Know The Area
The centrepiece of compact, yet charming Parkville is the sprawling campus of the University of Melbourne, complete with ornate collages and imposing faculty buildings. Outside of its role as a student mecca, this pretty neighbourhood is known for its lovely Victorian terraces and ample green spaces. And, of course, the celebrated Melbourne Zoo.
Explore your new local with our curated suburb guides, and get to know the area inside out.
You can't speak of Parkville without mentioning the hallowed University of Melbourne (or Melbourne Uni, as locals know it). One of the country's finest educational institutions, this huge network of buildings and its cheerful student cohort dominate the majority of its home suburb.
But there's so much more to the area than scholars and classrooms. This delightful little neighbourhood plays host to two of the city's star attractions – Melbourne Zoo and Royal Park.
With its incredible array of exotic (and local) flora and fauna, the zoo offers eager visitors a snapshot of global wildlife right by the heart of the CBD. In turn, Royal Park – the largest inner-city park in town – is a local favourite and houses numerous sporting facilities, prime picnic spots and boot camp sessions.
Parkville's longstanding affluence can be seen in its multitude of heritage homes. Yet while the university and its surrounds offer up a brilliant array of cafés, the suburb is decidedly lacking in a central shopping village. But with the bright lights of the CBD right next door, not to mention the cultured spoils of Carlton and hip highlights of North Melbourne – it's hardly an issue. And when the tree-lined streets are this pretty, who's complaining?
With its plethora of lovingly restored Victorian terraces and beautiful surrounds, Parkville has long been favoured by the city's wealthy. Families are drawn to the area's huge homes and open green spaces – custom-designed for playtime – while the siren call of the zoo doesn't go unnoticed. Likewise, older couples can't get enough of the quiet streets and impressive pedigree.
Of course, with the University of Melbourne within its boundaries, Parkville is home to a number of students – although the area's steep prices and limited housing tend to push them over into nearby Carlton and cheap(er) and cheerful Brunswick.
PARK TIME
ZOO MANIA
Visiting the pretty as a picture terraces of Parkville is like stepping back in time to the heyday of the Victorian era. A fact that's been recognised by the countless period dramas filmed in the neighbourhood.
Adding to its learned reputation, as well as Melbourne Uni, Parkville is home to a Monash University campus and the esteemed University High School.
Bountiful Parkville is home to a large portion of Royal Park, Melbourne's biggest and one of it's best. From devoted sports teams to equally devoted picnickers, this expansive green space is enjoyed by all – all year round.
The much-loved Melbourne Zoo is located within the greenery of Parkville and draws visitors far and wide, eager for a glimpse of the wild and wonderful creatures that call it home.
Calculate my journey from
Search more suburbs
See the latest from Sitchu @SITCHU.MELBOURNE
Unlock Melbourne's hidden gems