If you’re looking at property in West End Brisbane, you’re already focused on one of inner Brisbane’s most distinctive suburbs. Just 3km from the CBD, West End QLD 4101 occupies a tight bend in the Brisbane River and has spent the last decade shifting from a working-class fringe suburb to one of the city’s most in-demand inner-ring locations. This growing demand has also increased interest in both residential and commercial property opportunities across the area.
This guide gives you the current data, the honest property picture, and the detail that helps you decide whether West End fits your goals as a home buyer or investor.
Key Takeaways
- Location: 3km from Brisbane CBD; bounded on three sides by the Brisbane River.
- Population: 14,730 (2021 Census); area size of 1.93 km².
- Median House Price: $2,070,000 | 12-month growth of 21.23% (+$362,500).
- Median Unit Price: $920,000 | 12-month growth of 17.20% (+$135,000).
- Gross Rental Yield: Houses 2.26% | Units 4.24%.
- Median Rent (per week): Houses $900 | Units $750.
- Vacancy Rate: 1.79%, below the 2% threshold indicating strong rental demand.
- Stock on Market (SOM%): 0.77%, well below the 2% caution level.
- Demographics: Predominantly professionals; 61% renters; median household income $2,357/week.
- Top Employers: Hospitals, higher education, cafes and restaurants.
- Crime Score: 18/100 (low; higher scores indicate more crime).
- Schools Nearby: West End State School (Government, Primary).
- Child Care Centres: 8 centres within the suburb.
Geography
West End covers 1.93 square kilometres on a peninsula formed by a broad bend in the Brisbane River. The suburb shares borders with South Brisbane to the northeast, Highgate Hill to the south, and Toowong to the west. The river forms the dominant natural boundary on three sides.
The suburb’s character is one of the most layered in Brisbane. The Boundary Street strip remains the commercial heart, with independent cafes, bookshops, fresh produce markets, and restaurants that reflect the suburb’s long multicultural history. The West End Markets at Davies Park, held on Saturday mornings, are a cherished community tradition.
The housing stock is a genuine mix. Heritage timber Queenslanders sit alongside post-war fibro homes, and more recently built medium and high-density apartment towers have filled the corridors closer to Montague Road and the river. This diversity creates entry points across a wide price range, though the freestanding house market has moved significantly.
Buyers should note that parts of the suburb carry flood risk. The 2011 Brisbane floods affected sections of West End, particularly streets close to the river. Any purchase near the Brisbane River frontage should be verified against the Brisbane City Council flood awareness map before proceeding.
Transport
West End’s connectivity is one of its clearest practical advantages. The suburb is serviced by multiple bus routes along Boundary Street, Montague Road, and Melbourne Street, connecting directly to the Brisbane CBD in under 15 minutes. The cross-river ferry at the Riverside Centre and multiple CityCat stops along the river give residents additional commuting options.
The Go Between Bridge and Captain Cook Bridge both provide cycling and walking links into the CBD. A connected bikeway network runs through the suburb, making car-free commuting genuinely practical for many residents.
For public transport timetables and route planning, visit translink.com.au.
Education
Child Care Centres
There are 8 child care and early learning centres located within West End QLD 4101:
| Proprietor / Operator | Address |
| C&K Corbett Street Community Kindergarten | 34 Corbett Street, West End QLD 4101 |
| Edge Early Learning – Jane St | 86 Jane St, West End QLD 4101 |
| Edge Early Learning – Montague Road | 338 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101 |
| Kurilpa Community Child Care Centre | 136 Gray Road, West End QLD 4101 |