This unassuming Canberra suburb has the coolest Asian restaurant going around

Situated in the heart of Belconnen, Melba is one of those suburbs that takes many by surprise.

Stretching from Ginninderra Drive in the south to the foothills of Mount Rogers Reserve in the north, Melba is full of established homes on large blocks and has a range of amenities to suit everyone.

If you’re heading out to have a look, make Cafe Mame your first stop for a quick coffee. It opened during the pandemic and soon became a focal point for the Melba community.

A few years later, owners Jiwoo and Amy Kim opened the Drunken Tiger.  Every suburb needs a good Asian takeaway, and this one’s a bit special.

Timothy Road agent Tim McInnes says there’s a real sense of community in the suburb.

“Melba appeals to everyone,” he says. “Growing families are looking at generous homes on large blocks, there are some excellent entry-level homes for first-home buyers, and then there are boutique townhouses for the downsizers.

“The suburb is in high demand and it’s great value for money.”

The median house price in Melba has increased by 13.5 per cent to $985,000 in the past year, according to Allhomes data.

Named after the opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, the suburb is serviced by the well-regarded Mount Rogers Primary School and two campuses of Melba Copland Secondary School, from year seven to 12.

It’s dotted with several little playgrounds, set in pockets of green along the wide tree-lined streets.

At the southern end of the suburb is a sports precinct that’s home to the Melba Tennis Club, a BMX track and several ovals.

Here you’ll also find Ginninderra Creek and the Melba Wetlands if you like a more relaxed activity, with walking trails and bike paths galore

“Melba’s a real hive of activity on the weekends,” McInnes says.

Just don’t forget to grab a coffee at Cafe Mame on the way out. And perhaps pop back into Drunken Tiger for dinner. What an easy weekend!

My local

With Tim McInnes of Timothy Road

Best eats

Drunken Tiger is not your regular local Asian takeaway. Owner Jiwoo Kim, who also owns Cafe Mame with his wife Amy, comes from a fine-dining background. It’s a little bit elevated.

Coffee fix

Cafe Mame opened in the middle of the pandemic and became a real community hub. It offers incredible coffee and a diverse range of both sweet and savoury dishes.

Favourite street

There are a few great spots in Melba, depending on what you’re after. Bainton Crescent, which showcases incredible views across Canberra and offers easy access to Mount Rogers Reserve, is one of the best.

For sale in Melba

$850,000 +

4 Alfred Hill Drive, Melba ACT 2615

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Agent: Timothy Road, Tim McInnes 0401 097 568

Located within walking distance to schools and the trails of Mount Rogers Reserve, this solid family home has plenty to offer.

There are four generously sized bedrooms – the main with a renovated en suite – that sit separately from the light-filled living areas.

The open-plan kitchen has ample storage and sits adjacent to a convenient family room, away from more formal living and dining.

$900,000 Plus

87 Copland Drive, Melba ACT 2615

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Agent: Maloney’s The Estate Agent, Moira Maloney 0407 715 244.

This solid four-bedroom home sits on a 911-square-metre block in a sought-after area of Belconnen close to the town centre, parks and schools.

With a fresh lick of paint, new carpets, lighting, and window treatments, the home is light-filled and well-presented.

The spacious bedrooms are located away from the living areas, and the kitchen overlooks a large, separate family room.