Moving to Melbourne can feel overwhelming. The city is big, every suburb has a different vibe, and useful information is spread across dozens of websites. This guide keeps things simple. You get a clear overview of each region, practical tools for checking schools and crime data, and direct links to essential government sites. Everything is organised so you can find the answers you want in seconds.
Use this guide as your starting point. Whether you want good schools, safer streets, a multicultural area, or just a convenient place with shops and transport, you will find the right direction here.
Need help with local services and council rules? Read: Melbourne Councils Guide for Newcomers
Essential Online Resources
A collection of trusted websites to help you settle into Melbourne with confidence. All links are official, updated, and safe to use.
Victoria State Government
The main entry point for everything related to living in Victoria. You can find information on education, transport, licences, healthcare, and family services. It’s the best place to understand how things work here. https://www.vic.gov.au
Visit Victoria
A helpful site when you want to explore. It shows attractions, events, weekend ideas, and things to do across the state. Great for planning your first trips after settling in. https://www.visitvictoria.com
Local Council Websites
Each council looks after services like waste collection, libraries, parks, community events, childcare, and local laws. Check your council’s site to understand your area better. https://www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council
Immigration and Citizenship
Use this for visas, citizenship, work rights, and official updates. All immigration rules and processing information is here. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Free Translating Service
A government service that translates key documents into English at no cost for eligible migrants. It helps with school enrolment, licences, and identity checks. Using Australia’s Free Translating Service: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide | Melbourne Guide
Australian Taxation Office
Everything related to tax, superannuation, TFN, and payments. You will need this when you start working. https://www.ato.gov.au
If you are unsure what your local council is (or what to do with that information), use this companion post: Melbourne Councils Guide for Newcomers: What Councils Do, How to Find Yours, and a Full Council List
Where to Live in Melbourne
This section gives you a quick idea of the lifestyle and housing style in each region. You can scan it fast and decide which direction suits your family.
Inner City
Close to the CBD with easy access to work, schools and transport. Housing is mixed. You see Victorian terraces, modern apartments and townhouses. Many families choose it for convenience and services.
Key points
- Within 2 km of the CBD
- Strong public transport
- Good mix of schools
- Walkable neighbourhoods
- Easy access to shopping and food
- Popular with young families and professionals
Examples Southbank Docklands Port Melbourne Carlton North Melbourne
Eastern Melbourne
Known for quiet streets, stable neighbourhoods and strong school options. This region is popular with families who want a balance between the suburbs and the city.
Key points
- Two to fifteen km from the CBD
- Good public and private schools
- Trams and trains available
- Local shopping strips and parks
- Suitable for families, couples and singles
Examples Kew Balwyn Camberwell Glen Iris Hawthorn
Outer Eastern Suburbs
More space and newer homes. Good for families who want room to grow and prefer a slower pace. Public transport is available, especially around Glen Waverley and Doncaster.
Key points
- Fifteen to twenty five km from the CBD
- Medium to large houses
- Modern townhouses and apartments
- Recreational centres and sports clubs
- Strong school choices
Examples Doncaster Glen Waverley Vermont Ringwood Blackburn
Southern Bayside Suburbs
Coastal lifestyle with parks, beaches and family facilities. Many homes are upgraded or newly built. Good transport and shopping access.
Key points
- Five to twenty five km from the CBD
- Mix of high end houses and modern homes
- Trains, trams and buses
- Strong selection of schools
- Community centres and sports clubs
- Coastal views in some areas
Examples Brighton Hampton Sandringham Mentone St Kilda
Northern Suburbs
A mix of history, culture and modern living. Many renovated homes and new apartments. Good transport connections and an active local community.
Key points
- One to eight km from the CBD
- Public transport everywhere
- Local shops, cafes, community centres
- Older homes with character
- New high rise developments
Examples Brunswick Fitzroy North Coburg Carlton North Flemington
Western Suburbs
Family friendly, affordable and diverse. Many areas are growing fast with new estates and upgraded facilities. Public transport and shopping hubs are available.
Key points
- Eight to twenty five km from the CBD
- Mix of older homes and new builds
- Affordable for first home buyers
- Parks, community centres and sports facilities
- Strong multicultural communities
Examples Werribee Footscray Sunshine Tarneit Point Cook
Crime and Climate Risk
Use these tools to understand the safety and environmental risks of each suburb.
Climate Risk Map of Australia
Shows risks such as bushfires, flooding and storms. Enter your suburb and see the risk level. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/climate-risk-map/
Crime Statistics Agency Victoria
Search crime rates by suburb or postcode. The data is updated regularly. https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area
RedSuburbs Crime Map
A visual map that highlights higher and lower crime areas across Australia. https://redsuburbs.com.au/
School Information and Tools
Find My School
Shows the public school zone for your address. Every home has a school zone. https://www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au
My School ACARA
Provides data for all schools in Australia. You can view performance, funding and student profiles. https://www.myschool.edu.au
Better Education
Rankings, ATAR data and school comparisons. Use it for research but check details as accuracy varies. https://bettereducation.com.au/