Port
Melbourne is the nearest bayside suburb to the central Melbourne
city area. Historically, it is a working class suburb having
grown from the first permanent settlement and the docks that
were built shortly thereafter. The suburb's small Victorian
workers cottages are now attracting big dollars from people
wanting to live in this area.
Today, Port Melbourne is one of
the most sought-after parts of Melbourne in which to live, both
because of its closeness to the city and also because of its
sheltered bay beaches. It is also situated in a "beach
belt" that includes Albert Park, Middle park and St Kilda,
some of Melbourne's most fashionable bayside suburbs.
Like most
inner bayside suburbs, the area is big on cafes and restaurants.
Melbourne's main passenger shipping departure terminal, Station
Pier, is Port Melbourne's most significant landmark and it is
now enjoying a new lease of life as the hub of a new lifestyle precinct that boasts high-rise apartment blocks
and up market restaurants. Close to Station Pier is Beacon
Cove, a residential development targeting young professionals
which features architect-designed homes and boulevards lined
with palm trees.
