Located in Singapore’s District 27, Canberra is nestled within the Sembawang planning area. Increasingly, this relatively new estate, which started building out in the mid-2010s, is emerging as a desirable place to live, work and play due to its growing amenities, tranquil surroundings and rising accessibility via the new North-South Corridor and proximity to Johor, Malaysia.
We explore the rich history, convenient location, transport options, lifestyle facilities, and housing choices that make Canberra a new star of the north.
The History Of Canberra
Canberra’s history traces back to its roots as part of the British naval base in Sembawang. During the colonial era, this region helped safeguard Singapore’s northern coastline. With time, what was once a naval outpost has transformed into a tranquil residential area aimed at young families and those seeking suburban living with convenient connectivity.
One of the most prominent reminders of its history as a British Naval Base is the Former Admiralty House. Built in 1939 to house the most senior officer at the former Sembawang Naval Base, the structure serves as part of Bukit Canberra, an integrated community hub, today.
Source: National Heritage Board
Canberra represents a blend of Singaporean history from its roots as one of the United Kingdom’s royal navy branches during Britain’s colonial rule with modern urban facilities and establishments that are increasingly on par with what other estates offer, providing a unique setting in Singapore’s northern region.
Perks Of Canberra’s Location And Accessibility
Canberra’s location in the northern part of Singapore allows residents easy access to nearby towns and natural areas while remaining relatively well-connected to central Singapore.
The Canberra MRT Station, added to the North-South Line in 2019, enables commuters to reach major destinations like Orchard Road and Raffles Place in under 40 minutes.
Additionally, Canberra residents benefit from the North-South Corridor (NSC) slated to open by 2026, providing a new expressway with dedicated bus and cycling routes directly to the city centre.
Surrounding Canberra are various amenities and attractions. Residents can visit Sembawang Park and nearby Sembawang Hot Springs Park for leisure. While Northpoint City is one short MRT stop away in Yishun, and offers one of the largest suburban malls with a wide range of shopping and dining options.
Read Also: Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Yishun Simply Misunderstood?
Bukit Canberra: The New Integrated Sports And Community Hub
Bukit Canberra is one of the most anticipated features of the Canberra estate. This integrated sports and community hub has been thoughtfully designed to support a vibrant, sustainable, and interconnected lifestyle.
Covering 12 hectares, it incorporates a variety of zones – including Forest, Agrarian, and Hilltop areas – which integrate greenery and urban amenities to create a dynamic environment for relaxation, exercise, and community bonding.
Source: ActiveSG
By retaining the existing topography and conserving over 460 mature trees in the area, Bukit Canberra emphasises biodiversity and sustainable urban design. The concentration of greenery that have been added to enhance the area’s ecological footprint and create a regenerative landscape that connects the community to nature.
The sports and recreation facilities at Bukit Canberra cater to diverse fitness interests, with Singapore’s largest ActiveSG gym, multiple swimming pools (including an Olympic-sized pool), and a sprawling indoor sports hall with adaptable seating for up to 500 spectators.
In line with the government’s efforts to promote preventive healthcare, Sembawang Polyclinic which is located within the vicinity also offers primary healthcare services, including screenings for women’s health concerns. Adjacent to this, a senior care centre provides support and social activities for older residents. Together, these facilities represent a community-focused approach to wellness and health services for Canberra residents.
For families, the hub also includes a childcare centre and a variety of outdoor spaces, including a butterfly garden and trails that wind through lush landscapes. The 800-seat hawker centre at Bukit Canberra offers a broad selection of budget-friendly food options, alongside a wide variety of cuisines ranging from local delights like Nasi Lemak to Mexican and Turkish options.
These amenities establish Bukit Canberra as a cornerstone of lifestyle, fitness, and community interaction in the estate.
Read Also: Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Holland Village The Most Charming And Laid-Back Of All HDB Estates?
Shopping and Dining Options
Besides Bukit Canberra, Canberra Plaza serves as the neighbourhood’s primary shopping and lifestyle hub. Located next to the Canberra MRT station, this three-story community mall hosts retail shops, restaurants, and essential services, including a supermarket and childcare centre.
Residents can find familiar brands, budget-friendly eateries, and a rooftop garden with a water play area for families.
Source: Canberra Plaza Facebook
For dining options, residents can also venture to nearby Sembawang for a mix of local and international cuisines, including restaurants like the waterfront Beaulieu House in Sembawang Park and the family-favourite Woody Family Café, which offers Peranakan dishes in a nostalgic setting.
Housing Developments In Canberra
Canberra has a growing mix of HDB flats, executive condominiums, and private condos, catering to diverse residents’ needs. With resale flats located near the MRT, Canberra Vista’s units are popular for their affordability and connectivity.
Source: MyNiceHome
A notable BTO development would be Sun Sails, a BTO launched in November 2020 and under currently under construction. The development comprises 726 units of 2-Room Flexi, 3-Room, 4-Room and 5-Room flats. Young families who are moving into this BTO (or other flats in Canberra) can look forward to being near educational institutes such as Sembawang primary school and both Canberra Primary and Secondary school. All your lifestyle needs would be catered to as well with Sembawang Shopping Centre being only a few minutes’ walk away.
Those looking for resale options can refer to HDB’s resale statistics for Canberra and Sembawang’s HDB flats:
| Flat Type | Median Price (SGD) |
| 2-Room | $360,000 |
| 3-Room | $495,000 |
| 4-Room | $568,000 |
| 5-Room | $620,000 |
Source: HDB Resale Statistics – 3Q2024
In line with its rising popularity with younger families, Executive Condominiums like Parc Canberra and Provence Residence have also launched in the estate. Both developments feature standard facilities such as swimming pools, fitness facilities such as gyms and recreational spaces like barbeque pits and multipurpose and tennis courts.
Canberra Residences was completed in 2015, and several new condominium launches are also coming online. The Commodore, next to Canberra MRT station, is expected to TOP by December 2024, and nearby The Watergardens At Canberra set to be developed by June 2026.
The rising demand for housing in the Canberra and Sembawang area has resulted in a steady increase in property values, making it a promising area for long-term investment for Singaporeans looking to purchase property.
Canberra’s Identity As A New Rising Star In The North
Canberra is rapidly establishing itself as a vibrant, well-rounded estate with a promising future. The area’s unique history, paired with modern amenities and infrastructure investments, creates an appealing environment for families and even young couples.
With the ongoing development of transport routes and lifestyle hubs, Canberra’s potential as a key residential suburb in Singapore’s north is only still beginning to unfold, solidifying its place as a new star in the northern heartlands.
Cover Image credit: Sport Singapore
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