Just 3km north of Brisbane's CBD, Herston is a small but in-demand suburb known for its proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and UQ's Herston campus. With strong rental appeal, easy transport links and green spaces, it's popular among professionals, students and investors. But like any suburb, it has some drawbacks.
Pros of Living in Herston
Proximity to the CBD and Major Hospitals
Just 3km from Brisbane’s city centre, Herston is ideal for city workers who want a quick commute or to be within walking distance of Brisbane's metro. Its proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), both a major employer and medical services hub, is also appealing.
Access to Public Transport and Major Roads
Getting around is easy by foot, bike or public transport. Multiple bus routes run along Bowen Bridge Road, and the suburb connects to the Inner-City Bypass, giving you fast access to other parts of the city, including Brisbane Airport.
Green Spaces on Your Doorstep
Herston borders Victoria Park/Barrambin, a vast green space currently being redeveloped into one of Brisbane’s premier public parklands.
Quiet, Residential Feel
Despite its inner-city location, Herston retains a calm, residential vibe. Streets are lined with original Queenslander character homes and a sense of community.
Education Access
The suburb is home to the Queensland University Herston campus and is close to Kelvin Grove State College and QUT Kelvin Grove, making it a hub for students and academic staff.
Strong Rental Demand and Investment Appeal
Herston’s location, access to key institutions, and limited housing stock mean rental demand remains consistently strong. It's already highly attractive for investors looking for stable returns.
Cons of Living in Herston
Limited Shopping and Dining Within the Suburb
For groceries, you’ll head to nearby Kelvin Grove. For a night out, Newmarket, Fortitude Valley or the CBD are good options. However, this can feel inconvenient if you want everything nearby.
Traffic Congestion at Peak Times
Being close to major roads and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital means Herston can experience serious traffic, especially during peak hours, and parking challenges.
Older Housing Stock and Limited New Builds
Much of Herston’s housing is older, with charming but ageing Queenslanders and post-war homes. While they add great character to the suburb, they can require more expensive upkeep.
Limited Nightlife or Entertainment
Despite being an inner-city suburb, Herston might feel a bit too quiet if you’re after a vibrant nightlife. There’s no real bar or entertainment precinct. You’ll need to travel to Fortitude Valley or the city for live music, bars, or late-night eats.
Possible Noise from Hospital or Roads
While living near a major hospital and arterial roads is advantageous, it comes with noise. Ambulance sirens, traffic, and ongoing development works can impact some streets more than others, so it’s worth checking out noise levels at different times of day before committing.
Who Should Consider Living in Herston?
Herston suits professionals working at RBWH, for the benefit of walking to work. It’s also ideal for university students seeking a quieter, well-connected suburb near campus. Investors will also appreciate the suburb’s consistent rental demand and limited housing supply.
Final Verdict: Is Herston Right for You?
Herston has a lot to offer, namely a unique mix of inner-city convenience, green space, and a quiet residential atmosphere, near Brisbane city centre. We suggest visiting the suburb, exploring the local streets, and seeing how it feels in person. For more advice or to explore current listings, speak with the team at Penrose Real Estate Agents in Herston.