Port Melbourne: The beachside 'burb with surprisingly young heritage protections
Port Melbourne means different things to its residents. For some, it’s the original colonial-era suburb represented in working-class cottages, albeit generally transformed into modern showpieces with marble kitchens and butlers’ pantries.
For others, it’s the larger English-style “bank houses” of the Garden City estate, which were built to house workers from the State Bank of Victoria and are eagerly snapped up by renovating families when they come onto the market (but don’t hold your breath).
Then there’s the more modern Beacon Cove precinct near Station Pier, which was brought to life around 25 years ago in a blaze of waterfront development and, despite its relatively youthful age, enjoys heritage protections over its streetscapes.
“They’re all very similar properties at Beacon Cove so the heritage controls have been brought in to preserve the character,” says Max Mercuri of Jellis Craig Port Phillip.
“It makes it quite unique as most parts of Melbourne don’t have controls over more modern townhouses.”
For Mercuri, one of the big attractions of Port Melbourne, apart from the bay and the three-kilometre trip into the city, is the fact it remains underdeveloped compared to neighbouring areas.
“Look at South Yarra, where towers go up 50 storeys, then around here it’s only around six at the most,” he says. “It helps keep it a nice, desirable, quiet area.”
As for who’s moving in (when they can find a turnkey property in a currently tight market), Mercuri says “families love it for the zoning for Albert Park College, which is one of the best high schools in the state.”
Eat & drink
There’s no shortage of good cafes in Port Melbourne, including classic go-tos such as Melbourne Bakehouse, where breakfast eggs benny rolls into an impressive pie menu (it’s also the neighbourhood go-to for celebration cakes). Modern French cafe Noisette is name-checked across Melbourne thanks to its bread being featured on the menus of high-end restaurants – visit for chicken baguettes and caramel eclairs. After a drink? The Tipsy Cow has all your cocktail needs covered, plus it’s pup-friendly.
See & do
The symmetrical spectacle of timber pylons poking out of the water at Princes Pier (a remnant of the original pier) is an iconic Melbourne sight perfect for memorialising on the ‘Gram. If you feel like realigning your chakras, a regular program of yoga classes at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club on Beach Street is good for beginners to advanced yogis, although the dazzling views of the water might prove a distraction, especially during a sunrise class.
For sale in Port Melbourne right now..
A design awards finalist for its stunning renovation, this three-level home tucked behind a cottage facade is unified by lightwells and a lift. Multiple courtyards, a guest wing with street access, city views and a Cheminees Philippe fireplace are among the many attractions.
Direct views of the bay are a huge drawcard of this luxe apartment in the Port Melbourne dress circle. A hotel-sized main suite with direct access to the covered balcony also has water views, while a second living area is a great inclusion.
