suburb.guide

VIC · Melbourne Council

Southbank, 3006

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

60.9/100
Good

Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Dining hub
  • Premium
  • Top transport
  • Growing
  • Parks
What Southbank is known for: Dining hub, Premium, Top transport, Growing, Parks

Suburb profile

Southbank is a lively inner established suburb with dining, shopping and leisure options right on the doorstep. Neighbouring suburbs are within easy reach, so the wider metro area always feels accessible. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.

Young professionals and new households shape much of the local mix, with a community of people who commute and work locally. Cafés, dining and leisure activities are easy to find, with neighbouring suburbs adding even more choice. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.

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 parks and green space and growth momentum, while housing affordability and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar metro suburbs.

Population

Population
22,631
Median age
31
Median household income / week
$1,926
Dwelling vacancy
28.5%
Unoccupied private dwellings
4,735 of 16,632
Median monthly mortgage
$1,900
Employment rate
73.2%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
485 / 158 / 11,686

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)
4,725
Against the person
610
Against property
3,439
Rate per 1,000 residents
208.8
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 37 residents
State safety percentile
91.5th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+18.5%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft367
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle1021
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store395
  • B49 Other Theft529
  • B53 Obtain Benefit By Deception260

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
2
Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
1,142.5
  • South Melbourne Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary SchoolSecondary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

36 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Casino/MCEC/Clarendon St #124A
  • Casino/Southbank/Queens Bridge St #115
  • Clarendon St/Whiteman St #125
  • Kings Way/Sturt St #20
  • York St/Kings Way #117

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

181 active roadworks / incidents

  • CityLink activities occurring between 21/07/2026 and 29/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be entry ramp closed. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.BURNLEY TUNNEL, WEST GATE FREEWAY20 Jul 2026 – 28 Jul 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 21/07/2026 and 29/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.BURNLEY TUNNEL, WEST GATE FREEWAY20 Jul 2026 – 28 Jul 2026
  • Council Works activities occurring between 05/02/2026 and 18/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.CLARENDON STREET, HAIG STREET04 Feb 2026 – 17 Sep 2026
  • Council Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed eastbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.POWER STREET, WEST GATE IN-POWER RAMP OF15 Jun 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
  • Council Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed eastbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.WEST GATE IN-POWER RAMP OF, undefined15 Jun 2026 – 29 Sep 2026
  • Council Works activities occurring between 18/12/2025 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.ST KILDA ROAD, SOUTHBANK BOULEVARD17 Dec 2025 – 29 Sep 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-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON05 Nov 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 26/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 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.CITYLINK OUT-KINGS RAMP OF, undefined25 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 29/10/2025 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WEST GATE IN-KINGS RAMP OF, KINGS WAY28 Oct 2025 – 30 Aug 2026
  • ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) activities occurring between 29/10/2025 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.KINGS WAY, CITYLINK OUT-KINGS RAMP OF28 Oct 2025 – 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).

105 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Demolition of existing buildings, to construct a building and construct or carry out works associated with a multi-storey building comprising a retail premises (other than adult sex bookshop, department store, hotel, supermarket and tavern) and offices and to create or alter access to a road in a Transport Zone 2
    9-15 MORAY STREET SOUTHBANK 3006In progress
  • Construct and display internally illuminated business identification signage
    3-7 RIVERSIDE QUAY SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for a Light Display
    68-82 SOUTHBANK BOULEVARD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land as an office
    UNIT 1, 120 STURT STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Withdrawn

