🔍

Forrest

ACT 2603 • Australian Capital Territory

1,827
Population (2021)
$174,876
Median Household Income
1.59 km²
Area
$570/wk
Median Rent
PrestigeEstablishedHistoricLeafyCBD-Adjacent
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About Forrest

Forrest is one of Canberra's most prestigious inner-south suburbs, located approximately 5 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the South Canberra district. Established in 1926 and named after explorer and statesman Sir John Forrest, it is one of the Australian Capital Territory's oldest planned suburbs. With a 2021 population of 1,827 and a median household income of $3,363 per week — among the highest of any suburb in the ACT — Forrest is characterised by large, established homes on generous blocks, tree-lined avenues, and a refined residential character.

Forrest is home to a number of foreign embassies and high commissions, lending it a diplomatic character that sets it apart from other inner-Canberra suburbs. The suburb sits between Capital Hill (Parliament House) to the north and Red Hill Reserve to the south, offering proximity to Canberra's key governmental and cultural precincts. Residents enjoy easy access to Manuka Village and Kingston Foreshore for dining and retail, as well as excellent local schools and the nearby Australian War Memorial. Its quiet, leafy streets, high security, and proximity to Parliament House make it a long-favoured address for politicians, senior public servants, and diplomats.

Forrest falls under postcode 2603 and lies within an unincorporated area with no local council. For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Canberra, while state elections fall under the Murrumbidgee electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Australian Capital Territory by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2603
Urban Area
Narrabundah - Weston
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Canberra
State Electorate
Murrumbidgee
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.32°, 149.13°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.59 km²
Population Density
1,149 /km²
Elevation
589m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2603

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2603, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$81,877
Median 2023–24
$94,020
▲ 14.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$147,320

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2603; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$81,952
Personal Income 2021
$94,432
▲ 15.2% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$94,432 / yr
$1816/wk
Household
$174,876 / yr
$3363/wk
Family
$235,664 / yr
$4532/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$570
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,520
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • ACTION Route 2, 8, 80 — Canberra City (Civic) / Woden Town Centre 10-15 min to Civic

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
5 km
By Train
No direct rail; ACTION bus to Civic takes 10–15 min
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
7-10 min

🛣️ Very close to Parliament House and City; ACTION buses are frequent; most residents drive

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Close-in suburb with good access to Manuka Village on foot; most daily errands doable without a car for locals

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,615
Census 2021
1,827
▲ 13.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,317
Born Overseas 460

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 55
  • 2. India 38
  • 3. China 30
  • 4. New Zealand 29
  • 5. United States 23
  • 6. Sri Lanka 20
  • 7. Malaysia 18
  • 8. Hong Kong 14
  • 9. France 12
  • 10. Italy 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 625
Australian 534
Irish 278
Scottish 254
Italian 105
Chinese 85
German 83
Greek 70
Indian 62
Polish 37

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

887
Both parents born in Australia
598
Both parents born overseas
290
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.9%
No Religion
41.9%
Hinduism
2.7%
Buddhism
1.6%
Islam
1.5%
Judaism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.2%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
44 (2.4%)
5-14 years
163 (8.9%)
15-19 years
93 (5.1%)
20-24 years
95 (5.2%)
25-34 years
277 (15.2%)
35-44 years
187 (10.2%)
45-54 years
282 (15.4%)
55-64 years
270 (14.8%)
65-74 years
239 (13.1%)
75-84 years
149 (8.2%)
85+ years
36 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forrest known for? +

Forrest is known as one of Canberra's most prestigious suburbs, housing numerous foreign embassies and high commissions, and favoured by diplomats, senior public servants, and politicians. It is named after explorer and statesman Sir John Forrest and is characterised by grand established homes, tree-lined avenues, and its proximity to Parliament House.

How far is Forrest from Canberra CBD? +

Forrest is approximately 5 kilometres south of Canberra's CBD (Civic), typically a 7–15 minute drive or a 10–15 minute ACTION bus journey.

Does Forrest have public transport? +

Forrest is served by ACTION bus routes connecting it to Canberra City (Civic) and Woden Town Centre. There is no light rail station in Forrest; the nearest light rail stop is in Civic, about 5 kilometres north. Most residents drive given the suburb's proximity to the CBD and Parliament House.

What is the population of Forrest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forrest has a population of 1,827 residents. With a median age of 47 and an average household size of 2.2, it reflects the demographic of established, professional households.

Is Forrest a good place to live? +

Forrest is an exceptional address for those who value prestige, proximity to power, and a quiet, leafy lifestyle within minutes of Canberra's CBD and cultural institutions. Median household income is among the highest in the ACT. It is best suited to established professionals, diplomats, and senior government figures; property prices reflect its desirability.

What is the postcode for Forrest? +

Forrest's postcode is 2603.

What is the average income in Forrest? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Forrest is about $1,816 per week (around $94,400 per year). The median household income is $3,363 per week and the median family income is $4,532 per week.

What is the age profile of Forrest? +

The median age in Forrest is 47. The largest age group is 45–54 (282 residents, around 15%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Forrest? +

In Forrest, the median weekly rent is $570, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,520 (2021 Census).