Southbank Suburb Guide 2025
Key Takeaways
- Prime CBD-adjacent location — Just 1.3 km from Melbourne CBD, Southbank offers a 9-minute public transport commute to the city centre.
- Large Chinese community — 20.7% of residents identify as Chinese, nearly five times the Victorian average of 4.3% (ABS Census 2021).
- Accessible apartment market — The median unit price of approx. $600K sits well below Melbourne's house median of approx. $1.05M, with 9.0% growth over the past decade.
- Strong nearby schools — MacRobertson Girls High School (VIC #1 public school) and Melbourne Grammar School are both within a short commute in neighbouring Melbourne.
- High reported crime rate — At 16,345 incidents per 100,000 residents, the crime rate is well above the VIC average of 6,810, largely driven by the area's nightlife, tourism, and commercial activity rather than residential crime.
Southbank is one of Melbourne's most recognisable inner-city precincts, stretching along the southern bank of the Yarra River directly opposite the CBD. Home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, Crown Entertainment Complex, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this densely populated suburb (14,470 people per sq km) attracts both residents and visitors in equal measure. With a population of 22,631 and a Chinese community making up 20.7% of all residents (ABS Census 2021), Southbank has become one of the most popular suburbs for Chinese-Australian families seeking inner-city convenience. The apartment-dominated housing market, with a median unit price of approx. $600K, offers a more affordable entry point compared to Melbourne's broader house market. This guide examines the latest 2025 data on property prices, school performance, safety, and community demographics to help families decide if Southbank is the right fit.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Southbank, VIC 3006 |
| Region | Melbourne Inner City |
| Population | 22,631 |
| Area | 1.56 km² |
| Population Density | 14,470 per km² |
| Distance to CBD | 1.3 km (approx. 6 min drive / 9 min by public transport) |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $600K |
| 10-Year Unit Growth | 9.0% |
| Median Rent (2BR Unit) | $750 per week |
| Chinese Population | 20.7% (4,683 residents) |
| Crime Rate | 16,345 per 100,000 (Crime Statistics Agency Victoria 2025) |
Community & Demographics
Southbank's population of 22,631 residents is packed into just 1.56 square kilometres, making it one of the most densely populated suburbs in Victoria at 14,470 people per sq km. The suburb is overwhelmingly an apartment and high-rise precinct, attracting young professionals, international students, and families who value proximity to the CBD and Melbourne's cultural institutions.
The Chinese community is a defining feature of Southbank's demographic profile. With 4,683 residents identifying as Chinese — 20.7% of the total population — the suburb ranks 33rd across all Victorian suburbs for Chinese population share (ABS Census 2021). This is nearly five times the state average of 4.3%, placing Southbank in the top 9% of suburbs by Chinese community concentration. Residents benefit from easy access to Chinese supermarkets, restaurants, and community services both within Southbank and in the neighbouring Melbourne CBD and South Melbourne areas.
Chinese Community Comparison
| Metric | Southbank | VIC Average |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Population % | 20.7% | 4.3% |
| Chinese Residents | 4,683 | — |
| State Rank (by %) | 33rd | — |
Source: ABS Census 2021
The suburb's location beside the Yarra River, with walking and cycling paths along the Southbank Promenade, provides outdoor recreation space that balances the high-density living. The area is well serviced by trams, with multiple routes running along St Kilda Road and through the Arts Precinct, connecting residents to all parts of metropolitan Melbourne.
Schools & Education
Southbank is home to one notable secondary school, the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, a specialist government school offering a unique arts-focused curriculum. The suburb also benefits from its proximity to Melbourne CBD, where several of Victoria's highest-performing secondary schools are located.
Secondary Schools In and Near Southbank
| School | Suburb | Sector | Type | Overall Score | VCE Median | % Score 40+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacRobertson Girls High School | Melbourne | Selective | Girls | 99.3 | 37 | 34.7% |
| Melbourne Grammar School | Melbourne | Independent | Boys | 97.1 | 36 | 29.3% |
| Wesley College | Melbourne | Independent | Co-ed | 89.1 | 33 | 14.5% |
| Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School | Southbank | Government | Co-ed | 81.1 | 33 | 12.4% |
| Ozford College | Melbourne | Independent | Co-ed | 21.8 | 19 | 0.8% |
Source: 2025 VCE results data
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), located right in Southbank, is a government co-educational school for Years 7–12 with 330 students. It achieved a VCE median study score of 33 and 12.4% of students scoring 40 or above, placing it in the top tier of Victorian public schools with a public school rank of 9th. The school is unique in Victoria as a specialist arts school, offering intensive training in music, dance, and visual arts alongside VCE academics. Its overall score of 81.1 reflects strong performance for a school with a specialist focus.
Families seeking elite academic options have excellent choices in neighbouring Melbourne. MacRobertson Girls High School, ranked 1st among all Victorian public schools, achieved a remarkable VCE median of 37 with 34.7% of students scoring 40 or above. It is a selective-entry government school, making it tuition-free for students who gain admission. Melbourne Grammar School (ranked 5th among independent schools) and Wesley College (55th among independent schools) are both prestigious private options within easy reach.
