Locals say this 'burb is set to be Canberra's 'second city'

Is Phillip the next Braddon? Like its inner-city counterpart, once known for its car yards and commercial businesses, the transformation of the epicentre of Woden is well underway.

While you’ll still find anything from handcrafted chocolates to luxury cars at the south end of the suburb – and Westfield Woden sitting at its heart – it’s the north end of Phillip where all the action is taking place.

Now, instead of open-air carparks and ageing office blocks, you’ll find stylish high-rise developments such as Geocon’s WOVA and Doma’s The Melrose, both with views of Black Mountain and the Brindabellas.

The Hellenic Club and the Southern Cross Club also have plans for the future, with residential developments and commercial enterprises in the works.

The population of Phillip almost doubled between 2016 and 2021 but the quick expansion has been softened by the inclusion of parks, open spaces and sympathetic design that lends itself to a real sense of community.

When restaurateur Gus Armstrong was looking for a second site for 86, one of Braddon’s iconic restaurants, he took an educated punt on the Woden area, opening 86 South on Furzer St in 2022.

He hasn’t been disappointed.

“When we looked at Phillip, it felt like it was going to become a kind of second city [in Canberra],” he says. “There was just so much going on here and it’s really starting to click into gear.”

With the light rail extension set to hit Woden at some point in the future, Armstrong says Phillip will feel closer than ever.

“Woden’s not on the outskirts like some people seem to think it is,” he says. “I’m a big advocate of the southside … and this area of Phillip [is full of action].

“There are good places to eat, good spots for coffee or places to take the kids. It’s a real investment.”

My local

with Tyran Murphy from Hayman Partners

Hidden gem

Not many people know about this, but Phillip has a community garden on Antis Street. It’s been a work in progress for a few years now, but it’s a great community initiative. Or head to the Southside Farmers Market every Sunday for seasonal produce.

Suburb highlight

For a suburb that’s largely medium to high-density residential, there is plenty of green space around. Eddison Park is an absolute standout, with so much space to kick a footy, have a picnic or walk the dog, with multiple playgrounds for the kids.

Best eats

For something special, head to Dada for its creative Korean fusion menu. Or Little Mez is a food van on Hindmarsh Drive, serving delicious Mediterranean wraps. For the best coffee, try Fika Cafe. It’s always buzzing and has a cool menu with a Scandinavian theme.

For sale in Phillip

124/9 Irving Street

Views across to Red Hill from the floor-to-ceiling windows add to the feeling of space in this roomy one-bedroom unit.

There’s a well-equipped kitchen and open-plan living areas, with a private balcony off the bedroom. It includes a parking spot and storage cage in the basement, and The Oaks development features a resort-style pool, gym, outdoor barbecue areas and landscaped gardens.

By negotiation

124/9 Irving Street, Phillip ACT 2606

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512/15 Bowes Street

If the idea of hanging out in an infinity pool with views to Black Mountain appeals, this two-bedroom apartment could be your key to the resort lifestyle of the Grand Central Towers.

Situated on level five, the open-plan living area features floor-to-ceiling windows and a high-quality kitchen. In addition to the pool, there’s access to a gym and barbecue facilities.

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