Tucked into Perth’s northern coastal corridor, Craigie is one of those suburbs that quietly gets on with the business of being a good place to live.
About 23 kilometres from the CBD and positioned within the City of Joondalup, Craigie doesn’t chase headlines — it earns its reputation through consistency, community spirit and proximity to some of Perth’s most enviable coastline.
Originally developed in the 1970s as part of the broader Whitfords growth corridor, Craigie has matured into a leafy, well-established residential pocket. Wide streets, generous block sizes and solid brick homes define much of the suburb. In recent years, renovations and tasteful modern rebuilds have lifted its streetscape, attracting first-home buyers, young families and professionals priced out of neighbouring coastal suburbs.
Lifestyle and Community
Craigie’s appeal lies in balance. It offers suburban calm without isolation. Families are drawn to the abundance of parks, sporting facilities and schools in surrounding areas. Long-term residents remain for the same reason newcomers arrive — it’s practical, accessible and neighbourly.
Demographically, Craigie reflects Perth’s broader northern suburbs: a mix of established families, tradespeople, professionals and retirees.
The suburb has seen steady property growth over the past five years as buyers recognise its value proposition — close to the coast, near major retail hubs, yet more affordable than beachfront counterparts.
Parks, Recreation and Green Space
Green space is one of Craigie’s strengths. Scattered throughout the suburb are well-kept parks with playgrounds, open kick-about areas and shaded picnic spots.
At the heart of local recreation is the Craigie Leisure Centre, a major community hub featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, group fitness classes and sporting courts. It’s a daily meeting point for families, swimmers and fitness regulars.
While Craigie itself is predominantly residential, nature is never far away. A short drive west brings you to the Indian Ocean and the sweeping sands of Mullaloo Beach, while south lies the lively marina precinct of Hillarys Boat Harbour. Coastal walks, cycling paths and bushland reserves in neighbouring suburbs ensure outdoor living is part of everyday life.
Eating and Drinking
Craigie’s dining scene is relaxed and local in character. Roma Republic is a reliable favourite for coffee and brunch, drawing a steady weekend crowd. Bollywood Spices delivers aromatic curries and classic Indian fare, while Craigie Tavern remains the suburb’s social anchor — a place for casual meals, after-work drinks and televised sport.
For broader choice, residents head minutes down the road to Westfield Whitford City, a major retail and dining precinct offering everything from casual cafés to sit-down restaurants and entertainment options.
Shopping and Convenience
Daily essentials are handled locally at Craigie Plaza, a modest but functional shopping strip catering to groceries, takeaway and services. For larger retail needs, Whitford City provides supermarkets, fashion outlets, cinemas and specialty stores.
Accessibility is another asset — major arterial roads and nearby Whitfords train station connect residents efficiently to Joondalup and the Perth CBD.
Interesting Notes
Craigie was named after an early councillor involved in the development of the former City of Wanneroo. Like many suburbs born in the 1970s expansion era, it reflects that period’s planning philosophy — generous residential allotments, neighbourhood parks and community facilities within reach.
It may not carry the prestige of some coastal postcodes, but that is precisely its strength. Craigie offers substance over spectacle. It is a suburb where children still ride bikes to the park, where neighbours greet one another, and where the beach is close enough to shape the rhythm of daily life without the price tag attached to ocean views.
In a property market that often rewards hype, Craigie stands out for something more enduring: reliability, livability and a sense of belonging.