Property & Rental Market
Southbank's property market is dominated by apartments and units, reflecting the suburb's high-rise character. There is no meaningful house market data for Southbank, as almost all residential properties are units.
Property Overview
| Metric | Southbank | Melbourne Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $600K | Approx. $1.05M (house) |
| 10-Year Unit Growth | 9.0% | — |
| Unit Price Rank | 37th percentile | — |
The median unit price in Southbank sits at approx. $600K, representing an accessible entry point for buyers who want to live within walking distance of the CBD. At the 37th percentile for unit prices statewide, Southbank is relatively affordable by inner-city standards. The 10-year unit price growth of 9.0% has been modest, placing the suburb in the 22nd percentile for unit growth — reflecting the broader challenge facing Melbourne's apartment market, where oversupply in recent years has kept price growth subdued compared to house markets.
Rental Market
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Unit | $750 |
| 3-Bedroom Unit | $1,080 |
| 2-Bedroom House | $658 |
| 3-Bedroom House | $805 |
The rental market in Southbank is active and competitive, driven by the suburb's appeal to young professionals and international students. A 2-bedroom unit rents for $750 per week, while a 3-bedroom unit commands $1,080 per week. The limited house stock available for rent is priced lower, with 2-bedroom houses at $658 per week and 3-bedroom houses at $805 per week. Renters make up a significant proportion of Southbank's population, which is typical for high-density inner-city precincts across Melbourne.
Safety & Transport
Southbank recorded a crime rate of 16,345 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2025 (Crime Statistics Agency Victoria 2025), with 3,699 total incidents. This is well above the Victorian average of 6,810 per 100,000, placing the suburb in the high crime category. However, context is essential: Southbank's crime statistics are significantly inflated by the area's role as a major entertainment, tourism, and nightlife destination — Crown Casino, arts venues, and waterfront bars attract millions of visitors each year. Much of the reported crime relates to commercial and visitor-driven incidents rather than residential safety. Residents in the high-rise towers away from the entertainment strip generally report feeling safe in their day-to-day lives.
Southbank does not have its own train station, but transport connectivity remains excellent. The suburb is served by multiple tram routes along St Kilda Road and the Southbank Boulevard corridor, providing direct connections to Flinders Street Station (Melbourne's main rail hub) in under 10 minutes. The CBD is just 1.3 km away — a 6-minute drive or 9-minute public transport trip. Cyclists benefit from dedicated paths along the Yarra River, and the suburb's flat terrain makes walking to the CBD a practical daily option.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Southbank is ideal for Chinese-Australian families and professionals who prioritise inner-city convenience, cultural amenities, and a strong local Chinese community. The suburb suits buyers looking for an affordable apartment entry point close to the CBD, with approx. $600K buying a median-priced unit. Families with school-age children benefit from having the specialist Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in the suburb and elite schools like MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Grammar School just a short commute away. The high reported crime rate is a consideration, though much of it is driven by the entertainment precinct rather than residential areas. Southbank is best suited to those who enjoy urban living, value cultural diversity, and want the CBD at their doorstep rather than a quiet suburban streetscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median unit price in Southbank?
The median unit price in Southbank is approx. $600K (2025 data). There is no meaningful house market data as the suburb is predominantly high-rise apartments.
How large is the Chinese community in Southbank?
Southbank has 4,683 residents who identify as Chinese, making up 20.7% of the total population (ABS Census 2021). This is nearly five times the Victorian average of 4.3%, ranking it 33rd among all Victorian suburbs for Chinese population share.
Is Southbank safe to live in?
Southbank's reported crime rate is 16,345 per 100,000 residents (Crime Statistics Agency Victoria 2025), which is above the state average of 6,810. However, this figure is heavily influenced by Crown Casino, entertainment venues, and tourist foot traffic. Residential areas within the high-rise towers generally experience lower crime than the headline figure suggests.
What are the best schools near Southbank?
The highest-ranked school in Southbank itself is Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (overall score 81.1). In neighbouring Melbourne, MacRobertson Girls High School (99.3, VIC #1 public school) and Melbourne Grammar School (97.1) are among Victoria's best.
How do I get to the CBD from Southbank?
Southbank is just 1.3 km from the Melbourne CBD — approximately 6 minutes by car or 9 minutes by public transport. Multiple tram routes run through the suburb, and Flinders Street Station is within walking distance across the Yarra River.
What is the rental market like in Southbank?
A 2-bedroom unit in Southbank rents for $750 per week, while a 3-bedroom unit costs $1,080 per week. The rental market is active due to high demand from young professionals and international students.
Is Southbank a good suburb for families?
Southbank can work for families who value inner-city access and cultural amenities. The large Chinese community (20.7%) provides familiar cultural connections, and strong schools are accessible nearby. However, the high-density apartment living and busy entertainment precinct may not suit families seeking a quieter suburban environment.