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The Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia are a diverse region with parks, shopping precincts, and cultural attractions, characterised by leafy streets, historic homes, and a blend of urban and suburban vibes. Major suburbs include Hawthorn, Camberwell, Doncaster, Box Hill, and Ringwood, each boasting distinct attractions, dining options, and recreational activities. With good public transport connections, exploring the region is both easy and enjoyable.
Districts
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Map of Melbourne/Eastern suburbs
| City of Boroondara The City of Boroondara includes suburbs such as Hawthorn, Camberwell, and Kew. Boroondara is known for its historic architecture, vibrant shopping strips, and numerous parks, including the popular Yarra River parklands. The city features a variety of cultural and recreational facilities, including libraries, sports grounds, and the Boroondara Arts Centre. |
| City of Knox The City of Knox includes suburbs such as Wantirna, Boronia, and Ferntree Gully. Knox is known for its shopping centres, including Westfield Knox, and a variety of parks and recreational areas, such as the Knox Regional Sports Park. |
| City of Manningham The City of Manningham includes suburbs such as Doncaster, Templestowe, and Warrandyte. Manningham is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Yarra River and the nearby Dandenong Ranges. The area features several shopping precincts, notably Westfield Doncaster, and a range of parks and recreational facilities, such as the Ruffey Lake Park and the Yarra Valley Parklands. |
| City of Maroondah The City of Maroondah includes the suburbs of Croydon, Ringwood, Heathmont, and parts of Bayswater. Maroondah features significant infrastructure, including the Eastland shopping centre and multiple public transport options. The area is known for its parks and recreational spaces, such as Ringwood Lake and the Eastlink Trail, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities. |
| City of Monash The City of Monash includes suburbs such as Clayton, Glen Waverley, and Notting Hill. Monash is known for its educational institutions, including Monash University, one of Australia’s largest universities. The city features a range of shopping areas, such as The Glen shopping centre, and offers extensive parklands and recreational facilities, including Jells Park and the Dandenong Creek Trail. |
| City of Whitehorse The City of Whitehorse includes suburbs such as Box Hill, Blackburn, and Mitcham. Whitehorse is known for its vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by the Box Hill Central shopping precinct and the Whitehorse Arts and Cultural Centre. The city offers numerous parks and recreational facilities, including the popular Gardiners Creek Trail and Wattle Park. |
Get in
[edit]The Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne are easily accessible from the city centre and surrounding areas by public transport and major road routes, with multiple hubs serving as key access points.
By train
[edit]The train network is one of the fastest ways to reach many parts of the Eastern Suburbs:
- Belgrave and Lilydale lines: Depart from Melbourne’s CBD (Flinders Street Station) and run eastward, stopping at major hubs including Box Hill, Blackburn, and Ringwood. At Ringwood, the lines split, with services continuing to Belgrave and Lilydale. These lines are ideal for accessing Maroondah and Knox.
- Glen Waverley line: Runs from Flinders Street Station to Glen Waverley, passing through inner suburbs like Richmond, Kooyong, and Holmesglen, serving the Monash area.
- Alamein line: Operates from Camberwell to Alamein, with direct services to the city during peak hours and transfers available at Camberwell Station during off-peak times.
Key train stations in the area include:
- Box Hill Station: A major interchange with train, tram, and bus links, serving Whitehorse and surrounding areas.
- Ringwood Station: Provides access to Eastland Shopping Centre and serves as a main hub for Maroondah.
- Glen Waverley Station: A central interchange for the Glen Waverley line, connecting to bus services within Monash.
By tram
[edit]While trams primarily serve the inner eastern suburbs, they provide convenient access to Boroondara and Whitehorse:
- Routes 48 and 109: Depart from Melbourne’s CBD along Collins Street, servicing northern Boroondara and connecting with Box Hill.
- Routes 70 and 75: Operate from the CBD along Flinders Street, with Route 70 running through Hawthorn and Route 75 extending to Burwood and Vermont South.
- Routes 16 and 72: These routes are less direct from the city but provide useful connections through Melbourne’s southern suburbs.
