institutions and employment in the Parliamentary Triangle.
Amenities & services
- Manuka Village shopping and dining precinct (Manuka)
- Kingston Shops and Kingston Foreshore restaurants (Kingston)
- Deakin local shops and medical precinct (Deakin)
- Calvary John James Hospital (Deakin)
- The Canberra Hospital (Garran)
- GP and specialist clinics in Deakin and Barton
- Manuka Oval (AFL/cricket/events, Griffith)
- Manuka Pool (heritage outdoor pool, Griffith)
- Kingston Library, Giles Street, Kingston
- Civic Library, London Circuit, City
- National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes
Transport & connectivity
- Canberra Railway Station (Kingston) for NSW TrainLink services
- Transport Canberra Rapid 6 buses via Manuka/Kingston to City and Woden
- Local Inner South bus services connecting Forrest, Barton, Griffith and the City
- Major roads: Canberra Avenue, State Circle, Melbourne Avenue, National Circuit, Hobart Avenue
- Off-road cycle paths to the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston Foreshore and the City
Lifestyle & recreation
- Manuka Oval (AFL, cricket and events)
- Manuka Pool (seasonal outdoor swimming)
- Telopea Park playgrounds and BBQ areas
- Parliament House gardens and walking circuits
- Kingston Foreshore promenades and Canberra Glassworks
- National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery (nearby, Parkes)
- Collins Park (Forrest)
- Forrest Park
- Telopea Park (nearby)
- Old Parliament House National Rose Gardens
- Red Hill Nature Reserve (nearby)
- York Park (Barton)
Education context
Several long day care and preschool options in Forrest and nearby Manuka, Kingston and Barton; demand is high and waitlists are common, with services catering to extended hours for public service and diplomatic workers.
- Australian National University (Acton)
- UNSW Canberra at ADFA (Campbell)
- University of Canberra (Bruce)
- Australian Catholic University – Signadou Campus (Watson)