Just a stone's throw from the CBD, Ashgrove is one Brisbane suburb in which not much has changed over the last few decades. It has a rich history, while still being an attractive option for young professionals and families to settle down and it has all the qualities newcomers to Brisbane are looking for in an ideal suburb.
However, being that it has such a deep history, there's plenty about Ashgrove to learn about. Here are some lesser-known facts about this residential haven.
Where is Ashgrove QLD?
Ashgrove is a suburb of Brisbane, about 5km from the CBD.
Despite being so close to the city, it has managed to remain a leafy, residential suburb consisting mainly of detached single-dwelling houses, many of which are of the famous 'Ashgrovian' Queenslander style.
#1: Ashgrove's Indigenous history
The Turrbal people were the custodians of the land once known as Kallindarbin, now known as Ashgrove.
The Turrbal's tracks later became many of Ashgrove's busiest roads, including Waterworks Road (named so because it leads to the Enoggera Reservoir). The road was built on a traditional track that the Turrbal people followed to Mount-Coot-tha, where honey was collected. It was known as the place of 'honey-bee dreaming'.
#2: Ashgrove's heritage sites
Ashgrove has more than 30 heritage-listed places of importance. Among them is the current site of the administration centre of Mt St Michael's College, Ashgrove's Catholic high school for girls. Known as Grantuly, the heritage-listed property on Elimatta Drive was built in 1899.
Some of Ashgrove's oldest buildings still serve as classrooms at Oakleigh State School and Ashgrove State School.
Perhaps Ashgrove's best-known historic site, St John's Wood House, also known as Granite House, was the first house in the area. It's from here that the Ashgrove locality St John's Wood got its name.
#3: Ashgrove's community spirit
There's a cosy neighbourhood atmosphere in Ashgrove that normally can't be found in such close proximity to a major capital city.
There are plenty of small neighbourhood shops and cafes run by friendly locals. The Green Corner community garden and the events and activities at The Newmarket community centre are other ways local residents stay connected in Ashgrove.
Ashgrove even has its own community news website, Ashgrove Today.
#4: Ashgrove's parks and recreation
Parents with young kids will be delighted to learn that there are more than 30 parks in Ashgrove to explore. Dorrington Park is particularly popular with children thanks to its shady Enchanted Forest playground, half basketball court and skate park.
Ashgrove also has a large number of walking trails and bike paths which wind through parks and playgrounds.
#5: Ashgrove's food and drink scene
From coffee to snacks, takeaway and fine drinking, Ashgrove has a vibrant dining scene.
Cafes & Bakeries
- Hub Cafe Kitchen: Neighbourhood cafe with all-day dining, where locals are known by name
- Milk Bar Cafe: Family-owned milk bar with old-fashioned offerings
- Corn St Cafe: Homey cafe and modern marketplace
- Sweet Crumbs Bakery: French bistro-style cafe with a delicious range of pastries and cakes
Restaurants
- Taj Bengal: Wide selection of classic curries in colourful surrounds
- Wine and Larder Bistro: Fine food and bespoke wine
- Osaka Japanese Dining Bar: Fresh family dining
- Bella Julia Pizzeria: Flavourful Italian with a kids' menu
Pubs
- The Junk Bar: Vintage-feel setting with vinyl or live music
- Grove Beer Garden: Craft beer and tasty bar food
#6: Ashgrove's family-friendly neighbourhoods
While some of its neighbouring suburbs have continued development of residential apartment towers, Ashgrove remains largely unchanged. During the post-war period, Ashgrove was described as 'nappy valley' due to its affordable housing which was highly sought-after by middle-class families.
Still a desirable location for young families, some Ashgrove locations have even featured in the hit children's TV show Bluey, including the Ashgrove Library and The Golden Crown restaurant on Waterworks Road.
#7: Ashgrove's education options for students of all ages
In terms of children's education, Ashgrove is home to some of the city's most in-demand primary schools and prestigious high schools. Its four primary schools range in size from small to large and it has both a Catholic boys' high school and Catholic girls' high school, both of which have a rich history.
Ashgrove is also close to places of learning for adults, with the University of Queensland's Herston campus and QUT's Kelvin Grove campus a short distance away.
#8: Ashgrove's healthy living options
Leading a healthy life is easy with Ashgrove's abundant range of wellness services.
- Ashgrove Chiropractic Clinic: A service that offers chiropractic, dry needling and remedial massage
- Niggles and Knots Remedial Massage: A small welcoming clinic with last-minute appointments available
- Mind and Body Psychology: Working with adults, teenagers and children
- Ashgrove Vitality: Acupuncture, massage and structural balancing
#9: Ashgrove's range of cosmetic services
It's no wonder Ashgrove residents look so good with so many beauty businesses to choose from.
- Crooners barbershop: Delivering the freshest cuts in Brisbane
- Complete Skin & Beauty Ashgrove: Treat yourself to an eyebrow wax or cosmetic tattooing
- Envisage Skin and Body Studio: Cosmetic treatments for a more youthful appearance
- Savvy Hair Artistry: Large range of high-quality hair services and treatments
#10: Ashgrove is one of Brisbane's most sought-after places to live
Ashgrove is considered one of Brisbane's most liveable suburbs. Many of its residents are young families who are drawn to the laid-back lifestyle and ease of access to the rest of Brisbane, including other inner-city suburbs such as Red Hill, Newmarket, Paddington and Bardon.
With its rolling hills, many of Ashgrove's houses feature city views, while many of its private backyards overlook green, family-friendly parks.
For many people who work in the CBD, Ashgrove provides a relaxed environment in which to raise a family or the opportunity to live close to the city minus all the hustle and bustle. It also caters for young professionals with a multitude of casual and upmarket dining options and a bustling pub scene.
#11: Ashgrove's transport options and proximity to the Brisbane CBD
Ashgrove sits about 5km from the Brisbane CBD, so it's about a 10-minute drive. If travelling by bus, the trip from Ashgrove to the city centre takes about 20 minutes.
However, many people prefer to cycle. The trip can take as little as 15 minutes using main thoroughfares such as Waterworks Road or Elimatta Drive. Otherwise, it takes about 30 minutes using bike paths along Ithaca Creek and Enoggera Creek. The bike paths offer a mostly-flat ride through treed parklands to the Herston Cycle Centre. The Inner Northern Bikeway takes you the rest of the way to the Brisbane CBD.
#12: State's history built by prominent Ashgrove resident
Supreme Court Justice Rogers Harding lived in one of Ashgrove's first homes, the heritage-listed St John's Wood. After falling ill and dying in his chambers in 1895, his personal library was purchased by the government and the thousands of books became the basis of what is today known as The State Library of Queensland.
As well as writing some of Queensland's first legal texts, the noted bibliophile also collected more than 10,000 books for the Supreme Court Library.
Real estate experts to support your move to Ashgrove
If Ashgrove sounds like a place to make your home, give the experienced team of Grant and Christina at Penrose Real Estate a call. Trust, care and attention to detail have seen them become the go-to real estate agency for Ashgrove property sales and they can help you find the perfect home for you.