A day in Googong: The suburb that's making ACT home buyers look across the border

Just 25 minutes from Canberra and a short hop across the border, Googong is one of the region’s newest townships, with five neighbourhoods.

Construction started back in 2012, with the first residents moving in early in February 2014, and with plenty of open space, the area maintains a country-town feel.

The locals, dubbed Googians, can be recognised by the tongs they carry around … if the town’s quirky ads are anything to go by.

Chifley at a glance

Population: 2690

Median House Price: $720,000

Median Unit Price: $500,000

Top sales

177 Binowee Drive: $1.7 million

31 Wells Place: $1.258 million

19 Shillington Avenue: $1.2 million

75 Swan Drive: $1.1 million

38 Helen Circuit: $1.09 million

Eat & Drink

It was right in the middle of 2020, in the thick of COVID-19 restrictions, that Googong finally got its own local pub. Located at Googong North Village Centre, Gorman & Co initially could serve locals only via takeaway. These days it’s open for lazy weekend brunches plus upmarket pub fare, happy hour drinks and takeaway six days a week.

You can also grab a coffee and settle in for a cosy breakfast at the friendly Moker Bean Cafe.

See & Do

Gorman & Co is one of Googong’s most popular watering holes – the other is an actual water hole. Googong Dam is a picturesque spot for a picnic, bushwalk or mountain bike, or you can hit the water in a kayak or a sailing dinghy.

It’s also popular with keen anglers – you might snag a rainbow trout, golden perch or Murray cod.

And Googong is home to the free, live music festival Googfest, which usually runs in April and is also known for other family-friendly community events.

Move In

View property

This brand new display home in Googong features luxury inclusions and high-end quality finishes, including high ceilings, a Velux skylight, al fresco retreat off the main bedroom, and solar panels.

Price guide: $1.1 million-$1.2 million

Private sale

Agent: Ideal Building Solutions, Rad Trpkovski 0402 469 732