Melbourne suburb guide
From laid-back seaside suburbs to the city centre’s street art-clad laneways, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are as eclectic as they are exciting.
By Natasha Dragun and Carly Spek
Multicultural, artistic, and sporty, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are diverse and dynamic, from the relaxed beachside suburbs of the southeast to the coffee shop-lined alleys of the city centre. Thanks to Melbourne’s extensive network of trams – some of them free – it’s easy to hop between its more central neighbourhoods, no matter where you decide to stay.
Central Melbourne
Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Where: City centre, Southbank
Melbourne’s compact central neighbourhoods mix high- and low-brow art with colonial and modern buildings and coffee shops galore, all steps from the meandering Yarra River. The atmosphere is both eclectic and buzzing, and the hub’s neat grid of streets makes it easy to explore – although it’s fun to lose yourself in its many street art-covered laneways.
Melbourne’s south-east beaches
St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Where: St Kilda, Elwood, Elsternwick, Brighton
Beaches lined with palm trees and colourful bathing boxes, sun-dappled cafés, wide waterfront promenades, yachts dotting the bay – Melbourne’s beachside suburbs, south-east of the city centre, are laid-back and resorty, yet achingly cool. The further south you go, the better the beaches get. Think long stretches of sand and gentle rolling waves.
Melbourne’s south-east suburbs
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Where: South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor
The neighbouring suburbs of South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor in Melbourne’s inner-south-east are an enticing mix of wide leafy streets studded with jaw-dropping mansions. Here you'll find some of the city’s most applauded restaurants, with the upscale shopping strips of Toorak Road and Chapel Street offering plenty of retail temptations.
Melbourne’s inner-east
Melbourne Sport Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria © Tim Shaw
Where: Richmond, Collingwood, Abbotsford
This precinct of Melbourne is vibrant and multicultural and you'll quickly see why Melbourne has been dubbed the sporting capital of Australia. The inner-east is a hub for sports fanatics of all games thanks to its major stadiums surrounded by legendary bars and live music venues. It’s also home to ‘Little Saigon’ along Victoria Street, offering a parade of tasty eateries.
Melbourne’s northern suburbs
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria © Roberto Seba
Where: Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick
The neighbourhoods of Melbourne’s inner-north are a magnet for foodies, thanks to the thriving Italian restaurants in Carlton (aka ‘Little Italy’) and the bohemian dining rooms of Fitzroy and Brunswick. The further from the city centre you travel, the more diverse the offerings get, including a fantastic array of live music venues to get you on your feet.