By bus
[edit]Buses offer extensive coverage across the Eastern Suburbs, including SmartBus and local services:
SmartBus routes:
- Route 901: Runs from Melbourne Airport to Ringwood, passing through Blackburn and other eastern hubs.
- Route 902: Connects Airport West to Chelsea, serving Box Hill, Vermont South, and Knox City Shopping Centre.
- Route 903: An orbital route that connects Heidelberg, Box Hill, Doncaster, and other areas.
- Routes 907, 905, and 906: Provide express routes to the CBD with stops in Doncaster, Bulleen, Templestowe, and Warrandyte.
Local bus services:
- Route 737: Connects Croydon to Monash University, serving Maroondah, Knox, and Monash.
- Route 732: Links Box Hill to Upper Ferntree Gully, covering Whitehorse and Knox.
- Route 742: Connects Chadstone Shopping Centre with Ringwood, passing through Glen Waverley.
By car
[edit]Driving in the Eastern Suburbs is convenient with several major roads and freeways:
- Eastern Freeway (M3): Extends from the CBD to Doncaster, linking inner suburbs like Kew and Balwyn with outer areas.
- Monash Freeway (M1): Travels from Melbourne’s CBD through Monash, connecting Glen Waverley and further toward Dandenong.
- EastLink (M3): Provides a north-south link from Doncaster through Ringwood and Knox to the Mornington Peninsula, intersecting with both the Eastern and Monash Freeways.
Other major roads:
- Burwood Highway: Connects inner eastern suburbs to areas like Ferntree Gully and Knox.
- Maroondah Highway: Runs through Ringwood and Croydon, continuing to Lilydale and the Yarra Valley.
- Springvale Road: A primary north-south route linking several suburbs and intersecting with key freeways.
By bicycle
[edit]Cyclists can access the Eastern Suburbs via scenic and well-maintained bike paths:
- Main Yarra Trail: Follows the Yarra River, connecting the CBD to areas like Kew and intersecting with the Eastern Freeway trail.
- Gardiners Creek Trail: Runs through Ashburton, Malvern East, and connects to the Monash Freeway trail.
- EastLink Trail: A major north-south route along EastLink, connecting with other trails and passing through several suburbs.
Major transport hubs
[edit]The Eastern Suburbs have several transport hubs offering comprehensive connections:
- 1 Box Hill Station. A major hub with train, tram, and bus links, serving Whitehorse and beyond.
- 2 Ringwood Station. A primary station with bus connections and access to Eastland Shopping Centre in Maroondah.
- 3 Glen Waverley Station. A key interchange for train and bus services within Monash.
- 4 Knox City Shopping Centre. Functions as a bus hub, connecting Knox to nearby areas.
- 5 Westfield Doncaster. A significant shopping and transport hub with SmartBus services and other bus routes.
- 6 The Pines Shopping Centre. Located in Doncaster East, serves as a hub for northern Manningham.
- 7 Doncaster Park & Ride. A convenient hub with frequent buses to the city and surrounding suburbs.
Get around
[edit]The Eastern Suburbs are well-served by a combination of trains, trams, and buses, creating a convenient grid for local travel. Trains primarily connect outer suburbs with Melbourne’s CBD, while trams and buses offer frequent connections within and between suburbs.
By tram
[edit]Most trams operate in the inner eastern suburbs, particularly in Boroondara and Whitehorse:
- Routes 48 and 109: Ideal for east-west travel through areas like Kew, Balwyn, and Box Hill.
- Routes 70 and 75: Serve Burwood, Camberwell, and Surrey Hills, with Route 75 extending to Vermont South in Whitehorse.
- Routes 16 and 72: North-south trams connecting with other lines to provide access to suburbs within Monash, Boroondara, and neighbouring areas.
By bus
[edit]Buses provide extensive coverage across the Eastern Suburbs, connecting areas not served by trams or trains:
SmartBus Routes:
- Route 901: Runs north-south from Melbourne Airport through Ringwood, connecting Knox and Maroondah.
- Route 902: Runs east-west from Airport West to Chelsea, linking Doncaster, Box Hill, and Vermont.
- Route 903: An orbital route that connects Box Hill, Blackburn, and nearby hubs in Whitehorse and Monash.
