The posh Brisbane suburb you've never heard of

The biggest problem for a suburb like Kalinga is its anonymity. On that note – where are we talking about?

Tucked in between the stately suburbs of Clayfield and Wooloowin, Kalinga is the inner-city Brisbane suburb you’ve never heard of.

Home to the heritage-listed Kalinga Park, it only reclaimed its identity as a suburb in 2015, after the state government altered Wooloowin’s boundary on Brisbane’s north side.

Many locals have lived in the area for years, passing down property from generation to generation – and within the local community it’s fiercely loved, Ray White Ascot agent Janelle McKenna says.

“The community here fought very hard to get Kalinga reinstated as a suburb,” she says. “It’s quite a distinctive area, a beautiful community and a really unique little pocket.”

Outside demand for Kalinga real estate is overwhelming due to its close proximity to the CBD, large volume of high-end homes, multiple recreational facilities, and reputable community spirit, Ms McKenna says.

“The only problem we can sometimes find is that it’s such a well kept secret, people don’t know it’s here, which means they don’t know to search it online,” she says.

Those who are privy to its existence – or happen to come across it during an internet search – will find tree-lined streets dotted with pretty character homes.

Leanne and Mark McLaughlin moved into the area nearly three years ago with their two children. They’re now selling their renovated Hamptons-inspired Queenslander at 25 Henry Street but say they’ll miss the area.

“This is the best group of neighbours and the most we’ve felt at home in a community ever,” Ms McLaughlin says. “Everyone talks to everyone and it’s just lovely.”

The McLaughlin’s home is typical of the area with its gabled roof line, verandahs, high ceilings and ornate fretwork – but it’s also been brought into the 21st century and is now fully iPad controlled, including keyless entry, surround sound speakers, a wine cellar, and full C-Bus automation.

Arguably its best feature though is its position – backing onto Kalinga Park, the beautiful views can’t ever be built out.

“We have great parties and can comfortably fit 30 people here,” Ms McLaughlin says. “Downstairs is lovely because you still get the vista but you can sit on the outdoor lounges and watch the birds come in for a feed.

“You just don’t get that anywhere else that is 5km from the city.”

Ms McKenna and her Ray White Ascot co-agent Lisa Pearse-Sargeant will sell 25 Henry St, Kalinga on or before its auction on Saturday, June 3 at 11am.