🔍

Balwyn North

VIC 3104 • Greater Melbourne

21,302
Population (2021)
$44,408
Median Income
9.09 km²
Area
$554/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyAffluentMulticulturalEstablished

About Balwyn North

Balwyn North is a well-established residential suburb in Melbourne's inner east, located approximately 10 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Boroondara local government area. At the 2021 Census, it had a population of 21,302 — a steady rise from 20,406 in 2016 — spread across 9 square kilometres. The suburb has a median age of 42 and a median household income well above the Melbourne average, reflecting a predominantly professional and family demographic. Chinese-Australian families represent the suburb's largest ancestry group, lending it a rich multicultural character.

Balwyn North is renowned for its outstanding schools — including the highly regarded Balwyn High School — which draw families from across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Tram Route 48 connects residents directly to the Melbourne CBD via Doncaster Road and the Eastern Freeway, while bus routes 207 and 285 provide connections to Box Hill and Camberwell rail stations. The suburb is well served by retail, with a Coles and ALDI on Doncaster Road alongside local cafes and specialty shops. Abundant parks, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community make Balwyn North one of Melbourne's most sought-after family suburbs.

Balwyn North falls under postcode 3104 and is governed by Boroondara Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kew (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📰 Featured In

🇨🇳 Top 10 Suburbs for Chinese in Melbourne

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3104
Urban Area
Boroondara
LGA / Council
Boroondara
Federal Electorate
Kooyong
State Electorate
Kew (Southern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.79°, 145.09°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
9.09 km²
Elevation
51m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Box Hill Station
3.5 km
N/A (bus connection)
Camberwell Station
3 km
N/A (bus connection)

Bus Services

  • Route 207, 285 — Melbourne CBD (City), Box Hill, Camberwell 24-40 min to Melbourne CBD
  • Tram Route 48 — Melbourne CBD (Victoria Harbour Docklands via Collins St) 35-40 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
No direct train; connect via bus to Box Hill or Camberwell, then train approx. 45-55 min total
By Car (Peak)
25-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Tram Route 48 provides direct CBD access; Eastern Freeway nearby for car commuters

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands can be done on foot near Doncaster Road's shops, cafes, and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Doncaster Road Balwyn North 3104 VIC
  • ALDI
    Cnr Doncaster Road, Tannock Street, Balwyn North VIC 3104

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$554
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,078
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
42 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
20,406
Census 2021
21,302
▲ 4.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,556
Income 2021
$44,408
▲ 21.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 11,558
Born Overseas 9,238

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 3,075
  • 2. Malaysia 803
  • 3. India 571
  • 4. Hong Kong 495
  • 5. Vietnam 406
  • 6. England 397
  • 7. Greece 359
  • 8. Italy 273
  • 9. Sri Lanka 232
  • 10. New Zealand 223

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Chinese 6,810
English 3,871
Australian 3,062
Italian 1,936
Greek 1,724
Irish 1,418
Scottish 1,214
Indian 864
Vietnamese 509
German 445

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,603
Both parents born in Australia
13,157
Both parents born overseas
2,012
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
43.1%
No Religion
40.5%
Buddhism
5.7%
Hinduism
3.4%
Islam
2.0%
Sikhism
0.4%
Judaism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
732 (3.4%)
5-14 years
3,068 (14.4%)
15-19 years
1,889 (8.9%)
20-24 years
1,460 (6.9%)
25-34 years
1,834 (8.6%)
35-44 years
2,292 (10.8%)
45-54 years
3,385 (15.9%)
55-64 years
2,912 (13.7%)
65-74 years
1,909 (9.0%)
75-84 years
1,209 (5.7%)
85+ years
622 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balwyn North known for? +

Balwyn North is best known for its highly regarded schools — particularly Balwyn High School — which attract families from across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The suburb is also noted for its multicultural community (with a significant Chinese-Australian population), leafy streets, and proximity to the Eastern Freeway.

How far is Balwyn North from Melbourne CBD? +

Balwyn North is approximately 10 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD. By tram (Route 48), the journey takes around 35–40 minutes; by car via the Eastern Freeway, it is typically 15–20 minutes off-peak.

Does Balwyn North have public transport? +

Yes. Tram Route 48 runs along Doncaster Road providing direct access to the Melbourne CBD. Bus routes 207 and 285 connect to Box Hill and Camberwell railway stations. There is no direct train line through the suburb itself.

What is the population of Balwyn North? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balwyn North has a population of 21,302 residents, up from 20,406 in 2016. It is a well-established suburb with a median age of 42 years.

Is Balwyn North a good place to live? +

Balwyn North is consistently ranked among Melbourne's most desirable family suburbs, offering excellent schools, well-maintained parks, good public transport, and a safe, community-oriented atmosphere. Property values are high, reflecting its prestige as an inner-eastern suburb.

What is the postcode for Balwyn North? +

The postcode for Balwyn North, Victoria is 3104.