  • August 2021

  • Display non-illuminated business identification signage in the CCZ Schedule 3
    85C QUEENS BRIDGE STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display internally illuminated business identification signage
    256-266 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amend conditions to facilitate a build to rent scheme and an update to the associated technical reports. Add conditions 58 to 66 to facilitate the above and to add updated Melbourne Water conditions.
    153-159 STURT STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display illuminated business identification signage in the CCZ Schedule 3
    276-282 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Construction and display of one internally illuminated, high wall business identification sign
    49-59 SOUTHBANK BOULEVARD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 32 (Subdivision) Australia 108
    68-82 SOUTHBANK BOULEVARD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 37 (Subdivision - Staged) PS801141R/S18
    11 BALE CIRCUIT SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Display of internally illuminated promotional signage
    SOUTHBANK PROMENADE SOUTHBANK 3006In progress
  • Liquor licence
    202-214 NORMANBY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006In progress
  • Display temporary realestate signage and external painting
    175-187 STURT STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Application to Amend Plans endorsed under the permit
    68-82 Southbank BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition of the existing building and construction of a mixed use building comprising a residential hotel, office and retail premises together with the alteration of access to a road in a Transport Zone, Category 2
    28-34 CLARENDON STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display an internally illuminated, high wall business identification sign (>40m)
    256-266 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Amend conditions 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 16, 20, 21, 39, and 48.
    153-159 Sturt StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for the purpose of Motor Vehicle, Boat, or Caravan Sales and the display floodlit business identification signs.
    198-200 NORMANBY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006In progress
  • Refer to cover letter
    8 WHITEMAN STREETPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 32 (Subdivision) Subdivision to create stand alone car park Lots for 3 Lots
    25-29 Coventry StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction and display of a temporary major promotion sign
    102-156 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of existing ground floor facade planter boxes (three)
    312-318 St Kilda RoadWithdrawn
  • To use the land for a restricted recreation facility (yoga/pilates) and construct and display business identification signage.
    174-184 City RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Buildings and works for the extension to an existing dwelling on a lot under 300sqm within the Mixed Use Zone, and buildings and works under the City Link Project Overlay, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    7 Grant StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction and display of five (5) internall illuminated business identification sign including one (1) sky sign in the Capital City Zone
    199-201 NORMANBY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works to construct a gazebo
    31-49 QUEENS BRIDGE STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display business identification signage (window decal)
    312-318 ST KILDA ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Lapsed
  • Delete Condition 1B (i), introduce use of the land for Dwelling. Amendments to plans in response to Melbourne Water requirements and other technical advice
    39-51 HANCOCK STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Installation of temporary promotional window decal signage
    Shop Ground 55 Southbank BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision to seperate Lot 1002 and one of its car parks - PS801135L
    25-29 Coventry StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amending the permit pursuant to Section 72 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in the following manner. Amending the plans endorsed under the permit by revising the building layout
    175-187 STURT STREET SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • One hundred and three (103) lot subdivision PS818698T SPEAR REF: S171765A
    199-201 Normanby RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • s72 Amendment: to amend the endorsed plans and reports to allow for minor modifications throughout the building and for architectural lighting
    202-214 NORMANBY ROAD SOUTHBANK 3006Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 37 (Subdivision - Staged)
    11 Bale CircuitPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Construct and display temporary promotional signage
    155 City RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition and reconstruction of the northern boundary wall and removal and remediation of an underground storage tank
    168-172 Sturt StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Construction of a six storey building (plus three basement levels) comprising office and food and drinks premises (as of right uses) and use for shops, buildings and works in association with a Design and Development Overlay and reduction in car parking. Amendment to allow the following: - internal changes of ground floor - Introduce a mezzanine level for a coworking office space - Amendment of condition 16 - Reduction in carparking by 12 spaces (associated with new mezzanine level)
    68 Clarke StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the premises as a dance school, convenience restaurant and hairdresser and a reduction in the car parking requirements
    30 Chessell StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External alterations to the finish of the shopfront and the construction and display of business identification signage
    Ground 20 Kavanagh StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

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

429 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Act of WineAlcohol

    22 Fanning Street

  • Dan Murphy'sAlcohol
  • Story So FarAlcohol
  • Thirsty CamelAlcohol
  • PLAYitAmusement Arcade
  • Melbourne StyleArt
  • Arts Centre Melbourne (Theatres Building)Arts centre
  • ANZATM
  • ATM
  • BOMATM

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

7 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Boyd Community ParkPark
  • Dodds St Linear ParkPark
  • Grant Street ReservePark
  • Kings Business ParkPark
  • Linear ParkPark
  • Miles and Dodds ReservePark
  • Sturt Street ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
6
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Capstone Medical Centre Southbankclinic
  • Chemist Warehousepharmacy
  • Core Dental Groupdentist
  • Red Cross Blood Service Southbank Donor CentreClarke Streetblood_donation
  • Southgate Pharmacypharmacy
  • Without Limits HealthFerrars Streetalternative

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
8/10

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

18 state heritage places

  • FORMER VICTORIA POLICE DEPOTNH1541
  • FORWARD SURGENH2378
  • JH BOYD GIRLS SCHOOLNH0769
  • JONES BOND STORENH0828
  • NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIANH1499
  • PRINCES BRIDGENH1447
  • RESIDENCENH0836
  • RESIDENCENH0832
  • RESIDENCENH0834
  • RESIDENCENH0838

Data sources & freshness

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

Childcare

2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • City Kids Early Learning Centerchildcare
  • Victoria Barracks Early Learning Centrekindergarten

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)
27
Parks (OSM)
23

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
60.9/100 — Good
State standing
Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
650th in Australia
State rank
165th in VIC
Peer rank
#48 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#122 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

  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime367
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime1021
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime395
  • B49 Other Theftcrime529
  • B53 Obtain Benefit By Deceptioncrime260
  • City Kids Early Learning Centerchildcarechildcare
  • Victoria Barracks Early Learning Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • FORMER VICTORIA POLICE DEPOTheritageNH1541
  • FORWARD SURGEheritageNH2378
  • JH BOYD GIRLS SCHOOLheritageNH0769

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

More in Melbourne Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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