- Routes 907, 905, and 906: Provide frequent and direct city access from areas like Doncaster and Templestowe.
Local Bus Routes:
- Route 737: Connects Croydon to Monash University in Clayton, running through Maroondah and Monash suburbs.
- Route 732: Links Box Hill to Upper Ferntree Gully, serving Whitehorse and Knox.
- Route 624: Provides a north-south connection from Kew to Oakleigh, passing through Monash.
- Route 742: An east-west route from Chadstone Shopping Centre to Ringwood, passing through Glen Waverley.
By car
[edit]The Eastern Suburbs feature multiple major thoroughfares for easy travel:
- East-West Roads: Maroondah Highway, Canterbury Road, and Burwood Highway connect Ringwood, Forest Hill, and Wantirna to the inner east.
- North-South Roads: Burke Road, Warrigal Road, Stud Road, and Springvale Road are key routes, though congestion is common during peak hours.
- Freeways: The Eastern Freeway (M3), Monash Freeway (M1), and EastLink (M3) provide rapid travel across the region.
Walking and cycling
[edit]Many Eastern Suburbs offer well-maintained footpaths, particularly in inner areas like Boroondara and Whitehorse. Parks and greenways, such as the Gardiners Creek Trail and EastLink Trail, offer scenic paths for both walking and cycling, with many suburbs including dedicated bike lanes on main roads. test
See
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Enjoy scenic views, historical sites, art galleries, and unique cultural spots that highlight the charm of Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.
- 1 Australian Jazz Museum, 15 Mountain Highway, Wantirna. Dedicated to preserving Australia’s jazz heritage, this museum houses an extensive collection of jazz memorabilia, from instruments to historical recordings. It’s a treasure trove for jazz aficionados and anyone interested in Australia’s music history.
- 2 Box Hill Town Hall (Whitehorse Town Hall), 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, ☏ +61 3 9262 6243. An elegant example of 1930s civic architecture, Box Hill Town Hall now serves as a vibrant cultural and community centre.
- 3 Bulleen Art and Garden. A unique blend of garden centre and art space, it features local sculptures, pottery, and sustainable gardening products. A good spot for eco-conscious visitors and art enthusiasts.
- 4 Canterbury streetscapes (take the Belgrave/Lilydale line to Canterbury station; by car, driving along the Eastern Freeway and then onto Burke Road). The charming, tree-lined residential streets of Canterbury are renowned for their elegant architecture and lush greenery. Best enjoyed on foot, these streetscapes showcase historic homes and manicured gardens, particularly around Wentworth and Hopetoun Avenues.
- 5 Hawthorn Town Hall (Hawthorn Arts Centre), 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn (Glenferrie Station or Tram 16: Stop 73), ☏ +613 9278 4770, townhallgallery@boroondara.vic.gov.au. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. Built in 1890, this grand town hall showcases Second Empire-style architecture. It now functions as an arts and community hub with galleries and a performing arts centre. Free.
- 6 Heide Museum of Modern Art, 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen (train to Heidelberg Station (Hurstbridge Line), then 903 SmartBus towards Mordialloc; alight at Bridge St stop and 5-min walk through park on left), ☏ +61 3 9850 1500, info@heide.com.au. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Set on the Yarra River floodplains, Heide is internationally acclaimed for its collections of modern and contemporary art. Featuring three galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden, the museum is also renowned for its connection to iconic Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan. $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 concessions, children (<12) and sculpture park entry free.
- 7 Maling Road Village, Maling Road, Canterbury (Take the Belgrave/Lilydale train to Canterbury station), ☏ +61 434 382 920, info@malingroad.com.au. Established in the 1800s, this quaint shopping village features boutique shops in heritage buildings. Known for its “old world” charm, Maling Road offers a delightful blend of cafes, antiques, and specialty stores.
- 8 Maranoa Gardens, Yarrbat Ave Balwyn (Catch the route 109 to Parring Road, then a short walk to the gardens), ☏ +61 3 9278 4444, boroondara@boroondara.vic.gov.au. M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa Su & public holidays noon-5PM, closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Established as one of Australia’s oldest native gardens, Maranoa Gardens offers a diverse range of native plants and peaceful pathways. Nestled next to Beckett Park, this is a serene retreat for nature lovers. Free.
