Melbourne’s Eastern corridor is made up of the cities and shires of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges. Within these municipalities are a multitude of suburbs, each offering unique features and landscapes.
Here we highlight a selection of suburbs in the East; they might not have the highest of profiles, but they certainly deliver a solid list of reasons that potential home buyers should explore them further.
Bulleen
- Distance from the CBD: 12km
- Median House Price 2018 Q3: $ 1,220,000
Nestled between the Yarra River and the Eastern Freeway, Bulleen’s a suburb that enjoys stunning views of the Melbourne skyline. It is home to the popular boys’ school Marcellin College and is well serviced by a range of local buses, some of which have an express route to Melbourne’s CBD, courtesy of the specialised lane on the Eastern Freeway. Bulleen offers local shopping at Bulleen Plaza, however Westfield Doncaster is also in close proximity, allowing a greater span of stores for more specialised shopping outings. In addition, there are a number of green spaces such as Banksia and Bulleen Parks, and keen golfers will enjoy easy access to the Freeway Public Golf Course. A growing number of urban style apartments in Bulleen is further extending the suburbs appeal to first home buyers and downsizers who are seeking accommodation outside of the family home market.
Donvale
- Distance from the CBD: 19km
- Median House Price 2018 Q3: $ 1,330,000
When people think of Donvale, many picture large acreage properties with swimming pools and tennis courts, and to be fair, there are certainly many homes like this in the area. Donvale offers a wide range of housing options including apartments, units and townhouses, plus freestanding family homes without the acreage allotment attached. It is a suburb that’s suitable for any demographic. Donvale enjoys convenient access to Eastlink and is serviced by buses which run to train stations in the neighbouring suburbs of Mitcham and Nunawading. Donvale is also home to a number of highly sought-after schools such as Donvale Christian College, Whitefriars Catholic College and the Carey Grammars’ Junior Campus, as well as a range of sporting facilities; the new Mullum Mullum Stadium complex has been a welcome addition to the landscape, and joins the existing Manningham DISC in catering for a number of indoor sports. Tunstall Square is an outstanding local shopping precinct and Westfield Doncaster is not far up the road for those wanting a wider range of specialty shops.
Montrose
- Distance from the CBD: 34km
- Median House Price 2018 Q3: $ 704,000
Whilst Montrose is significantly further from the CBD than some of the featured suburbs, it’s a place that’s seen as a perfect compromise for anyone wanting a tree change whilst still needing regular access to the CBD. Located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the lush green area is serviced by buses with rail links to a number of stations on the Lilydale-Belgrave lines, making travel to inner city suburbs an ease. A trip down Canterbury Road will also provide direct access to Eastlink. Montrose has a wonderful community feel, with many locally organised events. There is also a span of housing types available, though you’ll need to be quick when you find something you like as the average days on market here is only 25, considerably lower than some areas.
Warranwood
- Distance from the CBD: 27km
- Median House Price 2018 Q3: $ 921,000
Warranwood is a tightly held suburb located between Warrandyte South and Ringwood North. It’s extremely popular with families and the majority of homes have been built with generous accommodation. It’s a peaceful place in green surrounds and offers easy access to of one of the most sought-after educational belts in the Eastern suburbs, with schools such as Yarra Valley Grammar, Luther College and The Rudolph Steiner School in close proximity. There’s an array of sporting fields and green spaces including Quambee and Warranwood Reserves, as well as Wyena Horse and Pony Club nearby, enhancing the notion of a slower paced lifestyle. You can shop locally at McAdams Square and the Ringwood North strip, or for a more comprehensive shopping experience, the recently updated Eastland is close by; local buses offer a service right to the door, as well as trains via Ringwood Station. There is also easy access to Eastlink from Warranwood, adding to the suburb’s appeal.
Wheelers Hill
- Distance from the CBD: 23km
- Median House Price Q3: $ 1,120,000
Wheelers Hill is known for its large houses and generous sized blocks, with a high percentage having 4 or more bedrooms. As the name suggests, the landscape is reasonably hilly, and the suburb boasts one of Melbourne’s highest points, allowing for a number of sweeping views. The suburb is made up of approximately 31% parklands, with Jells Park being a huge drawcard for both residents and visitors alike. Set on 127 hectares, it offers 9km of cycling/walking tracks which surround a large lake, a café and a range of picnic areas with BBQs. The selection of schools available in the area is also part of its popularity. With 2 secondary schools, no less than 6 primary schools plus the Wheelers Hill campus of Caulfield Grammar. Servicing the area are a range of shopping precincts including Brandon Park and Wheelers Hill Shopping Centres, plus a number of buses (many with rail links); and both Eastlink and the Monash Freeway are also in close proximity.
