Move up to where you and your family belong in Wavell Heights QLD. Although the area is still mostly made up of standard housing, small-scale developments (including boutique townhouses) are beginning to appear as it continues to evolve. This gives it a fresh, contemporary feel.
The best recommendation is to always ask a real-life resident if you want to truly understand an area. We’re able to provide you with insider information on not only Wavell Heights but also its surroundings. And we can achieve this because we are a team of local writers ourselves. So, let’s take a bit of a look at what Wavell Heights has to offer as a family-oriented suburb that offers elevated views and enviable living.
Wavell Heights at a Glance
- Post code: 4012
- Local Government: Brisbane City Council
- Population: approximately 7,816 people (2023)
- Location: Approximately 8 km north of the Brisbane CBD
- Transport: via Hornibrook Esplanade, State Route 26/27, Gympie Road/A3, M3 and M7/Airport Link; Translink public transport service
- History: It is believed that the name Wavell Heights has indigenous roots, referring to the geography or other natural elements of the area. The traditional custodians of the land that makes up Wavell Heights are the Turrbal people.
- Shopping: Shaw Road Shopping Village, Convenience Store; proximity to Westfield Chermside and DFO Brisbane.
- Medical: Mont Health Wavell Medical Centre, Chermside Wavell Family Practice; proximity to Nundah Doctor’s Surgery, Prince Charles Hospital, St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, and Chermside Day Hospital.
- Education: Choice of public and private education providers.
- Real Estate (renting and buying): Options to suit all budgets.
Why You Should Move to Wavell Heights
Wavell Heights is all about location. Everything comes together beautifully, especially in terms of breathtaking views that seem to stretch forever. With many houses for sale as well as a good availability of houses for rent, Wavell Heights could well be the new neighbourhood you’ve been searching for. The suburb’s proximity to major roads and railway stations provides easy access to both Brisbane’s central business district and further afield.
For a variety of excellent reasons, Wavell Heights is a popular spot for anyone looking for an incredible lifestyle. For starters, the suburb has some great food and retail options to keep you and your family satisfied. There are also several schools in the area, including private and public options. The suburb’s abundance of parks and green spaces (such as Shaw Road Park aka Wavell Heights Park) contributes to its overall appeal as an ideal place to live and grow.
Wavell Heights is well known as a close-knit community. Many residents participate in neighbourhood activities and maintain their properties in pristine condition. For example, getting in the festive spirit with Christmas light displays and proudly presenting their green manicured lawns. The wonderful and warm-hearted things about Wavell Heights don’t stop there. Let’s examine the suburb in more detail below.
Shops and Restaurants
For everyday needs, Shaw Road Shopping Village offers a variety of shops and services, such as a dental clinic, butcher, baker, bottle shop, pharmacy (you might like to bookmark this list of after hours chemists in Brisbane Northside), medical centre, convenience store, coffee shop, and more. It’s a handy substitute for the bigger and busier retail complexes.
Naturally, if you’re looking for even more shopping, it makes sense that you might drive just ten minutes to Westfield Chermside, which has all the “shop, play and dine” options anyone could possibly want or need. There are also more independent shopping choices in Wavell Heights itself.
If you are in the mood for markets, there are plenty located within a close radius of Wavell Heights. This makes the locale an ideal place for those who enjoy green-roots shopping and purveying local wares. Both Nundah Farmers Markets and Chermside Farmers Markets are fabulous for fresh produce and local goods. There’s also Vend Marketplace, which is an indoor market venue with quirky items, crafts, fashion, plants, and an on-site cafe.
If that’s not enough, just a 12 minute drive into Carseldine will get you to The Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets, which are known for their vibrant fresh food selection and brilliant atmosphere. Markets on a Saturday in Carseldine are the perfect place to take the family to get your fresh produce for the week, to get a unique gift for friends and family, while also keeping the kids entertained with lots of fun activities. (For additional market locations, see a list of Sunday Markets in Brisbane.)
Wavell Heights has a variety of lovely restaurants and cafes. Locals swear by Thai on Rode Restaurant and Delivery. It’s an authentic family-run Thai restaurant located in the heart of the suburb. For tasty takeout, head to Pizza Capers Wavell Heights and Dontei Rice Bowl. And if you’re after cafe fare, Cafe Lacuna and Retroespresso are likely to hit the spot.
Housing
Because it is located on Brisbane’s northside, Wavell Heights retains a slightly lower housing demand than the city, meaning that larger properties and standard houses are still obtainable, along with a good number of townhouses and apartments. Yet, it’s only a 16 minute drive to the centre of Brisbane.
As you might expect, this sense of “meeting in the middle” makes Wavell Heights a suburb where more and more families are looking to move to. It’s also a fantastic area for investment and renting, with many contemporary townhouses and apartments being consistently unveiled. Overall, Wavell Heights offers a variety of housing alternatives to suit different tastes, including modern units, family houses, and even traditional Queenslanders.
