If Canberra suburbs were Disney movies

You all loved it when we matched Canberra suburbs to their Hollywood celebrities last year so this time we're taking a punt on Canberra suburbs and their matching Disney movies. (It was way harder than we thought.)

Did we get it right?

New Acton: Cinderella 

If ever there was a Canberra rags to riches story this is it. From neglected lakeside site (and the home of a former convict gaol - yikes) to glamorous, breathtaking precinct, adored by all.

But Acton/New Acton's transformation didn't happen with the wave of a magic wand (or with the help of a fairy Godmother). The site was purchased by the Efkarpidis family in 1996, who, over two decades, remodelled the area into a vibrant precinct of seven buildings, interspersed with magical walkways and gardens.

The glass slippers came in the form of the eco-friendly Nishi building, built in 2013; home to a cinema and the game-changing Hotel Hotel.

Oaks Estate: The Goofy Movie

Goofy is that awkward character that no-one understands. Like, is he a cow or a dog? Is he a friend of Mickey or Donald? Isn't he actually so old he's someone's dad?

The same questions could be asked of Oaks Estate: is it a suburb or a town? Does it belong to Canberra or Queanbeyan? Wasn't it there before both the ACT and Q-Town?

Both are inexplicable.

Barton: Minions 

Hundreds of workers reporting to one man with a pointy nose and formidable eyebrows. (Okay that sounds more like John Howard, but we mean Anthony Albanese.)

Barton is the place our workforce of loyal public servants stream into and out of every day, although they're less about evil plans and more about work that advances our beautiful country. We'd love to see the Minions in suits and wearing lanyards in their next movie!

Yarralumla: The Little Mermaid 

Okay, this is a bit of a stretch because Ariel lives in an ocean and we only have a lake. But if you're going to meet a prince on a boat (or a yacht) you're totally going to do that in the shallow waters of Yarralumla.

Also, the chef from The Little Mermaid would totally work at the Turkish Halal Pide House at the shops, and we're sure we've spotted Ursula the Sea Witch in the lake while partying on that boat people hire for their hens and bucks nights.

Denman Prospect: Moana

If there's one suburb that's truly embraced its natural environment, it's Denman Prospect. But like the stunning namesake of the movie Moana, Denman Prospect refuses to accept the status quo and longs to be something more.

Denman was Australia's first solar suburb, and designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and waterways. But it's totally future-focused too, with sustainable initiatives baked into commercial buildings and the future Molonglo Valley Centre. Moana would be proud to live there.

O’Malley: The Aristocats 

Ah O'Malley. The suburb that forces you to rubberneck all the mansions as you drive up and down Hindmarsh Drive. It's home to embassies and the blue blood of Canberra (if there is such a thing) and where you move to when you've 'made it'. Flashy exteriors, stunning interiors and mountain views to die for.

Life is gentle, sunny and a little bit slower in O'Malley - a little bit like lives of the main characters in Disney's The Aristocats.

Braddon: Peter Pan

About 20 years ago, we would totally have chosen Cars as the best Disney movie to match Braddon. But since its (ongoing) extreme makeoever, we feel Peter Pan is more this inner city suburb's vibe.

The cafes, clubs and trendy businesses lining the streets of Braddon attract the local cool kids, influencers and tourists. As the home of beautiful people, it's quite literally the suburb that never wants to grow up.