The home of Australia's richest horse race, and plenty of Victorian architecture.
Flemington, Melbourne (inner west)
How would you like to live in a suburb that Barry Humphries thought was interesting? Flemington has a world famous horse race, a monthly market, a handful of cool cafes, Asian and Ethiopian restaurants, public housing, Victorian architecture and an ever growing number of young professionals and families. There's also great access to public transport, the city centre, Melbourne University, and the zoo. (More info below...)
Inner city, 5-10km from city centre, Near Melbourne Uni, Near RMIT, Near VU
Victorian and Federation cottages
Would Suit:
Singles, Professionals, Families, Students
Usually fine
Vibe:
Mixed bag of lollies
Adidas, Birkentstocks
The Melbourne Cup is held in Flemington, as is the Spring Racing Festival, the Big Day Out, Fashion shows, and any number of other exhibitions.
Flemington is one of those places that does not have one overriding identity. It is home to the educated middle classes, students, the working class, new migrants, the jobless and anyone who appreciates convenience.
Back in the Great Depression of the 1920’s, if you were poor and lived in Melbourne, there was a good chance you’d end up at Debney’s Paddock in Flemington. Thousands pitched up tents in the open fields when they had nowhere else to go. Several decades later, the same piece of land was turned into a large public housing estate with ugly high-rise Soviet era inspired buildings.
Mostly though, Flemington’s architecture is made up of Victorian cottages in tree-lined streets.
Parking is usually fine. Vibe: jumbalaya – a mix of everything. Shoe equivalent: Adidas, Birkenstocks. Would suit: singles, students, professionals who have an alternative bent, gays/lesbians, young families. Location: near a university, inner city. Distance from city centre: 5km. Direction: West.
