Best Family-Friendly Suburbs in Australia

Sydney - Manly Vale

Manly Vale and its surrounding suburbs on the northern beaches of Sydney is a gold mine for families says Chan. "The suburb is surrounded by beautiful beaches and parks. There is a good selection of public and private schools and Warringah Mall, the major shopping centre on the Northern Beaches, is only 1km away." Chan also points out that the average block size of 500m² is ideal for a growing family. Although cheaper than neighbouring Manly, this gorgous part of Sydney is pricey and the suburb's median price is $865,000 - up 6% in the last six months. Not surprisingly, the median weekly rent is also high at $546.

Melbourne - Elsternwick

Just 10km from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne's CBD is delightful Elsternwick with its mix of family businesses and historic architecture. The suburb is ideal for school kids and commuting working parents because of its speedy train and tram service. There are public and private schools a plenty and little sport fanatics will love the nearby cricket ground. Elsternwick has enjoyed huge growth of late and the median house price has increased by 38% over the last six months to $1,045,000. Chan says the auction clearance rate of 93% also suggests strong demand for the area. The median weekly rent for houses is $386.

Adelaide - Norwood

Pretty Norwood located just outside of Adelaide's CBD offers beautiful homes on decent sized blocks that are made for families and outdoor cricket games. There's also a local swim school, squash centre and other sport facilities nearby. “The median house price has fallen slightly by 4% in the last six months to $528,000,” says Chan, who notes that houses in the area sell very quickly, indicateing strong interest and demand for property in Norwood. The average weekly rent is $303.

Perth - Applecross

If you're looking for lifestyle, then picturesque Applecross in WA with its jacaranda-lined streets has plenty to offer. The riverside suburb enjoys pristine foreshores with gorgeous parks that are made for little ones to let loose. It's also just a hop, skip and jump to Perth and Fremantle. “There are plenty of recreational parks, schools, community amenities, restaurants and shopping facilities including the Garden City Shopping Centre which makes it a desirable family suburb,” says Chan. However, it does come with a hefty price tag. Chan says the latest median house price is a whooping $1,145,000. The median rental is $279.

Darwin - Wulagi

Wulagi is one of Darwin's northern suburbs east of Lee Point and Chang's family-friendly pick for the Northern Territory. According to the latest census data, many young marrieds with children live in Wulagi and over 98% of properties are free-standing houses. The suburb has experienced growth over the last six months with the median property price rising by 11% to $500,000. Chan notes that the average number of days a property is listed on the market is only 68 days with a discount rate of 2% according to homepriceguide.com.au. The Wulagi oval is the town's feature and in the dry season, it is often the place for club cricket games on a Saturday. Houses rent on average for $282 a week.

Hobart - Claremont

Best known as home to the Cadbury factory, Claremont is just over 10km north of Hobart by the river, making it an easy commute for working parents. The suburb has four primary schools, one high school and a secondary college which also has a TAFE attached to it. There are numerous sport clubs, places of worship and a shopping village. Claremount is very affordable with a median house price of $250,000, up 9% in the last six months. The average weekly rental is below the national average at $183