Camberwell, VIC 3124
Suburb within the Boroondara local government area, part of the Melbourne (Greater) Region in Victoria. Ranked 230th best suburb by locals.
Great for
- Parking
- Internet access
- Parks and recreation
- Clean & green
- Public transport
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Retirees
- Singles
- Fashion Conscious
Reviews of Camberwell, VIC
"Camberwell Micro-Area Breakdown | Inside One of Melbournes Most Prestigious Suburbs"
Camberwell is one of Melbournes most established and highly regarded suburbs. It combines a strong local shopping and caf culture, excellent schools, reliable transport, and beautifully tree-lined streetsqualities that continue to attract families and long-term homeowners.
Property values in Camberwell are shaped by more than just distance to the CBD. Local street environment, school access, transport options and topography all play an important role. Generally speaking, homes on higher ground tend to hold their value particularly well.
As a buyers agent with deep experience in Camberwell and the surrounding areas, we have been committed for many years to providing tailored property purchasing services to buyers. Our office is also located in Camberwell.
The following breakdown of Camberwell into micro-areas is simply one way of understanding the suburb. Different buyers will naturally view Camberwell differently depending on their priorities.
(1) Prospect Hill Area
Prospect Hill is where Camberwell first took shape. From the mid-1800s, its elevated position made it a natural choice for wealthier families looking to build substantial homes. The opening of the railway in 1882 brought further growth, and many Victorian and Edwardian residences from that period still define the character of the area today.
In many ways, Prospect Hill brings together everything people look for in Camberwellstrong schools, easy access to shopping and transport, attractive streets, and some of the best elevation in the suburb. For many locals, this pocket represents classic Camberwell at its best.
Life here is very convenient. Camberwell, East Camberwell, and Riversdale train stations are all close by, along with multiple tram routes and the Camberwell Junction shopping precinct.
Education is another major drawcard. Quality public and private schools are within easy reach, making the area particularly popular with families.
A large number of properties fall under Heritage Overlays. While this limits redevelopment, it also protects the quiet, historic streetscape that makes the area so appealing.
(2) Triangle Area
The Triangle precinct is widely recognised as a premium residential pocket within Camberwell, with streets like Sunnyside Avenue often considered among the most desirable.
Most of the area was developed between 1910 and 1930, and the long, established avenues lined with mature trees remain one of its most distinctive features.
Unlike Prospect Hill, Heritage Overlay restrictions are relatively limited here. As a result, many older homes have been renovated or replaced with modern builds, gradually lifting the overall quality of housing.
However, parts of the Triangle are being influenced by the expansion of Camberwell Junction Activity Centre. Larger blocks close to the Junction may be eligible for higher-density development, potentially up to six storeys. This can put pressure on the residential feel of the area, even though it may also increase land value.
Transport is slightly weaker compared with other parts of Camberwell, as the area is further from train stations.
Access to top private schools is not as convenient as in other pockets.
(3) Willison Area
The Willison precinct is often overlooked, yet it offers one of the most balanced lifestyles in Camberwell. While it doesnt have the elevation of Prospect Hill or the prestige of the Triangle, it performs well across almost every practical measure.
Centred around Willison Train Station and Middle Camberwell Shopping Centre, this area provides easy everyday convenience. Camberwell Junction is also within comfortable walking distance for many residents.
Education is a major strength. The area sits within the highly regarded Canterbury Primary School zone, and many leading private schools are easily accessible.
One notable downside is the local waste and recycling facility, which some buyers see as a negative factor.
(4) Highfield Area
Highfield shares many similarities with the Willison precinct. It offers excellent access to schools and plenty of green space, making it a popular choice for families.
Where it falls slightly short is in transport and shopping convenience, which are not quite as strong as in Willison or central Camberwell.
(5) Hartwell Area
The Hartwell pocket is built around Hartwell Train Station, Hartwell Primary School, and the local shopping strip.
While school options are a little more limited and the area sits at a lower elevation, it remains a very practical and liveable part of Camberwell. For buyers focused on convenience rather than prestige, it can represent good value within the suburb.
(6) Through Road Area
This area, bordered by Nichollsdale Rd Drain, Through Road, and Warrigal Road, is the most debated part of Camberwell.
Until the early 2000s it was officially part of Burwood, and many long-time residents still think of it that way. Historically, Warrigal Road once marked the boundary between Melbournes urban fringe and surrounding farmland. From this perspective, both geographically and psychologically, it shares many similarities with Camberwell, including leafy streets and established family homes.
Its main weaknesses are access to top-tier schools, public transport, and shopping options, which are slightly less convenient compared with more central parts of the suburb.
Final Thoughts
Camberwell is not a single, uniform market. Each pocket offers a different mix of advantages and compromises. Understanding these micro-differences is essential when choosing the right locationwhether the priority is schools, transport, lifestyle convenience, or long-term growth.
"Fantastic suburb to raise a family if you can afford it."
Camberwell is a great suburb right in the heart of the Eastern suburbs. Nestled in between Hawthorn, Canterbury and Kew, it is the suburb of choice for many people living in Melbourne. Not quite as expensive as Canterbury, Camberwell offers a great lifestyle for growing families and many single renters.
Shopping is surprisingly good for a suburb in the location, with the Burke Rd shops being redeveloped recently with a JB-HiFi, Borders books and many more. There are also some fantastic restaurants in the area, especially in Camberwell Junction.
Houses can be very expensive in certain parts however, and therefore the demographic is generally wealthier people. As I mentioned previously it is great for raising a young family as it is also so close to some of the best schools in Melbourne.
You can't go wrong here...if you can afford it!
