Melbourne – South of the Yarra

Could You Live Here?

Buying a home is one of life's biggest decisions.

Yet many people spend more time inspecting the house than exploring the neighbourhood.

The Times Real Estate Road Trips are designed to change that.

Every week we'll visit another part of Australia, spending a weekend discovering what life is really like for the people who call it home.

This week, we're heading south of the Yarra River to explore Melbourne's famous bayside suburbs.

Friday Afternoon

Arrive in Melbourne and check into accommodation in either St Kilda or Middle Park.

Leave the car behind and take your first walk along the foreshore.

Watch cyclists, joggers and families enjoying Port Phillip Bay as the sun sets.

Enjoy dinner overlooking the water.

Don't think like a tourist.

Think like someone who may be living here next year.

Saturday Morning

Begin with coffee in Middle Park.

Walk the quiet residential streets.

Notice the architecture.

Victorian terraces.

Modern apartments.

Leafy streets.

Local parks.

Watch how residents spend their Saturday morning.

That tells you far more than any real estate brochure.

Albert Park

Walk around Albert Park Lake.

Observe runners, cyclists and rowers beginning their weekend.

Imagine this becoming part of your own routine.

The Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix may attract global attention each year, but for local residents this is simply one of Melbourne's finest parks.

Port Melbourne

Drive through Port Melbourne.

Former industrial warehouses now sit alongside stylish apartments and cafés.

The CBD is only minutes away by tram, bicycle or car.

For professionals wanting city convenience with a coastal lifestyle, Port Melbourne deserves careful consideration.

Lunch

Choose a café overlooking the bay.

Instead of watching the tourists, watch the locals.

Could you imagine becoming one of them?

Saturday Afternoon

Continue through:

• Middle Park
• St Kilda
• Elwood

Visit a selection of open homes.

Even if you're years away from buying, speaking with local agents provides an insight into the market and the people choosing to move into the area.

Saturday Evening

Enjoy dinner in St Kilda.

Experience the restaurants, wine bars and nightlife.

Remember—you don't need to do this every weekend.

It's simply reassuring to know it's always there.

Sunday Morning

Drive south.

Brighton.

Walk the beach.

Visit the colourful bathing boxes.

Continue through Hampton and Sandringham.

Each suburb has its own personality while sharing the relaxed atmosphere of bayside Melbourne.

Black Rock

Spend time exploring Black Rock.

Walk along Half Moon Bay.

Browse the village shopping strip.

Notice how peaceful the suburb feels despite being part of metropolitan Melbourne.

It is easy to understand why so many families choose to remain here for decades.

Beaumaris

Continue into Beaumaris.

Wide streets.

Large homes.

Excellent parks.

Walking tracks beside the bay.

This is a suburb built around lifestyle rather than hurry.

Before Heading Home

Before boarding your flight, ask yourself five simple questions.

• Could I imagine living here?
• Would my family enjoy this lifestyle?
• Does the commute suit my work?
• Is the area within my budget?
• If not, which nearby suburb offers similar advantages?

You may discover that choosing the right suburb is every bit as important as choosing the right home.

The Times Real Estate Scorecard

Lifestyle: ★★★★★

Walkability: ★★★★★

Public Transport: ★★★★☆

Dining & Cafés: ★★★★★

Shopping: ★★★★☆

Parks & Recreation: ★★★★★

Families: ★★★★★

Retirees: ★★★★★

First Home Buyers: ★★☆☆☆

Investment Appeal: ★★★★☆

Weekend Test: ★★★★★

The Times Verdict

Melbourne's bayside suburbs remain among Australia's finest places to live.

They combine beautiful beaches, established communities, excellent transport, outstanding recreational facilities and easy access to Melbourne's CBD.

Before purchasing a property anywhere in Melbourne, spend a weekend exploring this remarkable stretch of coastline.

You may discover that the neighbourhood is even more important than the house itself.

Next Week on The Times Real Estate Road Trips

Melbourne – North of the Yarra

Next weekend we'll discover a completely different side of Melbourne.

Join us as we explore:

• Carlton
• Fitzroy
• Collingwood
• Clifton Hill
• Northcote
• Thornbury

Historic terraces.

Tree-lined streets.

Coffee culture.

Creative neighbourhoods.

Parks.

Public transport.

And the question every prospective buyer asks:

Could I imagine living here?

Join us next week as The Times Real Estate Road Trips continues across Australia—one weekend, one destination and one neighbourhood at a time.