suburb.guide

VIC · Port Phillip Council

South Melbourne, 3205

Current weather

11.3°CLight drizzle

82% humidity · 23.4 km/h wind · 12.9° / 10.7° today · 8.3 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

61.7/100
Good

Top 12% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Dining hub
  • Premium
  • Top transport
  • Heritage
  • Top schools
What South Melbourne is known for: Dining hub, Premium, Top transport, Heritage, Top schools

Suburb profile

South Melbourne hums with inner-city energy, a established suburb where there is always something happening nearby. Sitting close to the city centre, it is easy to dip into neighbouring suburbs for work, dining and events. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.

Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with plenty of young families in the mix. There is a genuine buzz to daily life, with restaurants, bars and cultural outings all within reach. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Public transport links make it easy to move between neighbouring suburbs without relying on the car. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.

On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by transport and access and growth momentum, while housing affordability and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar metro suburbs.

Population

Population
11,548
Median age
39
Median household income / week
$2,101
Dwelling vacancy
19.3%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,328 of 6,883
Median monthly mortgage
$2,200
Employment rate
64.8%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
313 / 1,967 / 3,250

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
3,561
Against the person
434
Against property
2,489
Rate per 1,000 residents
308.4
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 27 residents
State safety percentile
95.4th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+14.4%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage216
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft178
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle649
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store482
  • B49 Other Theft246

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
3
Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
1,033
  • Galilee Regional Catholic Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Montague SchoolSpecial
  • Youth2Industry CollegeSecondary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

45 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Dorcas St/Eastern Rd #22
  • Moray St/Park St #23
  • Sturt St/Kings Way #118
  • Wells St/Park St #119
  • Wells St/Park St #119

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

67 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 28/04/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.BOUNDARY STREET, EVANS STREET27 Apr 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 28/04/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.JOHNSON STREET, MUNRO STREET27 Apr 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 28/04/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.NORMANBY ROAD, INGLES STREET27 Apr 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 30/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed eastbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.JOHNSON STREET, MUNRO STREET29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 30/01/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed eastbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.NORMANBY ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN ROAD29 Jan 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 06/11/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MONTAGUE-WEST GATE IN RAMP ON, MONTAGUE STREET05 Nov 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 06/11/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MONTAGUE STREET, undefined05 Nov 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.KINGS WAY, DORCAS STREET17 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.KINGS-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON, KINGS WAY17 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.KINGS WAY17 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

247 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • July 2021

  • To display an artwork on the temporary hoarding
    31 FERRARS PLACE SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Illuminated signage
    101 MORAY STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition works and construction of new single storey extension with a change in roof profile to rear of existing building
    1-3 NELSON PLACE SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Twenty-three (23) lot subdivision PS841445T SPEAR REF: S179063E
    201-209 FERRARS STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Eighty-four (84) lot subdivision PS818660V/S2 SPEAR REF: S178816P
    37-43 PARK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Install a frosted glass window in the back wall of the second storey of the house
    6 MARTIN STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Stage 1 of a staged subdivision creation of restriction PS818660V SPEAR REF: S145101H Amendment: Concurrent Subdivision Planning Permit and Certification Application in accordance with the attached Plan of Subdivision PS 818660V Stage 1.
    37 PARK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • It is proposed to demolish part of the existing building, extend the ground floor and incorporate a first floor on the existing dwelling in a heritage overlay.
    18 MOUNTAIN STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • To paint the front of the shop windows and doors with black trim
    342 CLARENDON STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Withdrawn
  • Demolition of existing commercial building and dwelling, and the construction of two double-storey dwellings, each with a roof terrace: -Lowered overall building height -Replaced roof access with Glazed Hatch -further amendments to endorsed plans
    56-58 EASTERN ROAD SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Proposed Signage and Mural in a heritage overlay
    160 NAPIER STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Six (6) lot subdivision PS748347N SPEAR REF: S178477E
    161 BUCKHURST STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Demolition of existing building, construction of a new three storey shop and office with the associated car parking waiver
    263 COVENTRY STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition and construction of alterations and additions to existing building, including two storey addition to the rear for use as dwelling and separate office with associated reduction to car parking requirement: -Amendment to condition 1C to alter cladding -alteration to external finishes -amended studio entry section -new east elevation window -amendment to rainwater tank type
    236 ALBERT ROAD SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Install outdoor electronic led neon sign above existing roller door entrance.
    2 ALFRED PLACE SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Construction of internally illuminated signs
    141 CECIL STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress

