C’Mon and Get Local: C&G’s Best of Port Melbourne
Picturesque Port Melbourne is a much-loved neighbourhood because it manages to offer its residents the best of everything: 11 km of white sandy beach, apartment living, heritage housing, top boutiques and foodie delights. In the second of our C’Mon and Get Local series, C&G highlight all there is to enjoy about perennially popular Port Melbourne.
Historically, Port Melbourne was once dominated by docks and factories - still visible today as repurposed warehouses which are now luxury homes - or cottages rich with period detail (examples of which can be explored with the local Historical and Preservation Society). Today, the past and present blend effortlessly in the diverse architecture that Port Melbourne presents – all only a short tram ride away from the city, yet still giving residents the chance to enjoy a sunset jog along the bay.
Of late, a family population have returned to Port Melbourne. Placements at schools are highly sought after with enrolments doubling in the past year for both local Primary and Secondary schools. So popular is the area that students in Port Melbourne regularly attend school in nearby South Melbourne and Albert Park. Rest assured that the government is working with the community to provide more schools for young residents, one of which is likely to be the teacher-led Sandridge School, set to open in 2016. Sandridge will initially cater to secondary students, phasing in primary years as the school develops. With property at Fisherman’s Bend already set aside, Sandridge will be a cultural facility for the use of the entire community.
Entertaining the kids will never be a problem living in Port Melbourne. Weekends are easily filled with sport at the world-class Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. And what better way to experience Port Philip Bay than by participating in races with the Port Melbourne Yacht Club? For rare occasions when you need a break from the sand, green spaces can be found throughout the suburb’s wide boulevards and larger parks are to be found on Liardet Street, Williamstown Road in addition to the cricket oval on Ingles Street.
Like to eat? So too does Port Melbourne, it seems! Spend a lazy Saturday morning picking up market-fresh produce before immersing yourself in cafe culture at the South Melbourne Market. At the beach end of Bay Street, The Exchange Hotel is a place to enjoy a fine glass of something sparkling while watching the beautiful people. Every weekend you’ll have your pick of brilliant brunch venues on the foreshore, in addition to clothing boutiques on Bay Street. Feeling fancy? Dine at any number of Station Pier’s popular modern restaurants before hopping on the Spirit of Tasmania for a weekend getaway.