# Eastern suburbs (Melbourne)

The Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, are a major metropolitan region encompassing a diverse range of residential, commercial, and natural areas. This region is generally considered to stretch from around 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and extends to the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. The Eastern Suburbs are distinct from Melbourne's Inner Eastern Suburbs, lying further out from the city and possessing a unique blend of suburban character, parklands, and proximity to natural attractions.

## Geography

The Eastern Suburbs are known for their hilly terrain, leafy residential neighbourhoods, and significant areas of bushland. The Dandenong Ranges lie to the far east, providing scenic views and recreational spaces. The main arterial roads, such as the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway, provide access to the CBD and connect the region with other parts of Greater Melbourne.

### Local Government Areas

The Eastern Suburbs fall within several Local Government Areas (LGAs), including:
* City of Whitehorse
* City of Boroondara
* City of Manningham
* City of Maroondah
* City of Knox
* City of Monash
* Shire of Yarra Ranges (partially)
These LGAs manage local services and infrastructure, reflecting the diversity of urban, suburban, and semi-rural environments across the region.

### Suburbs

The Eastern Suburbs include a variety of residential and commercial suburbs, with some of the notable ones being:
* Box Hill: Known for its vibrant multicultural community, particularly with a strong Chinese influence, and a bustling shopping district.
* Ringwood: A significant commercial and retail hub, home to the Eastland Shopping Centre and a gateway to the Yarra Valley.
* Glen Waverley: A well-developed suburb with popular shopping centres, schools, and a diverse residential population.
* Mitcham and Nunawading: Residential areas with access to many parks and nature reserves, as well as industrial zones along the Eastern Freeway.
* Boronia and Wantirna: Close to the Dandenong Ranges and known for their family-friendly appeal and green spaces.
* Lilydale and Croydon: The outer edge of the suburbs, providing access to rural areas and wineries in the Yarra Valley.

## Demographics

The Eastern Suburbs are known for their relatively affluent population, with a high rate of homeownership and an educated demographic. However, the area is socioeconomically diverse, with wealthier enclaves such as Balwyn and Kew East (considered part of the inner east by some) contrasting with more affordable suburban areas further out. The region has a large multicultural population, particularly of Chinese, Indian, and Sri Lankan communities, influencing the cultural landscape of suburbs like Box Hill, Glen Waverley, and Burwood.

## Economy

The economy of Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs is supported by a mix of retail, healthcare, education, and professional services. Major shopping centres such as Eastland in Ringwood, Westfield Knox in Wantirna South, and The Glen in Glen Waverley are economic anchors. The Eastern Health network provides a substantial portion of healthcare services in the region, with major hospitals such as Box Hill Hospital and Maroondah Hospital.

## Education

The Eastern Suburbs are home to some of Melbourne’s top-ranking public and private schools, as well as tertiary institutions. Deakin University (Burwood Campus) is a prominent university in the area, offering a wide range of courses and attracting students from across Australia and overseas. Secondary education is highly regarded, with schools like Box Hill High School, Glen Waverley Secondary College, and Vermont Secondary College achieving strong academic results.

## Transport

The Eastern Suburbs are well-served by public transport, including an extensive train network on the Lilydale, Belgrave, and Glen Waverley lines. These lines connect the eastern areas directly with Melbourne’s CBD. In addition, numerous bus services provide coverage across the region, supplementing train routes and linking more remote areas. The Eastern Freeway and EastLink are major roadways that facilitate access to and from the area, supporting both commuter traffic and local transit.

## Recreation and culture

The Eastern Suburbs boast a wealth of parks, gardens, and recreational areas. The Dandenong Ranges National Park offers walking trails, lookouts, and picnic spots, while smaller parks such as Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster and Jells Park in Wheelers Hill are popular for outdoor activities. The region is also home to various cultural festivals, including Lunar New Year celebrations in Box Hill and community events in Ringwood and Glen Waverley.

## Environment and sustainability

Environmental preservation and sustainability initiatives are a priority in the Eastern Suburbs. The proximity to natural reserves like the Yarra Ranges and the Dandenongs drives a strong focus on green initiatives, with councils promoting recycling, tree planting, and water conservation efforts. These areas also face challenges related to urban sprawl and bushfire management, particularly in the outer eastern suburbs close to heavily forested regions.

## Future developments

Ongoing residential and commercial developments are anticipated in the Eastern Suburbs as Melbourne's population grows. Key projects include the expansion of public transport, improvements to road infrastructure, and urban regeneration projects aimed at maintaining the balance between development and environmental conservation. Future projects are also focused on increasing housing availability and diversity to cater to a growing and changing population.