Leafy Melbourne Neighbourhoods for a Greener Lifestyle
Encompassing lush parkland and majestic greenery, Melbournians have plenty of space to roam in these idyllic tree-lined neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for your little slice of sanctuary within the big city, these nine Melbourne neighbourhoods deliver that coveted leafy lifestyle.
Albert Park
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the city, the suburb of Albert Park is famed for its namesake parklands and wide leafy streets lined with heritage homes. Cyclists and joggers make their way around Albert Park Lake while families can be spotted at the sporting fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Here, living is easy with popular cafes, restaurants and fashion stores creating a laidback shopping village along Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue, where a direct tram will take you straight to the CBD.
Caulfield
With bountiful parkland and greenery, Caulfield remains a firm favourite among families. This sprawling suburb neighbours St Kilda, with its energetic drinking and dining scene, and is an easy train ride to the city. But life in Caulfield is all about the suburban charm with top rated schools, a close-knit community and excellent family amenities. With Caulfield Park at one end and Princes Park at the other, there’s plenty of space to kick back.
Abbotsford
Home to renowned multi-arts precinct Abbotsford Convent, this compact inner-city suburb certainly packs a punch. Nestled on the banks of the Yarra River, it offers plentiful green spaces encircled by trendy, character-filled streets. On weekends, locals can be found making the most of the outdoors, walking or cycling the Main Yarra Trail or enjoying sunny mornings at Collingwood Children’s Farm. There’s a flourishing café culture, and fashionable Richmond and Fitzroy right next door.
Warrandyte
The historic gold mining town of Warrandyte is surrounded by lush bushland, and despite being just 40 minutes from the CBD, feels as though it is a world away. With the Yarra River weaving through its centre, today the neighbourhood offers scenic walking trails and swimming spots and an abundance of native wildlife. It’s home to a string of cafes, galleries and eclectic boutiques along Yarra Street, much-loved Warrandyte Berry Farm and the whimsical nursery Warran Glen on the banks of Jumping Creek.
South Yarra
The sought-after suburb of South Yarra combines expansive green spaces with beautiful homes, prestigious schools and a dynamic café culture. With the Royal Botanic Gardens on its doorstep, locals get active on The Tan or relax on its manicured lawns. The suburb is also home to Fawkner Park with its picturesque walking trails lined with Moreton Bay figs, elms and oaks, the shopping and dining precinct of Chapel Street and South Yarra railway station.
Parkville
Boating a prime inner-city position, Parkville is a leafy pocket of bliss with an urban postcode. At its heart sits expansive Royal Park with its network of walking trails, playgrounds and picnic spots, along with much-loved Melbourne Zoo. The calm and peaceful suburb serves as the campus for the University of Melbourne, warranting an excellent line-up of cafes and lively student culture. Parkville’s picturesque streets showcase some of the city’s finest examples of Victorian architecture, with the price tag to match.
Canterbury
Wander down Canterbury’s tree-lined boulevards and it’s easy to see why this is one of Melbourne’s most exclusive enclaves. The blue-chip suburb boasts some of the most expensive property in the city, large Victorian and Edwardian estates that give the neighbourhood its air of prestige. Locals can be spotted in the village cafes and boutiques or soaking up the sunshine at its pretty parks and gardens.
Ivanhoe
Strung with stunning period homes, well-to-do Ivanhoe sits in Melbourne’s leafy north-east surrounded by esteemed private schools, sporting grounds and a wealth of green spaces. Its peaceful, tree-lined streets lure everyone from young families to empty nesters, attracted to the suburb’s strong community roots, buzzing shopping village along Upper Heidelberg Road and convenient train ride into the city centre.
Bentleigh
Family-friendly Bentleigh is known for its outdoor lifestyle with an abundance of parks and reserves contributing to its vibrant community atmosphere. The south-east suburb is rich in amenities with back-to-back shops along Centre Road and easy access to top-quality schools, massive shopping centres and glistening bayside beaches. There are two train stations connecting residents to the CBD and a good mix of sporting facilities catering to cricket, golf and tennis enthusiasts.
