Coombs: where you're surrounded by nature but only about '15 minutes to the city'

Coombs is one of those suburbs that takes you by surprise.

As one of the first suburbs to appear in the Molonglo Valley, it sits on the northern side of the arterial John Gorton Drive, tucked against the Molonglo River.

There are a growing number of apartment developments, as well as free-standing homes, but it’s managed to maintain that connection with nature its location affords.

It has views to a collection of hills that flow through to the National Arboretum and out west to the Brindabellas, and many open spaces are tucked away among the suburban streets.

Luton agent Josh Wilson loves this aspect of the suburb.

“Coombs has many excellent parks and nature trails,” he says. “It’s a great spot for a young family, and it’s on the doorstop of Mount Stromlo if you’re into mountain biking.

“You can be surrounded by nature, and you’re only 15 minutes to the city.”

Indeed, it’s this ease of access to the city, and to Belconnen and Woden via the nearby Tuggeranong Parkway, that’s generating interest in Coombs.

“The market has picked up in Coombs this year after a downturn in the last quarter of 2024,” Wilson says.

“We’ve seen a 25 per cent increase in buyer inspections at open homes, and we recently sold a townhouse after the first open home for $26,000 over the owner’s expectation.”

New amenities are popping up regularly, from cafes to community centres.

The Charles Weston Primary School has grown in reputation since it opened in 2016, fostering strong relationships with families and the Coombs community.

One of Canberra’s best play spaces, Ruth Park, is located near Holdens Creek Pond, with a wombat sculpture paying tribute to the children’s book The Muddle Headed Wombat written by Ruth Park herself.

Wilson says Coombs has something for everyone and is attracting a broad cross-section of buyers.

“There are first-home buyers looking to get into the market, investors interested in apartments and townhouses, and families looking to purchase larger homes,” he says.

My local

With Josh Wilson, Luton Weston Creek, Woden & Molonglo Valley

Best eats

T-Bone on Fairhall Street is the ideal local. It serves quality pub grub such as pizzas and burgers alongside fancier dishes. There’s a good-value kids’ menu too.

Best coffee

Eighty/Twenty is a well-known Canberra coffee fix, and the Coombs venue doesn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick coffee if you’re on the go.

Hidden gem

Coombs is full of great spots to get outside, and the nature trail along the Molonglo River heads all the way to the National Arboretum. It’s great to see how it changes with the seasons.

For sale in Coombs

$799,000 +

24 Taggart Terrace, Coombs ACT 2611

3

2

2

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Agent: Hayman Partners, Brett Hayman 0411 414 624

This well-designed townhouse manages to squeeze a lot in. Downstairs are the open-plan living and kitchen areas, a laundry and an extra toilet. Upstairs are three good-sized bedrooms. The main bedroom has a large en suite and access to a covered balcony. There’s a two-car lock-up garage and two outdoor areas, and the low-maintenance courtyard between the garage and the house features a new deck.

Auction 04/05/25

55 Annabelle View, Coombs ACT 2611

6

2

4

View property

Agent: Illustrated Properties, Parisa Noubakht 0422 307 223

The floor plan of this custom-built home offers plenty of flexibility for a growing family. On the ground floor, there’s a rumpus room, home theatre and gym space as well as a home office. Upstairs is the spacious main bedroom, with two walk-in wardrobes and a luxe en suite, plus four other bedrooms, one with its own en suite. The sophisticated open-plan kitchen-dining-living space enjoys a stunning view onto the in-ground pool embraced by greenery.