Thinking of buying a home in Forde? Here are the nature walks and foodie hotspots you can enjoy

By
Jessica Taulaga
July 16, 2020
Mulligans Flat is located adjacent to the suburb of Forde. You can walk to the main gate of the fenced sanctuary from the main car park on Amy Ackman Street. Photo: Marina Neil Photo: Marina Neil

This week, we shine the spotlight on Forde to see what the Gungahlin suburb has to offer to potential buyers and can suggest that if you love immersing yourself in the outdoors, then this pocket of the north could be a pleasant surprise.

While it was only established in 2008, the young suburb has shed its baby-faced image and has cemented itself into the landscape of the Gungahlin region.

An interesting fact about Forde is that it was named after Frank Forde, who served as the nation’s prime minister for one week in 1945.

Did you also know that 29 per cent of Forde is dedicated to green space comprising 11 parks and close to 40 hectares of wetlands, all landscaped to immerse residents in open land and conserve the suburb’s diverse flora and fauna?

 

At a glance

Population: 4308

Median house price: $791,000

Median unit price: $645,000

 

Top sales

15 Quinane Avenue, $2.035 million

37 Doris Turner Street, $1.805 million

11 Rickman Street, $1.475 million

12 Everson Street, $1.445 million

29 Quinane Avenue, $1.406 million

 

Eat and drink

If you’re a pizza lover, head to Da Bronx. Its 18-inch jumbo pizzas are named after New York monuments and street names including Wall Street (a crowd favourite), the Statue of Liberty and Madison Square Garden. 

Da Bronx in Forde

If you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot, look no further than Frankies at Forde open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway. On Wednesdays, customers can also enjoy dinner and if you buy any bottle of wine, you’ll receive a free tasting plate too.

Frankies at Forde owner Mark Ramsay Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Alternatively, head to Jimmy’s Palace if you’re in search of tasty Chinese cuisine. Our top pick on the menu is its Mongolian lamb – an Asian classic.

 

See and do

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area which houses some of Australia’s native animals including the Eastern bettong. While it is open for day visits and the casual stroll, it’s best to book into one of the guided night tours to see the sanctuary really come alive after dark.

Participants gather at the Mulligans Flat woolshed for a torchlight tour of Mulligans Flat with sanctuary ecologist Kate Grarock. Photo: Matt Bedford
Mulligans Flat Photo: Melissa Adams

For an afternoon with the kids, Heritage Park is Forde’s answer to Lake Burley Griffin. It has bike paths, open spaces, community barbecues and colourful playgrounds for the kids to enjoy. If you’re looking for a place to teach the kids how to swim, Aquatots Swim Centre is the spot.

And for some quiet downtime, head to Change Yoga and Wellness Studio or pamper yourself at Blaq Hair & Beauty.

 

Move in:

8 Bromham Street, Forde

This modern home is both private and beautifully presented, with spacious living and dining areas perfect for a growing family.

Price guide: $820,000-$860,000

Auction: 3pm, July 25

Agent: McGrath North Canberra, Jess Smith 0410 125 475

Share: