Pakenham, VIC 3810
Suburb within the Cardinia local government area, part of the Melbourne (Greater) Region in Victoria. Ranked 326th best suburb by locals.
Great for
- Parks and recreation
- Public transport
- Neighbourly spirit
- Safe and sound
- Schools
Not great for
- Nightlife
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Retirees
- Singles
- LGBTQ+
Reviews of Pakenham, VIC
"Cardinia Lakes"
We have recently built our new home in Pakenham. We live across for a lake and we are very happy.
It is a 5min drive to the station and only takes 1.10 door to door to work in the City. I only have to wait 10 min for the next train into the city. it is limited express which is a down fall coming from previous area where it was express all the way. Bonus is that the Vline is express for the early birds.
We bought here as we hear it will be a booming town with bigger shopping center and other developing projects on the go. As I hear more houses and properties will be built before they move to Nar Nar Goon. Pakenham will be the next hub from the city with large corporations investing to build their business in Pakenham. Chances of property increase in the area will be appealing like it was for Narre Warren.
I also can drive down the Monash to get to the city which is roughly 50min drive. No to bad with the traffic towards Melb can be bad anywhere you live. Fact of life.
If you plan to live in the area speak to the local agents to find out what is happening first.
The town center is clean and people are nice. We have had no trouble. Cross fingers. Like anywhere you go there is always some sort of young teenager hanging around shops and stations.
Where we live is very peaceful..... Love it. Some people may not like the peaceful nightlife as there is not much to do except pubs or restaurants.
it is only is 35 min to Chadstone Shopping center if you need a massive shopping fix. There are weekend markets, large fitness gyms, Different retail shops and ample of areas to visit locally.
For the kids there is sporting clubs, martial arts clubs in the living and learning center, swimming pools, and heaps more.
The restaurants are nice and cafes on a weekend a full. Main road has three cafes and a bakery which are nice.
Main shops like Coles, Target and Safeway are here and plenty of parking. Pakenham needs more Asian or ethnic Restaurants which are not westernized. There is a great thai Restaurant in Pakenham center which gives great service and food. The typical fast food is all in one area so it is convenient for people who want to have a junk fest. 3 three fish and chip shops located in the main area of Pakenham and one in Lakeside.
it needs more fun things for teenagers and children to do. More play areas and Cinema would be great.
Great for small families, professional and people who want decent house prices.
Prices are going up as you may have seen in the past. We looked hear in 2010 for land for $125k then 1 year later the we paid for $180k for a smaller block size. Current blocks are selling close to 200k. Buy while you still can. Developers are selling stage by stage and increasing price at the same time reducing the size of block.
Great for
- Fresh, wide, open spaces
- Great for families
- Local shops
- Close to towns that have infastructure
- Young families
- Parks everyewhere
- Nice people
Not great for
- Needs cinema more casual evening dining options
- Higher concentration of bogans than other suburbs
- Little Night life & resturant variety
- Vicroads needs to widen the Pakanham Bypass lanes and/or add more lanes
- Needs decent Asian restaurants
- Needs faster trains
- Not enough fun things for teenages and children
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Trendy & Stylish
Yeah I'm considering moving to Pakenham as well with my partner hes a FIFO worker so I'll be on my own majority of the time so wondering if ill be safe ?
Cardy Lakes is an awesome estate. Very safe and family friendly. Last year at halloween there were kids walking all through the estate, everyone got involved, it was friendly and fun and just plain good to see. I have run a footy tipping comp for the estate this year through facebook which was also a lot of fun. A great estate with genuine community spirit.
In reply to sh86 Question above Pakenham has progressed and is a good sized small town. It is serviced by the Pakenham line (train) and there is a good selection of shops, restaurants, no cinema yet however fountain Gate is 20 minutes drive. Maybe in the future one will be built in Officer which is close by. If you want to call me to discuss good areas to live/buy on 0449191575 I am a real estate agent & would love to help if you need more info.
My husband and I retired 3 years ago and moved to Lakeside, Pakenham which is 5 km before Pakenham township as you are travelling from Melbourne. We have the lake just across the road and the Cultural Centre, which always has something happening like a play or market or concert. If you have a dog there are numerous places to walk a dog safely like, around the lake, but we prefer the ovals behind us, there are 5 , or the off the leash dog park that runs along the creek.
I have lived in Pakenham for 3 years. In terms of crime - my lived experience has been just fine and no different to my previous suburb which was a statistically low crime area. Do I feel safe - yes. Are there more bogans here? It depends what you're definition is and what kind of folk you identify with. My advice would be to visit Pakenham and travel around to all the different shopping precincts and make your own decision. That's what I did and I've been perfectly happy with the area I chose. I'm a fairly quiet person so I'm more than happy with the shopping/ restuarant options available. I can always get an easy park around Pakenham's main shopping precinct which I use frequently as well as the Bunnings & Officeworks area. If I need greater choice I go to Fountain Gate which to me is an easy drive down the M1. My favourite eating places are Castello's, Railway Hotel and Nancy's. My other family members really like the sushi bar and the Homestead Cafe at Heritage Springs Shopping Centre. Nearest cinemas located at Fountain Gate. I prefer rural walks which are easily driven to from Pakenham such as the Dandenong Ranges and Gippsland. I can't advise on specific streets - I can just say I've been very happy in the Heritage Springs estate. My neighbours are a mix of white and blue collar, retired and entrepreneurial. We haven't experienced any neighbour problems. Like us - they are focused on living respectfully and harmoniously together.
