Lifestyle & Convenience? Think Melbourne’s northern suburbs

by Carlisle Homes

It’s no wonder Melbourne’s northern suburbs are fast gaining popularity – they offer a great lifestyle, gorgeous green spaces and an easy commute.

It’s the not-so-well-kept secret among Melbourne homebuyers – a move to the northern suburbs gives you the space, lifestyle and amenities you’ve been dreaming of, and for considerably less than buying closer to the city. With a commute to the CBD of under an hour, you don’t have to compromise on convenience, either. 

Northern suburbs like Wollert, Craigieburn and Donnybrook are rapidly gaining popularity among savvy property buyers, and it’s easy to see why; they offer picturesque locations, green open spaces, fantastic transport links and, most importantly, the chance to buy a spacious, modern home with a backyard and room to grow – often for less than you’d pay for a run-down, postage stamp sized apartment in the CBD. 

Wide open spaces

More than ever, Melburnians are realising there’s great value in living somewhere with space. No more concrete jungles or tiny playgrounds – in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and enjoy a sense of freedom. From Yan Yean Reservoir to the Merri Creek grasslands and walking trails, as well as the Mount Ridley Nature Conservation Reserve along Malcolm Creek, there are a multitude of areas where you can put on your sneakers to walk the dog, go for a jog or take the kids out on their bikes.

Communities such as Aurora, Olivine and Cloverton also boast large adventure playgrounds where you can meet your neighbours and really get to know those who live around you.

An active lifestyle

There are plenty of ways to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle when you build your dream home in the northern suburbs. All around Craigieburn there are large sports facilities including basketball and netball stadiums and football ovals. Donnybrook boasts well-reputed golf courses where you can practice your swing. And for kids both big and small, there is Victoria’s biggest theme park – Funfields in Whittlesea.

As summer approaches, the water becomes more enticing. Within a short walk of Highlands is the Splash Aqua Park & Leisure Centre with a toddler waterplay zone, two massive waterslides, hot and cold-water pools, and a fitness centre. And don’t forget about URBNSURF, Melbourne’s first ever surf park, just minutes down the road in Tullamarine.

Great location & transport links

The leafy and established suburbs of Craigieburn and Wollert are both around 26 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD. You can drive to the city in just over 40 minutes or travel by train in around 50 minutes. 

Meanwhile, Donnybrook is around 46 kilometres from the CBD, with a commute time by train or car of under 50 minutes.

Quality education

You’ll find an impressive mix of private and government schools and educational facilities for all ages in Melbourne’s north – from established primary and high schools to early learning centres for the little ones. 

In Cloverton estate, Kalkallo, the Hume Anglican Grammar’s campus for Prep to Year Six is set to open for Term 1, 2023. 

All the amenities you need

Perhaps the best part of Melbourne’s north is that moving out of the city doesn’t have to mean sacrificing any of your urban lifestyle. Shopping precincts such as Craigieburn Central, Pacific Epping, Northland and the DFO are all centralised hubs for shopping, dining and culture. They include large supermarket franchises, cinemas and retail stores, as well as specialist food providers that offer a range of international cuisines and ingredients.

In fact, leaving the city comes with the added benefit of being closer to relaxing weekend escapes such as Marnong Estate winery with its cellar door, fine-dining restaurant, café, farmshop and deli, weekend markets, gorgeous grounds and homestead accommodation. Forget fighting the traffic to get out of town for a day of good food and wine among the vineyards – if you live in Melbourne’s north, this can all be a part of your local neighbourhood. 

Finally, the most important amenity of all – coffee! There is great coffee to be found in Melbourne’s north. If caffeine is a key part of your morning routine, you’re sure to become a regular at the community café the Shared Cup Café in Donnybrook (which is conveniently next to Gumnut Park for those with kids) or indulge in a mouth-watering brunch at the Aurora General Store and Café near Wollert.  

Carlisle homes in Melbourne’s northern suburbs

Does life in the northern suburbs sound appealing? Come and see our spectacular display homes in the beautiful suburb of Wollert:

• Illawarra Grand: This double storey T-Range home offers the ultimate in family living. It boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a luxurious master retreat, a spacious kitchen with a walk-in pantry, and a dedicated theatre room where you can enjoy family movie nights.
• Crompton: This cleverly designed T-Range home offers loads of space and room to grow in a single storey layout. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three separate light-filled living areas, and a dedicated sleep zone for the kids.
• Springwood: A fantastic and affordable single storey design from our EasyLiving range, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home includes a private master suite, a theatre room, a built-in study nook in the kids’ sleep zone, and a stunning, open-plan living/kitchen/meals area that opens onto an entertainer’s terrace.