Have you been to the land down-under? Sure you’ve probably heard of all the popular places like Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane but what about Port Melbourne? This hidden little gem of a city is quickly becoming one of Australia’s hot spots as both a travel destination and a place to kick off your Uggs and call home or even second-home.
The Place
Located just 5 km southwest of Melbourne with Port Phillip close by to the south is the quaint little suburb of Port Melbourne which used to be known as Sandridge. Only it is gathering a reputation that is a little more sophisticated than quaint. With a population reaching 15, 000, this harbor village is bordered by Hobsons Bay and the banks of the Yarra River. Within the Port are also the localities of Fishermens Bend, Beacon Cove, and Garden City.
Historically, Port Melbourne was a booming industrial locale but within only the past 10 years or so, the Port has undergone extreme urban development. The result is a fascinating place of historical interest points and buildings as well as vast parklands, beautiful beaches and now exclusive apartments and Port housing. The Port is a perfect bedroom community for those commuting to Melbourne’s Central Business District as it is also a major transport hub. So whether you come to work, play, retire or all of the above, Port Melbourne has much to offer.
Credit: Steve Davidson/flickr.com
Apartments for Rent in Port Melbourne
From what was once one of the poorest and cheapest areas to find housing, Port Melbourne has undergone a tremendous ‘face-lift’ in city dwellings. What’s more, the city has preserved some of the historic industrial warehouses and factories and turned them into unique apartment developments. These buildings occupy blocks of land and are located at some of the Port’s hottest spots with delicious cafés and fancy boutiques to peruse nearby. Check out the developments on Beach Street, ID Apartments on Pickles and Rouse Streets and the Bayview Apartments on Bay Street for some fabulous apartments.
Houses For Rent in Port Melbourne
The Port has a range of housing styles that add to the uniqueness of this exciting place. Single-fronted Victorian houses are mixed with historic cottages once home to factory workers. An updated cottage in Port Melbourne is a craftsmen’s delight – full of architectural beauty and individuality such as ornamental fireplaces, arched doorways and sweet outdoor courtyards and terraces.If you’re lucky enough, you can rent one of these gems close to Bay Street – the popular shopping and dining hub. Whether you’re looking for the historic charmer or updated Victorian, Port Melbourne has some great rental opportunities. Rentals can range in price depending on location and size anywhere from $475 to $1000 or more a week.
Accommodation in Port Melbourne
Just visiting? The options of accommodations are open to your tastes and budget. If you want to live like a local, look into rental sites like AirBnB or Stayz. You can snag a great little place for you and a friend for less than $200/night. If there’s a gaggle of you, why not split the cost of renting a whole house? Some places are even pet-friendly so you don’t have to leave Fluffy at home. For a place that can sleep up to 6-8 people, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350/night to $700/night. These places are great for that extra personal touch that the owner has in store for you.
Hotels are easy to find mostly in the Melbourne area which is only a few minutes away from the Port. When searching for hotels you will come up with more apartment rentals than your typical one room double occupancy hotel room. You can find a luxury suite or a budget friendly apartment with many options available in-between. If you’re looking for a ‘name brand’, don’t worry, there is a Travelodge nearby.
Credit: Anna Callil/flickr.com
So Many Things to Do!
Port Melbourne has blossomed from its small beginnings as industrial Port town to a hive of exciting activity, sights, and sounds. Explore the beachside resorts, wander through illustrious mega-malls with marbled interiors, go window shopping along the chic district of Collins Street where you can find designer stores such as Prada and Louis Vuitton. Thrilling theme parks, casinos and trendy cafés and restaurants also await you in Port Melbourne.
The Etihad Stadium is a towering structure located at the edge of the Port. Not only is this the home of the Australian Football League, but it also plays host to world famous musicians and singers like U2, Robbie Williams, Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi.
Work or play, vacation or stay, Port Melbourne is awaiting your arrival.
Dream Home
With so many things to do, beautiful landscapes, and beautiful people, living in Port Melbourne may be a dream of many visitors, and it is an attainable one. For some that are not financially ready for a second home, they may buy tickets in charity prize home draws to win a prize home on the Gold Coast. Doing so not only provides them with a great chance to win some amazing homes, it also provides much needed funds for great Australian charities.