🔍

Ripponlea

VIC 3185 • Greater Melbourne

1,532
Population (2021)
$61,880
Median Income
0.29 km²
Area
$391/wk
Median Rent
Inner-CityHeritageCafé CultureAffluentMulticultural

About Ripponlea

Ripponlea is a compact inner-Melbourne suburb located approximately 8 kilometres south-east of the CBD within the City of Port Phillip. With a population of 1,532 spread across just 0.29 square kilometres, it is one of Melbourne's most densely settled localities, characterised by Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, newer apartment developments, and tree-lined streets. The suburb attracts a predominantly young, professional demographic — with a median age of 34 and above-average household incomes — as well as a notably diverse international community and a longstanding Jewish population.

Ripponlea is anchored by the magnificent Rippon Lea Estate, a National Trust heritage mansion and ornamental garden that draws visitors year-round and lends the suburb its distinctive name and character. Ripponlea railway station on the Frankston line provides a direct and regular connection to the Melbourne CBD in under 20 minutes, making the suburb highly popular with inner-city professionals. The suburb borders Elsternwick and St Kilda East, giving residents easy access to Glen Huntly Road's dining strip, Acland Street, and local parks, while the quiet residential streets, independent cafés, and strong community identity create a sought-after village-within-the-city feel.

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

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3185
Urban Area
Port Phillip
LGA / Council
Port Phillip
Federal Electorate
Macnamara
State Electorate
Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.88°, 144.99°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.29 km²
Elevation
15m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ripponlea
0.4 km
5 min
Elsternwick
0.9 km
11 min

Bus Services

  • Route 64 (St Kilda Beach – East Brighton) — Melbourne CBD (Swanston St) 30–40 min by tram
  • Route 246 (Elsternwick – Carlton) — Carlton / Melbourne CBD 30–40 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
8 km
By Train
Approx. 15–18 min to Flinders Street via Frankston Line
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 20–35 min via St Kilda Road
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 15–20 min

🛣️ Excellent public transport access; Ripponlea station is within easy walking distance of most of the suburb.

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands can be done on foot, with local cafés, parks, and the train station all within comfortable walking distance; neighbouring Elsternwick provides a full retail strip.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$391
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,085
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.2%

8 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,576
Census 2021
1,532
▼ 2.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$46,384
Income 2021
$61,880
▲ 33.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,017
Born Overseas 461

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 69
  • 2. India 36
  • 3. New Zealand 36
  • 4. Nepal 26
  • 5. Ireland 25
  • 6. China 17
  • 7. United States 12
  • 8. Canada 11
  • 9. France 11
  • 10. South Africa 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 500
Australian 380
Irish 236
Scottish 142
Italian 74
Greek 70
German 66
Hungarian 49
Chinese 45
Indian 45

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

570
Both parents born in Australia
571
Both parents born overseas
322
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.7%
Christianity
25.5%
Judaism
12.6%
Hinduism
3.2%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
92 (6.0%)
5-14 years
178 (11.6%)
15-19 years
71 (4.6%)
20-24 years
125 (8.2%)
25-34 years
320 (20.9%)
35-44 years
267 (17.4%)
45-54 years
213 (13.9%)
55-64 years
138 (9.0%)
65-74 years
77 (5.0%)
75-84 years
49 (3.2%)
85+ years
15 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ripponlea known for? +

Ripponlea is best known for the Rippon Lea Estate — a magnificent Victorian heritage mansion and ornamental garden listed by the National Trust — as well as its charming residential streets, strong Jewish community, and proximity to St Kilda and Elsternwick's dining and shopping precincts.

How far is Ripponlea from Melbourne CBD? +

Ripponlea is approximately 8 kilometres south-east of the Melbourne CBD — about 15–18 minutes by train on the Frankston Line, or 15–35 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Does Ripponlea have public transport? +

Yes — Ripponlea station on the Frankston Line offers frequent train services to Flinders Street and the Melbourne CBD. Tram routes along nearby streets and bus connections to Carlton and the CBD further supplement the suburb's excellent public transport access.

What is the population of Ripponlea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ripponlea has a population of 1,532 — slightly down from 1,576 in 2016 — packed into just 0.29 square kilometres, making it one of Melbourne's most densely settled suburbs.

Is Ripponlea a good place to live? +

Ripponlea is highly regarded for its blend of heritage character, inner-city convenience, and leafy residential streets. It suits young professionals, families, and those who value walkability, excellent transport, and proximity to Melbourne's St Kilda and Elsternwick lifestyle precincts.

What is the postcode for Ripponlea? +

The postcode for Ripponlea, Victoria is 3185.

Is Ripponlea family-friendly? +

Ripponlea is increasingly popular with young families, offering access to local schools, parks, the Rippon Lea Estate gardens, and a safe, walkable neighbourhood environment. Its proximity to excellent inner-Melbourne amenities makes it a very liveable choice for families.