Originally part of Port of Melbourne, Docklands joined the City of Melbourne in 2007. This area, at the lower delta of the Yarra River Birrarung, was once a wetland rich with natural resources.
When Docklands was absorbed into the City of Melbourne, it doubled the size of Melbourne's central city, restoring valuable waterfront. The suburb now spans over 200 hectares of land and water just west of the CBD, hugging Victoria Harbour.
From the first development at New Quay – featuring apartments, restaurants and a private marina, Docklands has evolved into a sophisticated waterfront precinct. It offers inner city living, shopping at The District Docklands, business, nature, dining, entertainment, sport, community events, arts and culture.
Did you know?
Docklands is on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples. Both are part of the Eastern Kulin, an alliance of five Traditional Owner groups that share similar languages or wurrungs. Kulin means 'the people'.
From City of Port Phillip Yalukit Willam: The River People of Port Phillip.
Woi-wurrung language is used here with permission from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Boon Wurrung language is used with permission from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Docklands updates
Active projects and consultations
Docklands quick facts
- 17,723 residents: Docklands residents make up 10% of the total population of the City of Melbourne. (Source: Estimated Resident Population 2023)
- 1,028 businesses: Docklands businesses make up 7% of the total businesses in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 82,332 local jobs: Docklands local jobs make up 16% of the total jobs in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 32 median age: Compared with a median age of 30 for the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 62% born overseas: Compared with 55% of residents born overseas in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 53% speak a language other than English at home: Compared with 46% of residents who speak a language other than English at home in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 98% of dwellings are flats or apartments with three or more storeys: Compared with 85% of dwellings in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 61% of households are renting: Compared with 63% of households in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 4.9% live with a mental health condition: Compared with 8.1% of residents who live with a mental health condition in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
Note:
- Data is sourced from 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing, ABS Estimated Resident Population 2023, and 2023 Census of Land and Employment (CLUE).
- To access more data on Docklands, visit Docklands community profile on profile .id External link.
- To learn more about the ABS Census of Population and Housing, including definitions, visit: Guide to Census data External link.
Your Neighbourhood Partner: Fadi Qunqar
Each of our 10 neighbourhoods has a dedicated City of Melbourne staff member to support the community. Fadi, the Neighbourhood Partner for Docklands, has strong local knowledge and can help you navigate council processes, drive local priorities and connect you with grants for community projects.
Have a question?
Chat with one of our friendly team members during business hours who can answer your question or connect you with your Neighbourhood Partner.
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Want to share information about local activities in the Docklands neighbourhood? Submit the details for our consideration for publishing on this page.
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