🔍

Gardenvale

VIC 3185 • Greater Melbourne

1,019
Population (2021)
$88,816
Median Household Income
0.26 km²
Area
$301/wk
Median Rent
CompactInner-SouthFamily-FriendlyWell-ConnectedEstablished

About Gardenvale

Gardenvale is Melbourne's smallest suburb by area at just 26 hectares, nestled in the City of Glen Eira approximately 10 kilometres south-east of the CBD. With a population of around 1,000, this compact residential enclave sits between Brighton, Elsternwick and Caulfield South. The suburb was established following subdivision in 1908 on land that previously served as a polo ground for the prominent Lemprière family.

Despite its small size, Gardenvale offers a complete suburban experience with a strip shopping centre on Gardenvale Road featuring cafes, restaurants and convenience stores. The suburb is home to Star of the Sea College (a Catholic girls school) and St James Primary School. Residents enjoy proximity to Brighton's beaches and retail precinct while benefiting from excellent public transport connections. The Elster Creek flows through the suburb before entering Elwood Canal, providing green corridors and walking paths.

Gardenvale falls under postcode 3185 and is governed by Glen Eira Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3185
Urban Area
Glen Eira
LGA / Council
Glen Eira
Federal Electorate
Goldstein
State Electorate
Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.90°, 145.01°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.26 km²
Elevation
16m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Gardenvale for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏢Unit / Apartment
$520K
6 sales · ▲ 14% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$301
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,953
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.8%

3 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gardenvale
0.5 km
6 min
North Brighton
1 km
12 min
Elsternwick
1.2 km
15 min

Bus Services

  • 219, 220 — Sunshine to Gardenvale via CBD 45-50 min to CBD
  • 630 — Elwood to Monash Uni 35 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
20-25 min from Gardenvale
By Bus
45-50 min via routes 219/220
By Car (Peak)
30-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Excellent train access via Sandringham Line; Nepean Highway provides car access

Walkability Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot; good local shops and train access

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Glen Eira Local Government Area, which contains Gardenvale. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
416.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
274.5 / 100k
2yr Up 73.6% 10yr Up 47.2%
Non-FV assault
160.3 / 100k
2yr Up 20.3% 10yr Up 30.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr Down 22.9% 10yr Down 27.0%
Steal from vehicle
892.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 15.2%
View all offence subgroups for Glen Eira →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,006
Census 2021
1,019
▲ 1.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$46,384
Personal Income 2021
$56,524
▲ 21.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$56,524 / yr
$1087/wk
Household
$88,816 / yr
$1708/wk
Family
$171,548 / yr
$3299/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 693
Born Overseas 293

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 44
  • 2. China 21
  • 3. New Zealand 16
  • 4. South Africa 16
  • 5. Philippines 12
  • 6. India 10
  • 7. Japan 9
  • 8. Sri Lanka 9
  • 9. Nepal 8
  • 10. Ireland 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 352
Australian 269
Irish 127
Scottish 108
Italian 79
Chinese 48
German 35
Polish 31
Greek 18
Indian 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

444
Both parents born in Australia
385
Both parents born overseas
143
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.3%
Christianity
38.4%
Judaism
7.0%
Buddhism
2.5%
Hinduism
1.6%
Islam
0.9%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
62 (6.1%)
5-14 years
110 (10.8%)
15-19 years
55 (5.4%)
20-24 years
36 (3.5%)
25-34 years
160 (15.7%)
35-44 years
180 (17.7%)
45-54 years
146 (14.3%)
55-64 years
109 (10.7%)
65-74 years
95 (9.3%)
75-84 years
45 (4.4%)
85+ years
10 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gardenvale known for? +

Gardenvale is Melbourne's smallest suburb by area at just 26 hectares, nestled in the City of Glen Eira approximately 10 kilometres south-east of the CBD. Despite its small size, Gardenvale offers a complete suburban experience with a strip shopping centre on Gardenvale Road featuring cafes, restaurants and convenience stores.

How far is Gardenvale from Melbourne CBD? +

Gardenvale is approximately 10 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 12-18 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Gardenvale have public transport? +

Gardenvale is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Gardenvale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gardenvale has a population of approximately 1,019 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Glen Eira (City) local government area.

Is Gardenvale a good place to live? +

Gardenvale is a well-regarded family-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its residential character and local amenities make it a popular choice for families settling in the area.

What is the postcode for Gardenvale? +

The postcode for Gardenvale, VIC is 3185. This postcode covers Gardenvale and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Gardenvale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Gardenvale is about $1,087 per week (around $56,500 per year). The median household income is $1,708 per week and the median family income is $3,299 per week.

What is the median house price in Gardenvale? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median unit/apartment price is $520,000, up 14% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Gardenvale? +

The median age in Gardenvale is 39. The largest age group is 35–44 (180 residents, around 18%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Gardenvale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Gardenvale is part of the Glen Eira LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Gardenvale? +

In Gardenvale, the median weekly rent is $301, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,953 (2021 Census).