Local Legends: Doncaster
Doncaster is a leafy, hilly suburb only 14km away from Melbourne CBD. Families love its parks, quality schools and Westfield shopping. Median house price sits at about $1.47 million and units at $635k in the first quarter of 2025 based off information from here, offering solid long-term growth and rental demand.
- Median house price ≈ $1.47M; unit price ≈ $635k.
- Rated 4.3 / 5 on Homely for safety, greenery and shopping.
- Major drawcards: Westfield Doncaster, Ruffey Lake Park, top public schools.
- Bus-only public transport; quick freeway access via Eastern Freeway.
- Ideal for families and professionals wanting space and city convenience.
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Snapshot of Doncaster in 2025
Trees, rolling hills and city views define Doncaster, 14 km north-east of the city. Locals highlight “good-sized blocks, quality lifestyle, best shopping”. Homely’s 4.3-star rating reflects the suburb’s blend of space, safety and amenity.
- Local government area: Manningham
- Postcode: 3108
- Distance to CBD: 14 km
- Population (2021 Census): ≈ 25,020
- Median house price (Feb 2025): $1.47M
- Median unit price (Feb 2025): $635k
Location, transport & commute
Doncaster borders Balwyn North, Bulleen and Doncaster East. Motorists jump on the Eastern Freeway for a 20-minute off-peak ride into town. Buses connect Westfield and the Park ‘n’ Ride, which as if May 2025 is currently being upgraded, to Box Hill Station and the CBD, though locals feel a train line is “overdue”.
Housing & property market
Freestanding houses dominate the leafy streets, many on quarter-acre blocks, while new townhouses and high-rise apartments cluster around Doncaster Hill.
| Dwelling | Median price (12 mths to Feb 2025) |
12-mth growth | Median rent | Gross yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1.47M | −5.10% | $730 pw | 2.77% |
| Unit | $635k | −1.74% | $600 pw | 4.59% |
Buyers compete for three and four-bedroom family homes near schools and parks, while investors chase steady unit demand from down-sizers and students.
Lifestyle, shopping & dining
Westfield Doncaster is the suburb’s social and retail heart, offering more than 400 stores, cinemas and rooftop dining. Nearby centres Jackson Court and Macedon Square serve up multicultural eats, from Shanghainese dumplings to Greek souvlaki.
- Ruffey Lake Park: 68 ha of wetlands, playgrounds and off-lead areas.
- Schramms Reserve: multi-sport ovals.
- Koonung Creek Trail: picturesque cycling route into the CBD.
Schools & childcare
Education is a major drawcard for families.
There are a number of primary and secondary schools in the area and an even larger group of childcare facilities to look after kids of varying ages.
Government
- Doncaster Primary School (Prep–6)
- Doncaster Secondary College (Years 7–12), VCE median 31
- Beverley Hills Primary (Prep–6 zoned to Doncaster East)
Private / Catholic
- St Gregory the Great Primary
- Our Lady of Sion College (Box Hill)
- Prestigious Kew schools such as Carey Grammar lie within a 15-minute drive
Early learning options include council-run kindergartens and long-day-care centres close to major parks.
Parks, fitness & community
Residents enjoy leafy streets, multi-sport clubs and council events at Manningham Function Centre. Library lovers have branches at The Pines and Box Hill. Community groups range from Scouts to Mandarin playgroups, reflecting Doncaster’s multicultural mix.
Pros, cons & who lives here
Pros
- Large blocks and quiet courts
- Premier shopping and dining
- Reputable public schools
- Safe, family-friendly vibe
Cons
- Congested peak-hour traffic and shopping-centre parking
- No rail or tram service
- Hilly terrain can deter cyclists
Homely reviewers say Doncaster attracts professionals, families with kids and retirees seeking “urban convenience” with a “serene community feel”.
Future outlook
Manningham Council’s Doncaster Hill strategy continues to add high-rise apartments, cafés and streetscape upgrades to support population and rental growth. There is currently construction of rapid-bus lanes along the Eastern Freeway aimed at cutting CBD travel times.
Ready to explore Doncaster?
Search the latest homes for rent in Doncaster or browse more Doncaster suburb reviews to see why locals love living here.
Thinking about buying, selling or renting in Doncaster? Chat to a Homely local expert or browse the latest listings now and discover why this leafy pocket of Melbourne’s east could be your perfect next move.
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