JMofSouthbank

Apartment living is not for everyone, but if it's for you, then Southbank is the place to do it. A huge range of apartments to buy or rent is available, many with commanding views of the city skyline, the Yarra, the bay, or the Botanic Gardens. All the buildings are modern, comfortable and practical, most with lifestyle facilities like pools, gyms and tennis courts. Southbank itself has a great selection of dining and entertainment options (Southgate, Crown, Riverside Quay), and is an easy to walk to both the CBD and South Melbourne. Most apartments have carparks, and road access is excellent (a distinct advantage over living in the city itself). If you work in the CBD, walking to work will revolutionise your life (unlike Docklands which is just a bit too far out). Originally Southbank was sought after by young singles and childless couples, but with more quality developments recently, "empty-nesters" have realised the attraction: they can downsize, be part of the action, forget the car, never have to walk up a stair again, and still have a luxurious home befitting their affluence. Obviously if you have kids or animals Southbank is not for you.

Southbank is the best part of Melbourne to enjoy apartment living, and Kavanagh St is part of that, but the street itself is actually pretty ordinary. It is something of a forgotten street with an odd mix of apartments, vacant lots, cheap office and commercial space. Not a major road, it still gets a fair bit of traffic due to the on-street parking and drivers using it as a "rat-run" alternative to City Rd. Despite its inner location, it has no useful retail facilities, however there are some in walking distance. Street pride is basically nil, the few trees and lawns look pretty sad and there always seems to be a lot of litter around. MCC did spruce up the public part recently, but it really needs a bit more new development to give it that true inner-city feel. I'm sure that will come in time.

Freshwater Place has only one residental building at number 1, the landmark 60-level residential tower "Freshwater Place". Other addresses in this street are offices (2 and 28) and various retail spaces. The existence of a moderately-sized licenced supermarket (no 4) is of huge convenience to residents, as are other retail services such as post office, newsagent, doctor and food outlets. Basically, essential needs can be met all within a few steps. Close proximity to the Yarra, Southgate, Crown, the newly refurbished Riverside Quay, and the CBD itself make this location super convnient and a joy for those who love going out. The street itself is a cul-de-sac, access is only via Southbank Bvd, so while relatively quiet for such an inner location, vehicular access to major routes (City Rd, William St, Wetgate Fwy) is excellent. Public transport is as good as it gets, with trams 55 and 1 trundling by, and Flinders St station a 500m stroll. If apartment living is for you, this is the place to do it!