Highly recommended.
Great for
- Great family atmosphere
- Great house resale value and growth
Not great for
- Traffic can be hectic at peak times
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"A Perfect Blend of Suburban Charm and Urban Vibrancy in Melbourne's East"
Camberwell, epitomizes Melbourne's eastern suburban charm with its leafy streets, period homes, and vibrant community life. The bustling Burke Road precinct offers boutique shops, cafes, and the iconic Camberwell Market, a Sunday favorite for vintage finds and fresh produce. Families are drawn to the area for its excellent schools and ample green spaces like Fordham Gardens. Transport is convenient with tram routes and Camberwell Station providing easy access to the CBD. Cultural amenities such as the historic Rivoli Cinemas and local galleries add to Camberwell's appeal, creating a blend of suburban tranquility and urban vibrancy that attracts residents and visitors alike.
"Leafy Camberwell"
Renowned for its leafy green street scapes, large parklands, and café culture – Camberwell is a family haven.
Offering a plethora of elite private and public schools with extensive public transport access including trains, trams and buses.
Camberwell has a thriving community spirit, perfect for families.
"Family Friendly with so much to offer"
Camberwell is a sophisticated and prestigious suburb with astonishing vintage treelined streets, desirable homes, and a lovely, hilly shopping strip. With its schools, public transport, elegant period homes and relative vicinity to the city, Camberwell is a lovely place that represents the best that Melbourne has to offer.
You will find your neighbours to be primarily older couples and families, with a mixture of independent singles who desire the relaxed way of living.
The suburb caters towards being such a family-friendly area, there are a great number of schools to choose from including Camberwell Primary School and High School, Siena College and Camberwell Girls Grammar School. The area is very well serviced by public transport including train stations, trams and buses.
Just 10kms east of the city, Camberwell is a top-ranked suburb with its period houses, impressive schools and lively shopping strip.
For a standard 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay approx $650.00 per week in rent.
If you are looking for a rental property or looking for an agent to lease out your rental property, please contact me directly on 0411 062 462 or [email protected]
Anna Molinaro, Property Manager OBrien Real Estate Blackburn.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
Rentals in Camberwell
Find real estate agents in Camberwell
"Charismatic, colourful and coveted"
Camberwell is a buzzing suburb found in Melbourne’s east and is designated as one of its 26 ‘Activity Centers’. A prestigious postcode offering a charming culmination of winding and whimsical boulevards, deeply textured neighbourhoods showcasing palatial period homes alongside classic and cutting-edge apartments, lots of bars, eateries and fashionable boutiques. Home to the happening Burke Road shopping strip, famous Camberwell Sunday Markets and beautifully restored Rivoli Cinema, this exclusive urban pocket is a foodie and fashionista paradise. A favourite amongst families and young, trendy professionals, Camberwell ensures all your modern day needs are met whilst maintain a grounded connection to the superb park-filled environs that notably include Frog Hollow Reserve, Fordham Gardens, Fairmont Avenue Reserve, Cooper Reserve, Bowen Gardens, Lynden Park, Highfield Park, Riversdale Park and Willison Park.
Zali Reynolds
Sales Real Estate Agent
Shelter Real Estate
Camberwell
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Charming suburb but the same can't be said about some of the townsfolk"
I've been living around different suburbs here in Greater Melbourne for 30+ years but the stares I got from these older retirees inside Woolies in Camberwell Junction were the most vile I've ever experienced! Maybe because I'm non-Anglo, non-white that caused these women to look shell-shocked that they must have seen another person from a different race for the first time! Well, there's really nothing wrong or bad with the suburb, actually I think it is the tidiest suburb I've ever been to here in Melbourne but if your neighbours were these kind of women and you're non-anglo and even non-white, expect to receive hostile stares often!
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Camberwell- over priced for unfriendly sleepy neighbours of old retirees or empty homes"
Retired place for those 55+. Sleepy neighborhood. Camberwell junction people dont have money unless they brought property in the 20yrs ago during the boom and living off their wealth of the housing boom. Not affluent at all. Not much to do either.
"Just moved here and love it!"
Very well serviced by trains (4 train stations!!), shops (shopping strip along Burke Road, Camberwell Road, Riversdale Road), playgrounds and a very nice library. After moving here I don't think I could like in any other suburb.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Camberwell-Tranquility of the Suburbs!"
I've lived in Camberwell for most of my life and I believe its the best suburb in Melbourne after Balwyn and Canterbury, adjacent to Camberwell. Noted for its quiet, leafy streets and opulent mansions of the " Golden Mile", Camberwell is among Melbourne's most exclusive and desirable suburbs. A mere 10km east from the CBD, Camberwell has an abundance of public transport including metropolitan trains, trams and several buses. Camberwell is also home to numerous prestigious public and private schools including Camberwell High and Siena. Because of tranquility and peace, Camberwell is a very family-friendly environment with many nice and welcoming people. The only knock on Camberwell is that its extremely expensive to live there as houses on average can AU$2.5million with some even fetching AU$8million. Although its very dear to live in Camberwell, its well worth the price to live there!
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids





Its not you. Ive lived in Melbourne since 2007 and Ive never experienced people looking so shocked or so perturbed by me just going about my business. The worst part is they genuinely feel they are the good guys on the winning side of history, defending their beleaguered old (super affluent) neighbourhoods from any slight change - everyone else including minorities, developers, apartment people and most loathed of all, cyclists, are disturbing their demented white old person version of utopia and they wont hesitate to let you know that theyre resentfully opposed and (despite being uninformed) about whatever is happening in their suburb. Their suburb, noone elses.