- 9 Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Road Hawthorn (Trams 70 and 75: Stop 29), info@hawthorntramdepot.org.au. 11AM-5PM, 2nd & 4th Sat each month (only 2nd Sa in December). Housed in the historic Hawthorn Tram Depot, this museum holds 21 beautifully restored trams dating back to 1906, including the iconic W-class trams. Explore Melbourne’s tram history in a building with classic American Romanesque architecture. $1-2 donation.
- 10 Ramsay Street from Neighbours. Famous for being the filming location of the iconic Australian TV show Neighbours. Fans can visit the street and recognize the classic homes from the show.
- 11 Ringwood Clocktower, 104A Maroondah Hwy, ☏ +61 3 9876-1116. War memorial with garden setting as well as a clock tower.
- 12 Schramm's Cottage, Muriel Green Drive, Doncaster East. A well-preserved pioneer cottage and museum showcasing life in early Melbourne. It features historical displays, a blacksmith’s workshop, and gardens reflective of the 1800s.
- 13 Schwerkolt Cottage, Deep Creek Road, Mitcham. This pioneer cottage, built in the 1880s, offers a fascinating look into early settler life. The well-preserved structure includes period furnishings and nearby interpretive displays that provide a glimpse into the history of Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
Parks
[edit]The following parks offer peaceful retreats and opportunities to enjoy Melbourne's natural beauty, from scenic lakes to walking trails.
- 14 Box Hill Gardens. This tranquil park includes a lake, walking paths, and a beautiful Chinese pavilion. It’s popular for outdoor activities, picnics, and as a community gathering spot.
- 15 Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. A natural haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors, this sanctuary offers trails, picnic areas, and a lake, all surrounded by lush bushland and native flora.
- 16 Jells Park. Featuring well-maintained paths and lovely picnic spots overlooking a lake, Jells Park is a popular destination for families and nature lovers alike.
- 17 Ringwood Lake Park. This family-friendly park includes a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Free.
- 18 Warrandyte State Park. Known for its natural beauty along the Yarra River, this park has scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and swimming areas. It’s ideal for those wanting a nature escape close to the city. Free.
- 19 Wattle Park (Catch the Route 70 tram from Flinders Street in the city, or the 767 if coming from Box Hill). Known for its 12,000 wattle trees, this large park offers golf, cricket, and walking paths. It’s a green slice of Australian bush nestled in suburban Melbourne. Free.
- 20 Yarra Bend Park (catch the 200 or 207 bus towards Doncaster/Bulleen and alight on Studley Park Rd; if driving, various sections of park accessible from Heidelberg Rd and Studley Park Rd), ☏ +61 3 131963, info@parks.vic.gov.au. Just 3 km from the CBD, Yarra Bend Park is a vast expanse of bushland and parkland along the Yarra River. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, boathouses, and picnic areas amidst natural beauty. Free.
Do
[edit]- Koonung Creek Trail (Connects with Main Yarra Trail in the west and the Eastlink Trail in the east). A fairly flat and easy bicycle track following the Eastern Freeway through the suburbs of Kew, North Balwyn, Box Hill North, Blackburn North and Nunawading. A pleasant ride which follows parkland, featuring toilets, drink taps and seating along the route. The entire track is a sealed path and is well signed.
- 1 Studley Park Boathouse, 1 Boathouse Road, Kew (Bus 200 or 207: Yarra Bend Park/Studley Park Rd stop), ☏ +613 9853 1828, info@studleyparkboathouse.com.au. From 9AM daily. Established in 1863, the Studley Park Boathouse is the oldest operating boathouse in Australia. The building is hidden amongst the beautiful Yarra River parkland, and houses a café, restaurant and small kiosk. Visitors are also able to hire a canoe, kayak or rowboat to paddle along the Yarra River, or utilise the walking tracks and playgrounds. Free entry; boat hire from $22 for two people for half-hour.
