Discovering Newport
Few areas typify the rejuvenation of the western suburbs more than Newport. After decades of being written off as an industrial area with a distinctly working class population, people are starting to recognise the simple beauty of life in Newport.
Once known as Greenwich, Newport was renamed in recognition of the establishment of a port on the Saltwater (Maribyrnong) River. Formerly the site of Melbourne’s main railway workshops, the area has a long standing connection with the Victorian train network. This association continues to today, with the Newport Railway Workshops located just to the south of the local railway station.
Located approximately 7km south-west of the CBD, Newport is fairly well connected to the city. While it has no tram lines, the area is serviced by Newport train station (on the Werribee and Williamstown lines), which can generally have residents in the centre of the city within 20 minutes – less if it’s an express service. Cycling is also very popular in Newport, with the Bay and Federation Trails connecting the area to the West Gate Bridge and the bayside and outer western suburbs.
Life in Newport is all about the outdoors, with residents enjoying a wide range of recreation and sporting activities. Thanks to its bayside location, water sports are high on the to do list, with kayaking, boating, and fishing particular favourites. Locals also benefit from The Warmies Boat Ramp, which makes it even easier to get out on the water.
Back on dry land, the Newport landscape is dominated by parks and playgrounds. The largest of these areas, Newport Lakes Park, is a former bluestone quarry that has been extensively revegetated, and now features a variety of walking and picnicking facilities, as well as a couple of areas where your furry friend can go off leash. Other significant green spaces include the bayside areas of The Strand and Greenwich Reserve, both of which offer great views of the city.
Residents of Newport are spoilt for choice when it comes to sporting facilities. Paisley Park is the suburb’s main sports precinct and includes a gym, pool, golf course, bowling club, premier league soccer facility, badminton centre, lacrosse fields, and miniature railway. However, residents can also play football, cricket, and netball on Bryan Martyn Oval; go running and skateboarding in Newport Park; and make the best of the two full sized ovals and practice nets at Loft Reserve.
The area also has a strong connection to the arts, hosting an annual Folk Festival each July. It is also home to The Substation arts precinct, which regularly hosts live music performances and art exhibitions, as well as a monthly artist’s market.
While the local dining scene is still developing, there are already some real gems to be found – like the fish and chips from Newport Sea Catch and brunch at The Pint of Milk. Similarly, the area’s shopping options are somewhat limited, but all the basics are covered and stores like Say It Sister (check out the great selection of designer womens wear, accessories, and home wares) show where the suburb is headed.
If you’re considering moving to Newport, you’ll find a great range of renovated Victorian and Edwardian houses, as well as many premium new build townhouses. Demand for rental properties in Newport remains high.
Your Home Hunter loves the pace and potential of Newport. So, if you active, outdoorsy lifestyle, with easy access to both the CBD and the Bay, Newport could be the suburb for you.