Here are some “hot stats”: in 2024, the median price for houses was $1,210,000, while the median price for units was $527,000. The majority of Wavell Heights’ residents are between the ages of 35 and 44, which highlights the neighbourhood’s attractiveness to both families and professionals.
Employment
With Wavell Heights being a mere 16 minute drive from the heart of Brisbane, it would follow that the range of occupations available would encompass everything the city has to offer. In Wavell Heights and nearby regions, there’s also enough infrastructure to support a variety of employment positions, whether full-time, part-time, casual, or as part of the gig economy.
Professionals love Kedron, and Chermside is a terrific area to find employment in, too, with even more retail businesses tossed in for good measure. Also, it’s helpful to know that Wavell Heights and its environs are home to a large number of hospitality establishments, including the contemporary and captivating Kedron Wavell Services Club.
There is also a thriving medical industry in the suburb’s surroundings (you’ll find hospitals, dentist offices, and physician clinics nearby). So, whether you’re in the hospitality sector or looking for work in a hospital, Wavell Heights looks like it should be a great base for you!
Education
Wavell Heights is known for a high standard when it comes to education providers. All the schools in the area are generally well-reviewed and this includes schools in neighbouring regions as well. One of the premier schools in Wavell Heights would have to be Our Lady of the Angels. The school has a strong tradition and a current 4.3 star rating on Google.
Naturally, choosing which school is best for your child can take some time and consideration. However, we do have a few tips to help make things a bit easier for you. Attend an Open Day at your local schools before deciding on the best fit for your family. And if you’re in the market for a house, be sure it’s inside the local state schools catchment area.
Additionally, looking at the ranking of schools based on Year 12 results is always a good idea. This data can provide you with a reasonable idea of the calibre of education your child may obtain, which is important for their tertiary placements and future opportunities.
Public schools located within the suburb:
- Wavell Heights State School: Prep to Year 6.
- Wavell State High School: Year 7 to Year 12.
Wavell Heights’ private schools:
- Our Lady of the Angels: Prep to Year 6.
There are numerous kindergartens, preschools, and daycare centres in Wavell Heights and also in the suburb’s close vicinity. Overall, Wavell Heights presents as an ideal area for raising children.
Weather
Like Brisbane and the surrounding areas, Wavell Heights has clear, sunny days, moderate winters (around 20 °C during the day and 10 °C at night), and summers (about 30 °C during the day).
If you love the beach, you can make the most of the warm summer climate by heading to the beautiful coastal regions of Bribie Island, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, and South Stradbroke Island. Some of these locations can be visited in a day, while others may be better suited for a longer trip (of a weekend or more).
The wintertime in Wavell Heights is the perfect time to take a moment to unwind and to enjoy the sparkling city lights (perhaps by the backyard fire pit). You can do this equally well from the deck or balcony. Ah, feel the serenity!
Getting There and Around
Wavell Height’s convenient major road and motorway linkages enable direct or nearby access to a lot of places across Brisbane. You can also travel to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and much farther afield. It’s also easy to reach suburbs such as Bridgeman Downs, Fitzgibbon, Taigum, Zillmere, Boondall, Deagon, Brendale, and Sandgate.
To Brisbane: Take the M3 and the Airport Link Tunnel via Pfingst Rd. The quickest route from here is via Airport Link, M7, and M3 to Elizabeth Street in Brisbane City. Exit at Elizabeth Street from M3. In good traffic conditions and on toll routes, the trip from Wavell Heights to Brisbane CBD is expected to take only 16 minutes.
To the Sunshine Coast: Follow the directions for Chermside, except you should continue to stay straight on Gympie Road/A3. Take the M1 at Diura Street in Maroochydore. Exiting the Sunshine Motorway/State Route 70, proceed in the direction of State Route 6/Bradman Avenue Depending on traffic conditions, it should take you slightly over an hour to reach the Sunshine Coast from Wavell Heights.
To the Gold Coast: Get on the Airport Link/M7 at Pfigst Street. Taking the Gateway Motorway (which has tolls) is the fastest method to get to the Gold Coast from here. In case there are traffic delays, give yourself an extra couple of hours for your journey.
Public Transport
Bus services are the main means of public transportation that you can take from Wavell Heights. The nearest train station is Geebung train station (there is no Wavell Heights train station). It’s only 16 minutes from Wavell Heights to the CBD by car. Therefore, if you require transport into the city, you can opt for ridesharing services like Didi or Uber or use traditional taxis (the short-distance travel shouldn’t be too costly).
To Brisbane: Board the Route 320 bus in Wavell Heights at Stop 45 (Rode Road, near Pfigst Street). Get off at Stop 142 (Edward Street near Queen Street) in Brisbane City.