  • June 2021

  • Partial demolition and construction of buildings and works (first floor additions and alterations including terrace) to existing buildings and reduction to car parking requirement
    234 COVENTRY STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition of the building and construction of buildings and works, display of business identification signage and a reduction of the car parking requirements associated with the use of the site as a medical centre (permit not required).
    265-267 PARK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Two (2) lot subdivision PS836533B SPEAR REF: S177204V
    145 NELSON ROAD SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change of use to Domestic Animal Boarding with associated display of business identification signage: Amendment to allow for: - mezzanine area within existing building to be used for storage only - changes to signage
    76-78 CLARKE STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Change of use to domestic animal boarding (from retail/warehouse)
    2/186-202 YORK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition and construction of buildings and works including alterations to existing building
    145 CECIL STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • the construction of a temporary sign
    41-49 BANK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of front fence and roof sheeting; construction of new front fence and slate roof; painting and rendering of facade
    29 FERRARS PLACE SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External paint to an existing dwelling within the heritage overlay
    153 NAPIER STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • S72 Amendment to Planning Permit 588/2020 to allow for the construction of a carport in lieu of a pergola
    317-329 DORCAS STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition (dwelling and outbuilding) and construction of ground and first floor alterations and additions to the existing dwelling: - new window to bedroom 2: - additional screening around first floor void: - new internal vision panels to stair landing: - minor skylight adjustment
    84 IFFLA STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition of the dwelling and construction of buildings and works including a two storey addition to the rear with roof terrace.
    35 LYELL STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions; the construction of ground and first floor additions to the rear of the dwelling. - Change vision screening style to rear first floor balcony - Change to the materials/finishes schedule - Addition of solar panels to roof
    430 PARK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Reduction of the car parking requirements associated with a Medical centre
    3/186-202 YORK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Carry out works, repairs and routine maintenance which are not undertaken to the same details, specifications and materials in a Heritage Overlay
    101 BANK STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Minor buildings and works related to the roof replacement with an existing commercial building
    158 Moray StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Shortly after the issue of Planning Permit 1466/1999 issued 2 August 2000 which expired on 2 August 2012, the advertising signs were constructed and have been used ever since, including after the Permit expired. They continue to be in use at the present time.
    186A KINGS WAY SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Construction and display of business identification signage within the Capital City Zone
    151 MONTAGUE STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • New pergola at rear
    153 NELSON ROAD SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • Display (rebranding of the site) of four (4) business identification / direction signs.
    237 CECIL STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress
  • alterations to a commercial building, and the construction of a canopy
    71-73 Palmerston CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a new timber deck with portal frame to support.
    111 Bank StreetWithdrawn
  • Installation of a security door at the front of the dwelling
    3 WARD STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additons; the construction of a two storey addition to the rear of the dwelling
    54 THOMSON STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205In progress

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

396 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Carma CellarsAlcohol
  • LiquorlandAlcohol

    265 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

  • Prince Wine StoreAlcohol

    177 Bank Street

  • South Melbourne CellarsAlcohol

    386-388 Clarendon Street

  • Swords Select Wine & BeerAlcohol
  • The Little Wine ShopAlcohol
  • Thirsty CamelAlcohol
  • Vintage CellarsAlcohol

    254 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

  • Suki McMasterArt
  • Bikram YogaAudiologist

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

10 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Eastern North ReservePark
  • Eastern South ReservePark
  • Edythe McCallum ReservePark
  • Foundry Site ParkPark
  • Kirrip ParkPark
  • Ludwig Stamer ReservePark
  • Lyell Iffla ReservePark
  • See Yup temple gardenPark
  • Sol Green ReservePark
  • Town Hall ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
15
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Albert Road General PracticeAlbert Roadclinic
  • AmcalCecil Streetpharmacy
  • Centre for Musculoskeletal MedicineAlbert Roadalternative
  • Chemist WarehouseClarendon Streetpharmacy
  • Citymedclinic
  • Clinicclinic
  • Clinicclinic
  • Clinicclinic
  • Core DentalPark Streetdentist
  • Dental on Clarendondentist

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

45 state heritage places

  • ABERCROMBIE HOUSENH0404
  • ALBERT PARK RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXNH1558
  • BALLADONIANH0772
  • BELLHOUSE IRON HOUSENH1888
  • CHINESE TEMPLENH0219
  • DALKEITHNH0840
  • EMERALD HILL ESTATENH1136
  • EMERALD HILL ESTATENH1136
  • EMERALD HILL ESTATENH1136
  • EMERALD HILL ESTATENH1136

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

7 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Clarendon Children's CentreClarendon Streetchildcare
  • Head Start Learning Centre South MelbournePark Streetkindergarten
  • Lilian Cannam KindergartenEastern Roadkindergarten
  • Only About ChildrenFerrars Streetkindergarten
  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
14
Parks (OSM)
14

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability Index

Desirability score
61.7/100 — Good
State standing
Top 12% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
585th in Australia
State rank
151st in VIC
Peer rank
#61 among Metro Melbourne · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#111 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime216
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime178
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime649
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime482
  • B49 Other Theftcrime246
  • Clarendon Children's CentrechildcareClarendon Streetchildcare
  • Head Start Learning Centre South MelbournechildcarePark Streetkindergarten
  • Lilian Cannam KindergartenchildcareEastern Roadkindergarten
  • Only About ChildrenchildcareFerrars Streetkindergarten
  • childcarechildcarechildcare

Data sources & freshness

More in Port Phillip Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.