Woden is located 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra. It was the first of Canberra’s towns to be developed. Woden Valley consists of a long narrow valley and some secondary ones opening out into the main valley on the eastern side.
The name “Woden” was given to the 2500 acres of land bought by Dr James Murray in 1837. He named his property “Woden” after the Norse God of War who was also the patron of learning. Development of Woden as a separate entity of 12 suburbs began in 1962. Families moved into the first suburb of Hughes in 1963.
Within the boundaries that make up Woden, street signs bear the names of many Australians and things typically Australian. Each street name – carefully chosen – commemorates and acknowledges either the contributions that a person has made to create this nation or reflects the diverse and rich history and heritage that is Australia.
Woden is a very desirable portion of the ACT and geographically almost in the heart of Canberra, being only minutes to the Civic Centre and boasting its own “Woden Plaza”, a major shopping and commerce centre in the Territory. The Woden area is also the medical centre of the ACT with the major Canberra Hospital and several well respected private hospitals in the immediate area.
Woden Valley – Quick Facts
- Gazettal Date: 15 April 1971
- Commemorated Name: WODEN
- Origin: Woden Homestead; the name of the homestead built on land in the Canberra region granted to James Fitzgerald Murray in about 1830. Woden derives its name from the Norse god of war who was also the patron of learning. Dr James Murray named his property “Woden” in 1837.
- Area: 28.7 km2
- Population (’11): 32,958
- Families (’11): 8,740
- Avg children/family (’11): 1.8
- Households (’11): 14,609
- Median age (’11): 40
- Number of business(’07): 2,439