To Chermside: Just like when embarking on a trip to Brisbane, you’ll want to catch the Route 320 bus in Wavell Heights at Stop 45 (Rode Road, near Pfigst Street). Unlike when travelling to the city, you’ll want to disembark at the Chermside Bus Interchange, some 8 or so minutes later.
Go to Translink to plan your journey from Wavell Heights using public transport.
Things to do and see around Wavell Heights
Living in Wavell Heights is a pleasure, made even more so by the abundance of attractions and things to do in the vicinity. You can easily involve the entire family or take more of a “me time” break. The area is ideally situated to benefit from nearby attractions as well as those that are positioned a bit further afield (but are certainly well worth the trip).
Local Gems at your Fingertips
Gunyah Lapidary Club: Haven’t heard of lapidary before? The practice relates to the art and craft of cutting, engraving, and polishing stones and gems. At this local workshop and centre, you can become a member and try your hand at making your own jewellery or even get fossicking. It’s also an amazing place to visit to explore geology and gemmlogy and all the intriguing facets therein (pun intended).
Atlas Aquarium: In nearby Nundah, you’ll find Atlas Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in Brisbane. The store has live fish and anything else you might need for an aquarium at home. Adults and children alike will marvel at the beauty of the aquatic specimens, with so many variations in species and colour. The aquarium makes for a fun and educational day out.
BMX/Pump Tracks: If you’ve been searching “Mercer Park pump track”, “Kedron pump track” and “Kedron bmx pump track,” you’ve come to the right place. Wavell Heights would seem to be the epi-centre for all things related to pump tracks and bike tracks in general. As they accommodate the natural momentum of your equipment, pump tracks are suitable for many different uses, including bikes (such as BMX and mountain bikes) as well as scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards. Mercer Park Pump Track is in Wavell Heights, and Kedron Pump Track is in, you guessed it, nearby Kedron.
A Fantastic Weekend Adventure
Lone Pine Sanctuary: What sounds more inviting than cuddling a koala? Perhaps hugging a koala plus all kinds of other fascinating native animals at Lone Pine Sanctuary. There are Wildlife Encounters that include meeting wildlife up-close-and-personal and photo opportunities. The park is located 20 mins drive from Wavell Heights.
Sirromet Winery: A scenic 40 minutes drive from Wavell Heights brings you a fresh outlook with lots to taste and discover. Sirromet Winery offers cellar door tastings, the impeccable Tuscan Terrace restaurant, special seasonal experiences, and even accommodation options. You can choose to make a day trip of it, although you have the option to take a bit more time out. With on-site accommodation, you can stay and enjoy the wine, the nosh, and the scenery without having to worry about the drive home.
Thinking about other places near Wavell Heights?
Because we’re locals, we have great insider tips on all the suburbs in our ‘hood, and our neighbours are pretty awesome, too.
Move to Chermside QLD! The Heart of Brisbane’s Northside
If you’re looking for a suburb that combines convenience, community spirit, and a vibrant lifestyle, Chermside is the place to be. It has all the amenities you could possibly need, plenty of green spaces, a great community feel, and so much more.
Find out more about moving to Chermside here.
Kedron: Blending Heritage with Modern Living
Kedron combines the charm of heritage homes with the convenience of modern amenities. Its proximity to parks like Kedron Brook and easy access to major roads make it ideal for anyone who appreciates easy living.
Find out more about moving to Kedron here.
Discover the Family-Friendly Vibe of Aspley
Just a stone’s throw from Chermside, Aspley is a family-friendly suburb known for its spacious homes, excellent schools, and recreational facilities. With bustling shopping precincts and numerous parks, this is a vibrant community perfect for families.
Find out more about moving to Aspley here.
Stafford is a Growing Gem in Brisbane’s Northside
Stafford is a rapidly developing suburb known for its affordability and growing amenities. With new cafes popping up and the revamped Stafford City Shopping Centre, this area is a popular choice for young professionals and families.
Find out more about moving to Stafford here.
Experience Friendly Spirit, Vibrant Living in Geebung
Known for its friendly community spirit and well-regarded schools, Geebung is also home to several parks and the Chermside Historical Precinct, making it a great place for families and history enthusiasts.
Find out more about moving to Geebung here.
Enjoy Modern Living in Green Carseldine
Carseldine is celebrated for its modern homes and lush green spaces. The Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets on Saturdays are a highlight, with plenty of fresh produce and unique crafts. It gives you a nice balance between modern living and nature.
Find out more about moving to Carseldine here.
Wavell Heights is the Pinnacle for Families
For families and individuals looking for a tranquil yet vibrant area to call home, Wavell Heights offers an ideal environment with its tree-lined streets, a friendly atmosphere, and truly stellar views. Our intention in creating this guide was to make it easy and accessible for you to find the information you need in relation to your suburb of interest (in this case, the beautiful Wavell Heights).
We hope these details help you make educated decisions concerning where you and your loved ones will find a perfect fit. To ensure you don’t miss any important information, make sure you sign up for our email list before you leave this page.