"Where Community Spirit Meets Thriving Amenities"
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's southeast, Pakenham is more than just a suburb; it's a vibrant community that seamlessly blends urban convenience with a touch of rural charm. Over the years working in Pakenham, I've had the privilege of witnessing its evolution into a bustling hub of activity, offering something for everyone.
One of the standout features of Pakenham is its renowned racecourse, which serves as a focal point for both locals and visitors alike. The Pakenham Racing Club, with its picturesque setting and state-of-the-art facilities, not only hosts thrilling horse racing events but also contributes significantly to the suburb's social and economic vitality.
The racecourse isn't merely a venue for sporting events; it's a catalyst for community engagement and entertainment. Throughout the year, the racecourse hosts a diverse range of activities, from family-friendly race days to vibrant music festivals and corporate functions. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among residents of all ages.
Moreover, the presence of the racecourse has a positive impact on the local economy. It attracts tourists and racing enthusiasts from far and wide, who patronize nearby businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and accommodation providers. The influx of visitors stimulates job creation and promotes economic growth, benefitting the entire community.
Beyond its role as an entertainment venue, the Pakenham Racecourse is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the suburb's history and identity. It serves as a symbol of tradition and heritage, reminding residents of Pakenham's rich cultural legacy. For many, attending races at the Pakenham Racecourse has become a cherished tradition, passed down through generations.
In addition to the racecourse, Pakenham offers a plethora of amenities that cater to residents' diverse needs and interests. From well-maintained parks and recreational facilities to shopping precincts and educational institutions, there's no shortage of opportunities for leisure and recreation.
The suburb's strategic location, with easy access to major highways and public transportation networks, makes it an ideal place to live for commuters working in Melbourne's CBD or neighbouring suburbs. Despite its proximity to the city, Pakenham retains a sense of tranquillity and serenity, thanks to its leafy streets and green spaces.
So Pakenham is much more than a typical suburb; it's a thriving community with a vibrant spirit and a bright future ahead. With its iconic racecourse serving as a cornerstone of its identity, Pakenham continues to evolve and flourish, offering residents an unparalleled quality of life and a strong sense of belonging. Whether you're a racing enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a place to call home, Pakenham welcomes you with open arms.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"No regrets - something for almost everyone"
Bought into Heritage Springs Estate over 12 months ago from lovely leafy Outer Eastern Melbourne Suburb and I have no regrets. The estate celebrates Australian architecture, lifestyle and history with clean scenic parks, well maintained attractive spacious roads and blocks with super easy access to well established infrastructure. Best kept secret!
Pakenham is a large suburb that offers something for almost anyone from multi million dollar properties to affordable and supported living - it all depends on what you are looking for/need as to which part of Pakenham would work for you.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
"Lakeside is great!"
I’ve been living in lakeside for a few years now. It’s a fantastic estate with everything you need close by. The area now also has fibre to the home nbn.
The Monash freeway can get fairly busy, but having the lake and a huge range of amenities close by make it all worth it.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"So so.."
I've been living here for about 1.5 years. This move was around when Covid became quite crazy and went into extreme restrictions so I just feel like I haven't had a chance to properly experience or explore what this suburb has to offer.
It has a adventure park about 15 mins away gumbya park.. it has everything you need except for Kmart. The closest decent size mall is fountain gate. About 45 mins from the city no issues once you jump on the freeway until it's peak then it's an absolute nightmare. Beautiful sceneries depending which way you drive.
Rentals in Pakenham
Find real estate agents in Pakenham
"Country Vibe"
Having lived and worked in the area for over 10 years, I am happy to call Pakenham home
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Nice place to live & quite open areas"
I enjoy living in pakenham, everything is so close by car & transport. Skies are clear at night. No light polution. Its very open. Family friendly.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"A great place for families with a country feel"
Pakenham is approximately 53 kms from Melbourne CBD. It's a major growth area located in south-eastern Melbourne. It's on the main railway line between Melbourne and Gippsland taking about an hour and ten minutes. Pakenham has great schools and shopping facilities. Overall it's a fantastic place to live.
Steve McMenamin, House & Land Specialist - House Land Co
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
"Lakeside Pakenham"
Been in Pakenham for 5 years now and have never had any issues. 🙏 Pros - nice affordable house, peaceful easy access to trains and local shops.
Cons: Need cinema or or big main shopping centre. Too many private schools, need more public schools, Officer secondary college is up and running and I believe a new secondary college is coming in lakeside Pakenham. Monash freeway can’t get busy.
Overall once the cinema and Kmart - large shopping centre arrives- we that would not have to travel to fountain gate shopping centre.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids

Hi, my husband and I are thinking of moving to Pakenham. I would like to ask you if there have been any improvements in terms of crime rates, people (if there are still a high concentration of bogans) and facilities ( shopping, restaurants, cinemas). Also, which streets should we avoid living? Thank you.