Anne Hamersley Primary School

Ellenbrook is a thoughtfully planned outer suburb in Perth’s City of Swan, sitting about 28 km north-east of the CBD and 18 km from Midland. First developed in the 1990s as a joint venture between the WA Government and private landowners, it has grown into a family-oriented community that flows seamlessly into The Vines, Aveley, and Henley Brook. You’ll find wide streets, parks, and a mix of housing that suits young families and those looking for more space. The suburb has a practical, everyday feel—close enough to the city for work, yet far enough to enjoy a quieter pace. With its planned layout and community focus, Ellenbrook is the kind of place where neighbours know each other and kids ride bikes to school. It’s a solid choice for families starting fresh in Perth.

Anne Hamersley Primary School is a welcoming local school that puts energy into building community and celebrating milestones. The school runs a Scholastic Book Club, with orders placed online through the LOOP platform and books delivered straight to the classroom—a lovely way to encourage a love of reading at home. For Year 6 students, the school hosts a Graduation Activity Week, a series of celebration events that mark the end of primary school in a memorable way. Teachers here seem to balance learning with fun, making sure kids feel proud of their achievements. It’s the kind of school where your child will be known by name, not just a number.

For working parents, after-school care is an important piece of the puzzle, and the school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. Beyond that, Ellenbrook offers practical support for busy families. Success Tutoring runs a dedicated Kindergarten English tutoring centre in the suburb, linked to the primary school intake, which can be a helpful boost for young learners who need a little extra support with reading or writing. It’s worth asking other parents at drop-off for their recommendations—word of mouth is often the best guide. The area feels safe and walkable, which gives older kids a bit of independence after school.

Ellenbrook has you covered for weeknight meals, whether you’re cooking from scratch or grabbing takeaway. For groceries, Spudshed at 151 The Promenade and Coles at both Ellenbrook and Whiteman Edge offer same-day delivery via Uber Eats—perfect for those days when you forget the milk. If you’re after something specific, MAR’S GROCERS Indian Grocery Store at 4 Commercial Rd stocks Indian produce and meats, and IGA in neighbouring Aveley also delivers. For a night off cooking, Royal Tarka Indian Restaurant at 6 Commercial Rd does takeaway and delivery, typically from late afternoon to evening. Fresh Pho House offers Vietnamese options, Twin Flame at 10 Commercial Rd is a vegan and vegetarian Indian choice, and Brooklane Cafe at 80 Maffina Parade serves modern Australian breakfast and brunch. You’ll never be short of variety.

Getting to and from the city is straightforward thanks to the Transperth Ellenbrook Line, part of the Metronet project. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. The line is part of a 21-km corridor with five new stations connecting Ellenbrook to Bayswater and the CBD. If you need to head to Midland, Transperth bus route 310 provides an alternative local connection. For school runs, most families will find driving or walking to Anne Hamersley Primary School easy, given the suburb’s planned layout. The commute is manageable, and having the train nearby means you can leave the car at home when heading into the city for work or weekends.

Start by arranging a visit to Anne Hamersley Primary School—walk the grounds, meet the principal, and get a feel for the community. While you’re in Ellenbrook, take a drive around the neighbourhood to see the parks and local shops, and maybe grab a coffee at Brooklane Cafe to soak in the atmosphere. If you’re moving from interstate or overseas, the school office can help with enrolment paperwork and answer questions about before- and after-school care. For tutoring needs, Success Tutoring in Ellenbrook is worth contacting early, as spots can fill up. Finally, check the Transperth journey planner for your specific commute times, and consider a test run of the train into Perth to see how it feels. Ellenbrook is a welcoming place—take your time, ask questions, and you’ll soon feel at home.