Discovering Brighton
Standing on the pristine Brighton Beach, looking at the iconic bathing boxes as you feel the gentle southerly bayside breeze on your face, it’s easy to see why so many people want to call Brighton home. It’s this idyllic bayside lifestyle that has made Brighton a hotspot for Melbourne’s rich and famous, with everyone from business tycoons to high profile ex-sportspeople residing in the suburb’s tree lined streets.
Named after the British seaside resort bearing the same name, the land Brighton is built on was famously bought sight unseen by Englishman Henry Dendy in 1840 for £1 per acre. Unfortunately, as the land had no natural water sources, initial sales were slow, and the depression ended up bankrupting Dendy. Much has changed in the intervening decades, with land in Brighton now among the most expensive and sought after in Melbourne.
Sitting about 11km south east of the City, Brighton is well serviced by public transport with four train stations (Gardenvale, North Brighton, Middle Brighton, and Brighton Beach – all on the Sandringham line) in the area and a tram line (route 64) running along the suburb’s eastern boundary. Thanks to its proximity to the CBD, the area also enjoys great views of the city skyline, which is clearly visible across the bay.
Linking Brighton to other south-eastern bayside suburbs, the Bay Trail is popular for walking and cycling. Residents other sporting endeavours are also well served, with the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Brighton Public Golf Course also in the area. Brighton Beach is also one of the best spots on the Bay for kite surfers, with designated access lanes and regular lessons held across from The Brighton Savoy.
Brighton is also known for its excellent education options, with campuses of some of Melbourne’s most prestigious schools – like Brighton Grammar, Firbank Grammar, and Haileybury – located in the suburb. This, combined with a median house price that is well above average, means established families with older children make up a significant proportion of the local community.
Despite being one Melbourne’s most affluent and expensive suburbs, locals love that Brighton lacks the pretention of many of its prestigious eastern neighbours. That being said, the exclusivity of the suburb and extreme income of many of its residents does mean that the cost of living is higher. There are still bargains to be found though, particularly at the area’s op shops (Biccy’s is a favourite), which are packed with antiques and vintage gems.
Thrift is not really what Brighton is about, though. The suburb’s two shopping strips are evidence of this – tourist destinations in their own right, Bay and Church Streets are both packed with trendy restaurants (breakfast at White Rabbit can’t be missed) and designer boutiques. There are also other local hotspots dotted around the suburb, (like Schoolhouse Brighton), which serves a great selection of organic and locally sourced produce.
If you’re interested in moving to Brighton, you’ll notice that the local housing stock is dominated by ultra-luxurious properties – from immaculate period homes to modernist mansions and glitzy apartments, all with pools and tennis courts, of course – however, more humble and affordable options can be found in the suburb’s east.
Your Home Hunter loves the beachy perfection of Brighton. So, if you want the absolute best that a beachside location has to offer, Brighton could be the suburb for you.