- Race Party, 97 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East (parking at rear), ☏ +61398821391, bookings@raceparty.com. Daily 9AM til late. Race Party is a venue for slot car racing with two custom made eight lane 40-m slot car race tracks, suitable for all ages from 6 and up. from $14.
Box Hill
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- The Box Hill Hawks are a local Australian rules football club, playing in the Victorian Football League and are based at the Box Hill City Oval. They are affiliated with the Hawthorn Hawks.
- The Whitehorse Pioneers compete in the Eastern Football League.
- Box Hill United Soccer Club competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2.
- Box Hill has an 18-hole golf course, located at 202 Station Street.
- Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]The 1 Camberwell Shopping Centre is one of the oldest centres of Melbourne, Camberwell boasts a large variety of different cuisines in a traditional shopping 'village' feel. The strip shops stretch along Burke Road from Camberwell Junction in the south up to Burwood Road and beyond in the north. Take the Lilydale, Belgrave or Alamein line to Camberwell station
- 2 L'Burger Casual Restaurant, Shop 1/672 Glenferrie Rd.
- 3 Hooked Fish and Chipper Hawthorn, 669 Glenferrie Rd. Fish&chips
- 4 Laksa Garden, 724 Glenferrie Rd. Malaysian cuisine
- 5 SpudBAR, 717 Glenferrie Rd.
- 6 Hakata Gensuke Hawthorn - Ramen Professional, 4/860 Glenferrie Rd.
- 7 Tien Dat, 3 Carrington Rd, ☏ +61 3 9890 9699. Vietnamese cuisine.
Splurge
[edit]- 8 Mister Bianco, 285 High Street Kew (take the 48 or 109 tram to Kew), ☏ +61 3 9853 6929, info@misterbianco.com.au. It once won a chef's hat award from the Age's Good Food Guide. Features traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Drink
[edit]There are a few small areas which offer some nightlife. These precincts include Glenferrie Road (Hawthorn) and Box Hill. The suburbs are not known for their nightlife.
- 1 High & Dry Bar, Sage Hotel Melbourne Ringwood, 211 Maroondah Hwy. 11am - 11pm. Cosy, casual, good for groups.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Motel Maroondah, 768 Whitehorse Rd, ☏ +61 3 9899-5555. Straightforward rooms in a laid-back roadside lodging with free Wi-Fi and parking. $72.
- Nightcap at Manhattan Hotel, Cnr Heatherdale & Canterbury Roads, ☏ +61 3 9874-7777. $103.
- 2 Sage Hotel, F5 Eastland Shopping Centre, 211 Maroondah Hwy, ☏ +61 3 8845-1100. Free WiFi, paid parking, accessible. $149.
- 3 Shoppingtown Hotel, 19 Williamsons Rd, Doncaster (opposite Westfield SC; Buses 902, 903 or 907), ☏ +613 9848 6811, shoppingtown.hotel@alhgroup.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. The Shoppingtown is the only real hotel-style accommodation in Manningham, and it's right in the heart of Doncaster Hill. While a bit 1960s, it offers comfortable 3½-star rooms and facilities. The hotel also offers a bar and bistro, a nightclub and a cabaret room, hosting various performances and shows regularly throughout the year.
- 4 Warrandyte Goldfields Bed & Breakfast, 1-3 Whipstick Gully Road, Warrandyte (To/from city, Bus 906: Whipstick Gully Rd stop), ☏ +61 3 9844 0666, katsbb@bigpond.net.au. A humble 4-star bed and breakfast in a scenic rural setting, right next to the main shopping strip of Warrandyte. Includes complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and Netflix. Double $185/night.
Stay safe
[edit]Although the eastern suburbs of Melbourne are much safer than the north or west, you should still show basic common sense with belongings and travel. Some major centres such as Box Hill and Ringwood have occasional issues with crime.
Connect
[edit]- 1 Realm (Ringwood Library), 179 Maroondah Hwy, ☏ +61 3 9800-6430. Friendly staff, good for studying or unwinding. Free Wi-Fi
Go Next
[edit]Popular destinations accessible from the Eastern suburbs include the Yarra Valley wine region, Warburton, and Healesville Sanctuary.